Edu would make a massive mistake by signing ‘extraordinary’ £50m Arsenal target

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Arsenal have again been linked with long-term transfer target Dusan Vlahovic, but the club would be making a huge mistake by spending big money on him in January.

Arsenal have been told they need a striker to win the Premier League title, despite the presence of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.

Vlahovic was heavily linked with Arsenal before joining Juventus in January 2022, but has had an underwhelming time under Max Allegri and could be on the move again.

However, even if Vlahovic is available in January, Arsenal should steer clear of the 23-year-old, despite him being described as “extraordinary” by former Juventus star Alessio Tacchardini.

Vlahovic could be available to Arsenal in January

A report from TEAMtalk has now revealed that Vlahovic could be available for £50m in January, making him significantly cheaper than Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

However, Arsenal’s heavy spending over the summer window means that their winter budget is likely to be limited, and Mikel Arteta looks set to prioritise a midfielder amidst Thomas Partey’s injury struggles.

If Vlahovic is available, Arteta and Edu Gaspar may be tempted to sign him for a mid-season boost, but should they do so, it may prevent them from signing an even better player further down the line.

A £50m investment on a fifth centre-forward option in Vlahovic would all but confirm that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will not be of interest to Arsenal, with the Nigerian expected to move in the summer.

Osimhen would be a much better signing for Arsenal if they can pull it off.

Vlahovic would not be a good signing for Arsenal

It is hard to see what Vlahovic offers over any of Arsenal’s current options. Jesus and Trossard link play superbly outside the box, and both are better finishers.

Nketiah is more mobile than Vlahovic, and has outscored the Serbian this season. Havertz ranks significantly higher than the Juventus forward in terms of aerial duels, despite Vlahovic being taller, and it is clear that Vlahovic would not suit Arsenal’s system as a starter.

The striker is arguably not an upgrade on any of Arsenal’s current options, and he would not only prevent a future move for a different forward, but he may also prevent a move for a much-needed midfielder in January.

If Arsenal are indeed keen on a striker, then there are younger, cheaper options with higher potential than Vlahovic they can explore, with Marcos Leonardo of Santos recently linked.

Vlahovic rejected Arsenal when they needed him before, and with the player now seemingly open to a move, The Gunners should now reject the chance to give him the transfer he should have chosen two years ago.