Despite a busy summer transfer window, Arsenal could be active in January and have now been linked with previous target Dusan Vlahovic.
The striker was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in January 2022 before joining Juventus from Fiorentina, but it has not been plain sailing for him in Turin.
The Serbia international has scored 25 goals in 66 games, and has been touted for an exit from Max Allegri’s side.
TuttoMercatoWeb have now claimed that Mikel Arteta is keen on adding a forward who can both partner Gabriel Jesus upfront, whilst also providing a different kind of option.
Why Pele Is Overrated.
Vlahovic is expected to cost around €80m (£68m) should he make a move. Chelsea had explored a possible deal for him in the summer, and could return for him if he becomes available.
Arsenal do not need Vlahovic
Even if the significant fee needed to land Vlahovic is ignored, he would not be a worthwhile signing for Arsenal right now.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
Although he has been described as “extraordinary” by former Juventus star Alessio Tacchinardi, his time with the Old Lady has been underwhelming.
He scored 14 times in 42 games last season, and his all-round play leaves a lot to be desired.
Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have been impressive at the start of this season, and there is a case to be made that both are better options for Arteta’s system, with both players more mobile than the Serbian, and both can be more prolific over time.
Despite Vlahovic’s size, standing at 1.9m tall, he wins less headers per 90 minutes than Jesus, and offers far less in the box than Nketiah in terms of passing and movement.
His signing would be both a waste of money and time for very little gain, and Arteta is better off sticking with Nketiah as an alternative option to Jesus.