Arsenal and their long-winded search for a top striker seems a never-ending saga and it looks like one forward they nearly paid £70m for could be available for nothing.
The Gunners finally splashed out big money on Viktor Gyokeres this past summer but ultimately, he has failed to hit the heights many expected.
Still, Gyokeres’ addition means Arsenal now have him, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and others as options at number nine, giving Mikel Arteta plenty of wiggle room.
Opta says Arsenal have an 80 per cent chance of winning the Premier League this season. What percentage chance would you give the Gunners?
Nevertheless, things could have been a lot different had Arsenal and Arteta got their way a few summers ago.
Now, that very player could be moving on for free.
Dusan Vlahovic set for free transfer after previous Arsenal links
There have been plenty of players linked with Arsenal during Mikel Arteta’s reign but one constant name has been that of Dusan Vlahovic.
Vlahovic was one of Arteta’s big targets for a number of years but just when it looked like the Gunners might land him at one point, he opted for Juventus.
Now, years down the line, Italian media outlet Tuttomercatoweb are claiming that Vlahovic is now set to leave Turin for absolutely nothing.
That is in stark contrast to the near £71m Arsenal were willing to pay back in 2023.
Whether or not Mikel Arteta will go back in for Vlahovic, remains to be seen. But given he’s on a free and the Gunners boss is obsessed with constant evolution, this could well be one to keep an eye on for Arsenal fans this coming summer.
The Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal ship has sailed
We see certain players linked with clubs for years on end sometimes and like the Vlahovic and Arsenal one, they never happen.
Now, with the Serbian available for nothing, there might well be a temptation for Arsenal and Arteta to go back in for him.
Dusan Vlahovic could leave Juventus for FREE – If you’re Mikel Arteta, would you go back in for him?
However, it does have a feeling of the moment having passed. Going back for Vlahovic when Arsenal have made a hefty financial commitment to the likes of Gyokeres and Havertz would feel a bit of a backwards step.
Vlahovic has done well with Juventus, netting 64 goals in 162 appearances but like Gyokeres, he is struggling this season as well.
Nevertheless, his signing would no doubt split the fanbase at this stage.
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