Arsenal consider Dusan Vlahovic to be their top striker target for the January transfer window but the Serbia star is now mulling a U-turn over potentially leaving Juventus.
That is according to 90min, which reports that Vlahovic retains interest from two long-term suitors in Arsenal and Manchester United. The Premier League teams have kept tabs on the 23-year-old’s situation. But he is no longer as sure about his desire to leave the Serie A side.
Vlahovic had asked Juventus to sanction his transfer away from the Allianz Stadium over the summer. Manager Massimiliano Allegri also gave the forward the green light to embark on a new adventure. But Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich opted against any bids.
Vlahovic is much happier at Juventus whilst Arsenal maintain an interest
Now, a strong start to the 2023/24 Serie A season has tempted Vlahovic to reconsider what desire he has for a transfer away from Juventus. He boasts four goals and one assist through 10 appearances, despite only starting in six games and also missing two due to a back injury.
Arsenal and Manchester United remain fans of what Vlahovic could produce in the Premier League. But he is now much happier in Turin after an upturn in form and could yet stay put for longer. Juventus paid Fiorentina £58.5m, plus £8m in add-ons, for him in January 2022.
Juventus move to tie down Vlahovic’s future but have set their asking price
Vlahovic changing his mind about leaving Juventus would likely frustrate Arsenal as they eye his transfer for the January window. Football Transfers claimed earlier this month that Mikel Arteta would still jump at a deal after missing out on the forward to the Bianconeri in 2022.
It further noted that Arsenal view Vlahovic as their No1 striker target for the winter window. Arteta is determined to land another goal threat for his Emirates Stadium ranks beside Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus. TuttoJuve also claimed in October that Arsenal will bid in January.
Reports by TEAMtalk now suggest that Juventus could accept £50m to sell Vlahovic in the January transfer window. The Bianconeri refuse to record a significant loss on his move from Fiorentina. But they may be persuaded to sell despite their ongoing talks for a new contract.
Juventus are speaking with Vlahovic’s representatives over extending his terms running until June 2026. 90min also claims the Old Lady’s desire to tie the Serbian down until June 2028. They believe his strong form so far this term has proven he can lead their frontline for years.
Arsenal, then, likely face disappointment yet again as Arteta looks to land Vlahovic’s transfer with his future seemingly with Juventus. It will mean the Spaniard once again misses out on a potential deal for a forward considered ‘complete’ in Serie A for everything that he presents.
“In addition to his big numbers, his talent speaks for itself,” Lecce director Pantaleo Corvino told Gazzetta dello Sport in February. “He’s a complete centre-forward. He has physique, a sense for goals, good technique, progression and aerial skills. And then he is still young.”
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