Arsenal have reignited their interest in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, who the club were attentive to in previous windows.
What’s the latest on Arsenal’s interest in Vlahovic?
According to Football Insider, the Serbia international has been marked as the Gunners’ first-choice target in the transfer window, while Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also on the shortlist.
Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly pleased with both Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus this season but feels he needs a more physical and powerful forward.
A deal for Vlahovic is likely to be accelerated if they let Folarin Balogun leave in the summer.
The 21-year-old has been a standout performer in Ligue 1 this season and has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, including AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig and AS Monaco, as per The Athletic.
What would Vlahovic bring to Arsenal?
This season has been a disappointing campaign for the Serbia international despite having some bright moments. While he has scored eight goals in 21 appearances for Juventus, the 23-year-old finds himself in a difficult position.
The Turin-based club are currently sitting in seventh place in the Serie A table and faces having no European football next season. If Vlahovic wants to jump ship, a move to north London would look appealing.
Arsenal’s current striker options have done well this season. Despite being of different profiles, both Nketiah and Jesus have brought stability to the Gunners’ attack. The former stepped up when the Brazilian was injured to lead the line in what could have become a difficult period for the north London side.
However, especially with the emergence of Champions League football at the Emirates for the coming season, Arteta’s side needs another striker to offer someone a bit stronger. Vlahovic, who has been lauded as “extraordinary” by Alessio Tacchinardi, is comparable to Tammy Abraham and Patrik Schick, as per FBref.
The former Fiorentina striker would fit this role perfectly. Described as the “best striker in the league” by Filip Kostic, the Serbia international has been praised for being able to score every type of goal – showcasing his ability to fulfil the needs of the team.
The Belgrade-born striker’s goal-scoring exports may not reap the highest rewards this season, but he has found success in the past. For the previous three seasons, the £52.5m-rated star has outperformed his expected goals consistently – with one season reaching a positive 4.1 difference.
Arsenal’s interest in the 26-year-old will feel bittersweet to the Emirates faithful. While Vlahovic may be a strong signing to make, he had originally turned down a potential move in favour of his Juventus switch.