Arsenal are planning to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with Mikel Arteta keen to recruit a new striker when the transfer window reopens in January.
The North London giants have not been at their free-flowing best this season and lost their first game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Injuries and suspensions to key players have also affected their form in the Premier League of late. In a bid to bolster the title hopes, the Gunners are planning to bring in a forward to compete and cover with the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic has emerged on the Arsenal radar once again—after he was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in January 2022, when he left Fiorentina for the Old Lady. Arsenal reportedly have brought their plans forward of recruiting a new striker and Vlahovic—due to his contract situation at Juventus—has become the primary target.
The Serbian international has started the 2024/25 strongly under new manager Thiago Motta, bagging seven goals in 11 appearances across all competitions. But his form has not helped accelerate the contract talks, with the 24-year-old out of contract at the end of next season. This has put the Gunners on red alert.
Arsenal need a ruthless goalscorer to compete with Liverpool and Man City
Arsenal have been an exciting team to watch under Mikel Arteta due to their structured pressing, movement, incisive play and fine team goals. They have some unbelievable talent in the squad, but for some reason the Arteta-managed side are yet to show their true colours this term. This has left the north Londoners third in the Premier League table ahead of a crunch clash with Liverpool at home on Sunday.
It is clear Arsenal need a potent goalscorer in their ranks to compete for the Premier League title. Kai Havertz has done a good job operating as a false 9 but he isn’t a 20-goal striker, while Gabriel Jesus has not managed to live up to high expectations at the club owing to injury issues. Thus, a striker is an absolute must, and Vlahovic would be a good fit.
The Serbian international has reached 100 club goals in his career, and at 24, he is far from the finished product. He can develop well under Arteta’s watchful eyes while being an upgrade on the inconsistent Jesus. The ex-Fiorentina ace will also take over from Havertz up front if he makes the move to north London.
If Arsenal’s interest in Vlahovic is concrete, they must test Juventus’ resolve with a formal offer in January.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
