Arsenal is reportedly considering revisiting their interest in Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, who turned down a move to the club two years ago. Despite a decent start to the Premier League season, Arsenal has struggled to find consistency under manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta has been experimenting with different lineups and is gradually integrating new signings like Kai Havertz into the midfield.
Kai Havertz, brought in for his height and hold-up play, may not entirely fulfill the need for a physical striker in the team, and this has led to speculation about Arsenal’s interest in Dusan Vlahovic. The Football Transfers website has suggested that Arsenal could make a move for the Serbian striker during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Dusan Vlahovic was a prominent target for Arsenal back in January 2021 when they were looking to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, Vlahovic chose to join Juventus in Serie A instead. Since then, Arsenal has made several attacking signings, including Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, and most recently, Kai Havertz. This has left Arsenal with a plethora of attacking options, making a move for the 23-year-old Vlahovic appear unlikely at first glance.
However, there are factors that could potentially pave the way for Vlahovic’s transfer. Juventus is currently excluded from European competitions due to UEFA rule violations, and Vlahovic has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League. If Juventus decides to rebuild and needs funds, they may consider selling Vlahovic. Arsenal has recently offloaded Folarin Balogun to Monaco for around £30 million, indicating their willingness to part ways with certain players.
Transfermarkt values Dusan Vlahovic at around €70 million, which could be a significant investment for Arsenal if they decide to pursue him. While Arsenal’s attacking options have expanded, there’s always room for a striker of Vlahovic’s caliber in a squad, especially if Arteta believes that a more physical presence up front is required.