Arsenal eye €110m Vlahovic transfer after edging closer to Mudryk deal

Suraj Radia

• 13 Jan 2023 13:14 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal will make a renewed approach for Dusan Vlahovic despite the imminent signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk as Mikel Arteta continues to build on his side’s title charge.

The Gunners have been long-time admirers of Vlahovic and made an attempt to sign him from Fiorentina last January before he ended up joining Juventus for €80 million.

However, the Serbian international could be allowed to leave Juventus after their recent financial controversies, with reports in Italy also claiming the relationship between Vlahovic and manager Max Allegri has ‘cracked a bit’.

REVEALED: The truth behind Vlahovic transfer rumours

There were concerns prior to the mid-season break that Vlahovic was ‘saving himself’ for the World Cup, according to calciomercatoweb and the uncertainty has allegedly created talks about cashing in on the 22-year-old.

Juventus are aware that Vlahovic is their most valuable asset and they believe a fee of €110m would be the right price to help their budgetary problems.

Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with Shakhtar for Mudryk which could cost in excess of €80m, making a winter move for Vlahovic difficult, however they are still considered in pole position for the striker and will likely make a summer move knowing Juventus are ‘willing to negotiate’.

Do Arsenal need Vlahovic after Mudryk move?

Mudryk’s potential arrival at the Emirates could make him Arsenal’s record signing and add to their attacking core that features the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and £50m summer arrival Gabriel Jesus.

FAN FAVOURITE: Mudryk appeases Gunners supporters ahead of big-money deal

The addition of another forward in Vlahovic may be considered excessive should Mudryk’s signing be confirmed, particularly with the Juve man likely to command another record-breaking deal.

However, the Gunners have suffered a host of injuries this season, with top scorer Jesus a long-term absentee, leaving Eddie Nketiah as the club’s only fit specialised striker.

While Nketiah has been in good form for Arsenal, the club do not wish to rely on solely him as a backup and would still be interested in signing a true number nine as competition for Jesus.

With Vlahovic having scored 51 league goals since the start of the 2020/21 season, the striker would bring elite pedigree to the club as well as a physical presence the Gunners lack up top.

Such a move would be costly and mean that Arsenal could be overloaded with attackers but the increase in depth could only be beneficial for Arteta’s side as they push towards Premier League greatness.