'The Vlahovic Effect' - Arsenal target shows why Arteta NEEDS to sign him

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 May 2023 05:38 BST
• 4 min read

Dusan Vlahovic made an instant impact coming on as a substitute during Juventus' Europe League semi-final, proving that Arsenal need to target him again this summer.

The Gunners were repeatedly linked with Vlahovic last year and again in January, but the striker was convinced that staying in Italy would be better for his career. That has not materialised quite how the 23-year-old would have imagined.

This season, in particular, the Serbian has struggled to find consistent form, while Juventus have experienced a real up-and-down campaign. This, in turn, has given Arsenal new hope of landing the man they so desperately wanted last year.

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Indeed, last month, reports claimed that Vlahovic had made a U-turn and was now ready to join the Gunners, who will be in the market for a striker this summer. Mikel Arteta is said to be looking for a more physical option to partner - or challenge - Gabriel Jesus, and Vlahovic fits the bill.

Scoring after one minute

In Juventus' Europe League semi-final second leg against Sevilla, Vlahovic started initially on the bench, again showcasing that it might be time for him to depart Turin. When he got on, however, he made an instant impact.

Within a minute of entering the field, the former Fiorentina man found himself on the scoresheet, levelling the tie in the process. A fortunate bounce off the Sevilla defender handed possession to Vlahovic, who proceeded to delicately dink the ball over the goalkeeper.

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It is this composure in front of goal that makes him such an attractive prospect, and is exactly what Arsenal could use as they look to mount another challenge for the Premier League next season.