Arsenal face transfer twist over No.9 priority

Robin Bairner

23 Nov 2023 06:53 GMT
3 min read

Mikael Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Arsenal have made Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus their leading priority for the No.9 role, but they could be denied a chance to even speak to the Serbia international player as the Serie A giants fight to retain the forward.

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Vlahovic is a player who has long been on interest to the Gunners, yet Juventus beat them to the signing of the 23-year-old as they spent €82 million to sign him from Fiorentina in January 2022.

Mikel Arteta’s interest in the centre-forward has not dimmed over this time, despite Vlahovic going through a period of indifferent form in Turin.

He has gone some way to restoring his scoring touch this season, scoring four times in the first five matches of the campaign before missing a month due to a back problem. In his four games since his return, he has failed to score, though he has started only once.

FootballTransfers revealed that Vlahovic remains Arsenal’s transfer priority in the No.9 role and that Arteta would “jump” at the chance of signing him if presented with the opportunity in January.

© ProShots - Dusan Vlahovic has started only one game in two months

Arsenal's Vlahovic transfer rivals

Competition comes from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, potentially Atletico Madrid in LaLiga but now also from Juventus themselves, with Max Allegri’s side aiming to tie the player down to a new deal, according to 90Min.

This could prove an awkward negotiation given that Vlahovic, whose contract expires in 2026, requested a transfer in the summer and has now also started only one game in the last two months following his injury issues.

Juventus are reportedly targeting a two-year extension for the player who is now “much happier” in Turin, according to reports.

Juve’s desire to keep Vlahovic through January has been fuelled by their strong position in Serie A. Allegri has masterminded a run to second place, with the coach working wonders to draw them within two points of Inter at the summit of the standings.