Arsenal open talks with shocking Vlahovic alternative
Martin Macdonald
- 15 Jan 2022 09:59 CST
- 3 min read
Arsenal are desperate to add to their squad in the January transfer window, with a central midfielder and a centre-forward their priorities.
Indeed, their squad is so thin currently due to injuries and players being at the Africa Cup of Nations, that they have successfully campaigned to have their North London derby clash against Tottenham on Sunday postponed.
The Gunners are thought to be close to add Arthur Melo of Juventus to their ranks, which means a striker will soon become the priority.
Arsenal's number one target for January remains Fiorentina superstar Dusan Vlahovic.
TRENDING
The Serbian has been in brilliant form for the Viola over the last 12 months and his performances have generated interest from some of Europe's top clubs, including Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and of course Arsenal.
In the 2020/21 season he struck an impressive 21 goals 24 Serie A starts for Fiorentina, and he is on course to smash that tally in the current campaign as he already has 16 goals to his name in 2021/22.
Arsenal have put together a contingency plan if they fail to land Vlahovic, though, and it is a surprising one.
Who are Arsenal targeting?
Should the Vlahovic deal fall through, Arsenal will attempt to sign none other than former Chelsea forward Diego Costa.
According to the Goal, director of football Edu has already made contact with Costa's representatives to discuss a potential return to the Premier League.
Even if Vlahovic arrives, Costa may actually still be targeted as Arsenal are facing a striker exodus.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is unlikely to play for the club again after being stripped of the captaincy, Folarin Balogun is left on loan to Middlesbrough, while Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette both have contracts that expire in June.
In August of 2021, Costa left Atletico Madrid to return to Atletico Mineiro.
However, his contract with the Brazilian side was recently terminated, leaving him as a free agent.
Cadiz were interested previously, with Corinthians also joining the race for his signature.
Costa is reportedly in no hurry to decide his future and is currently holidaying in Spain.
