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The latest on Aston Villa and Arsenal’s pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Aston Villa and Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Villans and the Gunners are both eager to bolster their attacking options before next season and are considering Vlahovic as an option on their respective shortlists. Juve are open to a sale and could let the striker leave for a bargain price in the coming months, so both Villa and Arsenal are on red alert.
Since signing from Fiorentina for around €80 million (£68m) in January 2022, Vlahovic has scored 55 goals and made 14 assists in 139 appearances for Juve. I Bianconeri have failed with their attempt to renew Vlahovic’s contract and are now hoping to cash in, as the striker has just 13 months remaining on his current deal.
As relayed by BBC Sport, a fresh report from Spain suggests Arsenal and Villa are taking a close look at Vlahovic’s situation. It’s claimed Juve have told both Premier League teams that the Serbia international will be available for around €50 million (£42.5m), rising to €60 million (£51m) with add-ons. That would mark a loss for Juve, but they’d at least be making most of their money back rather than losing their player for free in a year’s time.
Vlahovic was previously close to joining Arsenal before he made the move to Turin from Florence. The Gunners made an offer of £50 million plus Lucas Torreira in 2022, but Fiorentina rejected it in favour of Juve’s more lucrative bid. The Londoners could finally get their man this summer, but they do face competition from Villa.
What could Vlahovic signing mean for Ollie Watkins?
If Villa were to see off Arsenal and other potential suitors to sign Vlahovic, it could make for grim reading for current striker Ollie Watkins. The England international is approaching 30 and could be sold if Villa succeed in signing a better and younger model. Vlahovic may not be an upgrade on Watkins, but he’s around four years his junior.
Watkins wouldn’t necessarily have to leave if Vlahovic joined, but the competition would be fierce for the solo striker spot. Unai Emery attempted to play two centre-forwards alongside one another when Jhon Duran was still at the club, but it failed miserably.
It will be surprising if Villa make a bid for Vlahovic altogether, quite frankly, as it has seemed as if Emery wants a more versatile forward to join his ranks. Marcus Rashford could still be signed permanently from Manchester United for £40 million, but if he doesn’t, an alternative with a similar profile was expected to be brought in.
Vlahovic, albeit a clinical striker, doesn’t have the same attributes as Rashford. The 25-year-old is still quick but less so than Rashford and operates as more of a target man figure with a bulkier build. Vlahovic also doesn’t have the capability of playing on the left wing like Rashford does.
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