Manchester United are reportedly plotting a bold swap deal that could see them land two players who once snubbed Arsenal - a move that's sure to draw attention from Gunners supporters.
With Juventus targeting Rasmus Hojlund, United are said to be weighing up a potential exchange involving Dusan Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz - two names that should be frustratingly familiar for many Arsenal fans. According to Tuttosport, Juventus are open to sending both players to Old Trafford in a bid to secure Hojlund's services.
Vlahovic, of course, is a name that still stings in Arsenal circles. After months of speculation and heavy interest, the Serbian striker chose a £70million switch to Juventus over a move to north London back in 2022 - though has been periodically linked with the Gunners ever since.
Three years on and his time in Turin looks to be coming to an end. With his contract expiring in 2026, Juve are eager to cash in on him this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
Despite a solid scoring record of 55 goals in 140 appearances, Vlahovic has drawn criticism in Italy for his inconsistent form and failure to step up in big moments. Combine that with his jaw-dropping £317,000-per-week wages, and it's no surprise Juventus are looking for a way out.
They're also willing to offload Luiz - another player who's danced around Arsenal's orbit in the past. The midfielder was the subject of several deadline-day bids from Mikel Arteta's side in 2022 - but all were rejected by his then-employers, Aston Villa.
He joined Juventus in £43m deal last summer, but has struggled to nail down a regular spot in their starting XI. A Premier League return is being touted, with Manchester City reportedly sniffing around as recently as January.
But it looks like he could end up on the other side of Manchester instead, with United eyeing him as an option ahead of their summer rebuild under Ruben Amorim. However, things may hinge on whether Juventus press ahead with their Hojlund interest.
Since arriving at Old Trafford for £72m from Atalanta in 2023, the Danish striker has struggled to make his mark. However, his earlier exploits in Serie A ensure he's still a reasonably-hot commodity in Italy.
Dusan Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz
Former Arsenal targets Dusan Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz could end up at Manchester United this summer
Juventus, who would need to replace Vlahovic if he's sold, are now eyeing Hojlund as a possible successor, especially with signs that Amorim may not view the striker as central to his plans. The Turin club are reportedly willing to swap both Vlahovic and Luiz to land him, but from United's perspective, it's unclear whether such a deal aligns with their priorities.
Financially, United are navigating a tightrope - and a cash offer for Hojlund might be more attractive as they look to balance the books. That said, if they do sell him, bringing in Vlahovic would offer immediate top-level experience, potentially at a lower cost than usual.
One sticking point remains: Vlahovic's salary. With only three players at United earning more than £200,000 per week, he'd likely have to take a significant pay cut to make the move viable.
Hojlund looking dejected
Manchester United are prepared to cut their losses with Rasmus Hojlund (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
For Arsenal fans, this entire saga is a curious one. Two long-standing targets - both heavily linked with the Emirates in years past - could now be heading to Old Trafford in a deal that could have ripple effects across the Premier League. Whether it's poetic justice or salt in the wound depends on how this summer unfolds.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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