Arsenal have long admired Dusan Vlahovic and the Juventus striker could become available on a free transfer
Andrea Berta, Sporting Director of Arsenal looks on prior to a UEFA Champions League match
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta(Image: Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal could finally wrap up a transfer saga that's been three years in the making this January, by setting their sights set on a soon-to-be free agent. The Gunners have been in scintillating form this season, currently topping the Premier League table and holding a two-point lead over closest rivals Manchester City.
Their success so far has been built on a solid summer recruitment drive. Eberechi Eze's move from London rivals Crystal Palace has proven to be a game-changer, while the additions of Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Christian Norgaard, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have bolstered the squad depth.
However, with the January transfer window looming and an eye on next summer, there's still work to be done. Clubs are always keen to snap up free agents, and there's no shortage of top players who will be available in six months' time.
Defenders Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano are among those yet to renew their contracts with Liverpool and Bayern Munich respectively. But it's further up the pitch where Arsenal's interest may lie, with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic also entering the final stretch of his contract.
Arsenal have long held a torch for Serbian star Vlahovic, who slipped through their fingers when he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus in 2022. The 25-year-old has been a revelation at the Italian giants, netting an impressive 64 goals and setting up 16 more in his 162 appearances across all competitions, reports Football London.
While the striker hasn't outright dismissed the idea of extending his stay in Turin, the clock is ticking on his contract. As each day passes without a new deal, the odds of him packing his bags next summer increase. Come January, Vlahovic will be free to discuss pre-contract terms with clubs outside Italy.
Back in January 2022, Sky Sports reported that Arsenal were keen on Vlahovic, but the hefty transfer fee was a stumbling block. It was also suggested that the player had his heart set on a Champions League club, a competition the Gunners hadn't qualified for in the four seasons leading up to that window.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus warms up prior to the Serie A match against Cagliari
Arsenal have long been linked with forward Dusan Vlahovic(Image: Photo by Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
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Fast forward to now, and the landscape looks quite different. If Vlahovic decides to run down his Juventus contract, Arsenal could snap him up without paying a penny in transfer fees. Plus, the north London side have re-emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
However, the key question remains whether Arsenal have moved on from their interest in Vlahovic, with Gyokeres being the player they've committed to for the long haul.
Despite being only 25, the Serbian international's time in Turin has been marred by injuries. He is currently out of action after having surgery to repair a tendon avulsion of the left adductor.
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