However, the Gunners weren't as attractive a club to join as they are now. Arteta's side had finished eighth the season before and were out of European competition altogether.
Juventus were also interested in Vlahovic and were his preferred destination. Arsenal laid their cards on the table, with Italian outlet Ok Calcio Mercato claiming they saw an £88m bid accepted by Fiorentina.
But Juve won the race late in the window, sealing a deal at a cheaper price of around £66m including add-ons. Arsenal had been left red-faced after they were snubbed by the Serbia international.
Arsenal transfer news: Dusan Vlahovic's spell at Juventus hasn't gone as hoped
However, it hasn't gone quite to plan since for Vlahovic. He has scored 25 goals in 66 appearances in all competitions for Juve.
It is a record that shouldn't be sniffed at but the expectations were that he'd be more prolific than he has been. Vlahovic has suffered from groin issues throughout much of his time in Turin.
It restricted him to just 22 Serie A starts in his first full campaign at the club. He has already been linked with a move away, especially in the recent summer window.
Juve were keen on signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea and were open to sending Vlahovic to Stamford Bridge as part of the deal. Calcio Mercato reports Juve wanted around £34m plus Lukaku for Vlahovic.
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