Mikel Arteta is thought to be a long-term fan of Vlahovic, a striker he actually wanted to bring to Arsenal when he was still playing for Fiorentina.
Instead, the Serbia international chose Juventus, where he’s gone on to score 53 goals in 124 games.
The 24-year-old has an excellent record in the Serie A overall, netting 84 times in 189 games – the kind of finisher who Arteta is sorely missing in north London.
Arsenal’s first choice striker Kai Havertz is still fit and ready to carry the club’s ambitions over the coming months, but Arteta could certainly do with more help in that department.
Arsenal ‘unlikely’ to sign Dusan Vlahovic in January transfer window
That considered, reliable journalist David Ornstein shared what he’s heard on Arsenal possibly pursuing a deal for Vlahovic when reporting for NBC Sports.
Arsenal made a loan offer for Vlahovic last week according to reports, news that is already being doubted.
And now Ornstein has confessed that he’s not hearing anything to suggest that Arsenal are likely to sign Vlahovic.
The journalist also looked to rule out a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this month, a player who’s more likely to move in six months time.
Ornstein said: “If they’re going to sign someone permanently it’s going to have to be suitable from a financial perspective.
“We hear names like Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus, initial inquiries tell me that that one is unlikely.
“Benjamin Sesko, another long-term target, he’s unlikely to move in the January transfer window – never say never but that’s more likely [to be] a summer departure if he leaves RB Leipzig.”
Mikel Arteta might prefer to wait for Alexander Isak bid
It’s a difficult situation for Arsenal, especially given that Vlahovic is free to leave Juventus this month, who are pursuing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.
Vlahovic would certainly improve things at Arsenal right now, a striker with a left foot that’s reminiscent of Olivier Giroud.
But were the Juventus forward to arrive this month, that move would then block Arteta from potentially signing an even better suited striker in the summer.
Perhaps Arsenal will finally throw all of their budget at Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, who is arguably the best striker in Europe right now.
A tricky dilemma for Arsenal, who have usually chosen to avoid any reactive signings at this point of the season.
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