Arsenal learn Dusan Vlahovic transfer deadline as 'tabs kept' on Juventus uncertainty

Arsenal will need to prise Dusan Vlahovic away from Italy sooner rather than later as Juventus are reportedly hoping to tie the striker down to a new deal later this year. The Gunners have faltered in front of goal this season and are in desperate need of a new front man, despite racking up five unanswered goals during their Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Arsenal suffered a dismal run of form over the festive period as they exited the FA Cup at the hands of Liverpool following Premier League defeats to West Ham and Fulham. Mikel Arteta’s men also lost 1-0 to Aston Villa in early December before being held to a 1-1 league draw at Liverpool.

They failed to find the back of the net against Villa and West Ham and were guilty of wasting a hatful of chances during their defeat to the Hammers.

According to HITC, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Vlahovic’s contract situation and remain hugely interested in the 23-year-old. Vlahovic’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026, but Juve want him to pen fresh terms.

Arsenal have been linked with Vlahovic since his days at previous club Fiorentina. But the Serbia international moved to the Allianz Stadium in a £66million deal in January 2022 after scoring 49 times in 108 games for his former employers. The star endured a slow start to life in Turin, however, as he netted just 14 goals in 42 matches during his first full season with Juve.

But the player has already found the back of the net 11 times in Serie A this time around and is enjoying a purple patch of form, having struck five times in his last three league matches.

Arsenal No. 9 Gabriel Jesus has notched just three times in the Premier League this season, while back-up striker Eddie Nketiah has contributed five top-fight strikes. And if the north London giants want to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for silverware this season they may need to bring in someone who can take their chances and fire the team to victory when called upon.

Arteta has been quizzed about his need for more firepower in recent weeks. And following Arsenal’s 2-0 reverse against Liverpool in the FA Cup, the Spaniard told beIN Sports: “At the moment it does not look realistic [to sign a striker]. What my job is, and what we have to do, is improve our players and try to get better results with the players we have.”