Arteta's side in search of a number nine: Could past European target return?

Dusan Vlahovic’s time at Juventus appears to be drawing to a close, and Arsenal may be ready to pounce.

The Serbian striker has endured a frustrating season in Turin, with seven games without a goal in all competitions. A muscular injury forced him off at half time during Juventus’ recent 1-0 defeat at Parma, adding to a string of setbacks that have derailed his campaign.

Since Igor Tudor replaced Massimiliano Allegri in the dugout, Vlahovic has started all four Serie A matches but has yet to find the net. Despite being the club’s top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions, his output has fallen short of expectations.

With his contract set to expire in June 2026 and no agreement on an extension in sight, Juventus are reportedly considering a summer sale.

The Italian giants paid €70 million to sign him from Fiorentina in January 2022 and want to recoup a significant portion of that investment before it is too late.

Vlahovic is Juventus’ highest-paid player, earning €12 million per season, a figure that complicates any hopes of a new deal. According to Corriere dello Sport, the relationship between the club and the player has cooled, and a summer parting is now viewed as increasingly likely.

Arsenal have tracked Vlahovic for several years and were heavily linked before he joined Juventus. At the time, the striker admitted to turning down offers from clubs including the Gunners, but reports in Italy suggest his stance has since softened.

The 24-year-old is believed to be open to a move to a top-tier club in a major European league, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich listed as dream destinations. A reported fee in the region of £35 million could tempt suitors.

Mikel Arteta’s side have lacked a natural number nine this season, rotating between Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and even midfielders in a makeshift forward role. A more traditional striker with Vlahovic’s profile could offer a solution.

In a previous interview, the Serbia international spoke openly about his preferred playing style, revealing that he thrives in two-striker systems and is less effective when tasked with relentless defensive duties.

For a club in search of a more physical, penalty-box presence, Vlahovic may soon be available — and Arsenal’s long-standing interest could finally turn into something concrete.

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