Arsenal Monitoring Juventus Striker Dusan Vlahovic Ahead of Possible Free Transfer
Arsenal are reportedly among several top European clubs keeping a close eye on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, whose future in Turin remains uncertain ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Serbia international could leave Juventus when his contract expires on July 1 after failing to agree terms over a new deal with the Serie A club.
Vlahovic has been with Juventus since joining from Fiorentina in January 2022, but negotiations over an extension have reportedly stalled because of differences in salary demands.
The striker is said to be seeking wages worth around £7 million per year, while Juventus have only offered approximately £5 million annually. As things stand, the 26-year-old is expected to depart on a free transfer.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Vlahovic through an intermediary in recent days, although the Spanish club are not alone in tracking his situation.
Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal are all believed to be monitoring developments surrounding the striker.
Arsenal Previously Missed Out on Vlahovic
Vlahovic was one of Arsenal’s main transfer targets during the January window in 2022 before eventually choosing Juventus in a deal worth around £67 million.
At the time, the move was viewed as a major success for Juventus, particularly after Vlahovic scored 33 Serie A goals for Fiorentina during the 2021 calendar year.
However, the striker has struggled to fully live up to expectations in Turin. Since joining Juventus, he has scored 66 goals in 166 appearances across all competitions.
Injuries have also affected his progress significantly. The current campaign has been especially difficult, with Vlahovic missing 25 matches because of an ongoing adductor issue.
Although reports suggest he may have lowered his wage demands to around £134,000 per week, concerns over his fitness record and inconsistent finishing have raised doubts about whether he still belongs among Europe’s elite forwards.
Speculation Could Be Driven by Agent Interest
The growing links with clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona may partly be driven by Vlahovic’s representatives as they attempt to generate interest ahead of a potential free transfer.
A Bosman move would likely involve a substantial signing-on fee and agent commission, factors that could complicate negotiations for interested clubs.
Mundo Deportivo also reports that Atletico Madrid may instead focus on cheaper alternatives because of the overall financial package required to complete a deal for the Serbian striker.
For Arsenal, a move for Vlahovic may therefore appear unlikely despite the absence of a transfer fee. His previous rejection of the club in 2022 may also remain a consideration.
Instead, Arsenal could prioritise younger attacking options this summer as they continue reshaping their forward line.
One player linked with the club is Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi, who is reportedly being considered as a backup option behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, with Gabriel Jesus expected to leave.
The 21-year-old German forward has contributed 26 goals and assists for Club Brugge this season, and reports claim Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already opened talks with the Belgian club regarding a potential move.
