Arsenal are gearing up for a pivotal move in the upcoming January transfer window, with exclusive sources revealing that talks are set to take place between the club and the agents of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Mikel Arteta is determined to bolster his attacking options, and the Serbian international has emerged as a leading target as the Gunners seek a world-class striker to compete with the likes of Kai Havertz and rival Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for top-scoring honours.
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Vlahovic, currently under contract with Juventus until 2026, has been a standout performer for the Italian giants since his high-profile move from Fiorentina. However, despite his impressive form, Juventus have struggled to agree on a new contract with the player, with the club citing his substantial wage demands as a stumbling block. As a result, the Turin club has ceased attempts to extend his deal, and the 24-year-old’s agents are now exploring other options, with a focus on non-Italian clubs.
It is understood that Arsenal are one of the front-runners for Vlahovic’s signature and are set to meet with his representatives in the coming days. With the winter transfer window looming, the Gunners are expected to closely monitor the striker’s performances, as they look to secure a deal for the Serbian forward. Juventus, in turn, have reportedly slapped a €70m (£58.5m / $73.9m) price tag on Vlahovic, although the feeling within the footballing world is that a deal could be struck for closer to €60m (£50.2m / $60.3m), particularly given the player’s contractual situation.
Arsenal have made it clear that they are prepared to spend big on the right target, and Vlahovic certainly fits the bill. The striker’s powerful presence, clinical finishing, and ability to hold up the ball make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s high-pressing, possession-based system. If completed, the move would signal the Gunners’ intent to challenge for silverware, with Vlahovic adding significant firepower to an already talented attack.
While Vlahovic remains Arsenal’s primary target, the club is also keeping an eye on a range of other potential striker options. Reports have suggested that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is a “dream target” for the Gunners, although it would take a substantial offer of over £100m to tempt the Magpies into selling their star forward. Arsenal have also shown interest in other high-potential strikers, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.
The search for a new striker comes as Arsenal find themselves in a competitive battle for the top spots in the Premier League. Currently sitting fourth in the table, the Gunners are nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, and Arteta will be eager to strengthen his squad in the January window to ensure they remain in contention for a Champions League spot. While Kai Havertz has contributed four goals in the league so far, the team is still some way off rivaling the firepower of Manchester City’s Haaland, who leads the league with an impressive tally of goals.
Vlahovic’s potential arrival could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s attacking setup. The Serbian forward has proven himself as a prolific scorer in Italy and would undoubtedly add a new dimension to Arteta’s frontline. However, the Gunners will face competition for his signature. Manchester United, Chelsea, and several other top European clubs have also been linked with the striker, and Vlahovic’s agents are working hard to secure him a move to the Premier League.
Arsenal will need to act quickly if they hope to secure Vlahovic ahead of their rivals. The Gunners are reportedly in the driving seat at the moment, but with Juventus determined to sell in January rather than risk losing the player for free in 2026, a bidding war could quickly ensue. Given Vlahovic’s pedigree and the number of clubs interested in his services, the January transfer window could see a flurry of activity, with Arsenal looking to make a statement by landing one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
While the striker search dominates Arsenal’s transfer plans, the club is also keeping tabs on potential targets in other areas. With Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea expected to end at the close of the season, Arsenal are looking at possible winger options. Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, who is out of contract in the summer, has emerged as a potential target, and Arsenal are reportedly in the mix for the German international’s signature. Although Manchester United have also expressed interest in Sane, Arsenal’s Champions League credentials could give them the upper hand in the race.
In addition to strengthening their attacking options, Arsenal are reportedly facing a challenge from Real Madrid regarding the future of defender William Saliba. The French centre-back has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers since his arrival at the Emirates and has reportedly caught the attention of the La Liga giants, who are seeking to strengthen their defensive ranks. However, Arsenal remain confident that Saliba is happy in North London and are expected to offer him a lucrative new contract to ward off any interest.
The Gunners’ focus remains firmly on the January window, and the prospect of securing a deal for Vlahovic represents a major opportunity for Arteta to take his squad to the next level. The Serbian striker’s combination of skill, strength, and finishing ability would make him a key asset for the club in their pursuit of both domestic and European glory.
As the transfer window approaches, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see how the club navigates the competitive landscape. Vlahovic could be the key to unlocking their full potential, and a successful move for the Juventus forward would undoubtedly send a strong message to their Premier League rivals. With key players like Havertz and Sane potentially joining the ranks, Arsenal’s squad looks set to become even more formidable in the second half of the season.
