Arsenal’s pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic has taken a new turn after Juventus rejected their initial bid for the Serbian striker.
The Gunners had made an offer for a loan deal for the 24-year-old, but Juventus swiftly turned it down, signaling their reluctance to entertain a temporary transfer. With Vlahovic being one of the best strikers in Europe, this decision from the Italian giants adds further intrigue to the January transfer window as Arsenal, and several other clubs, continue to eye the forward.
Vlahovic, currently playing for Juventus, has had an impressive season, scoring 12 goals and providing 2 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. His performances have solidified his status as one of the most sought-after strikers in the market.
Despite the player’s importance to the Serie A side, Arsenal has been keen on bringing him to the Premier League, with forward depth a priority for Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, Juventus’ stance on his future appears resolute, particularly after their rejection of Arsenal’s loan offer.
While Arsenal’s opening move was rejected, Juventus is still open to discussing a permanent transfer or even a loan with an obligation to buy. Juventus’ Sporting Director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has set a clear price for Vlahovic, reportedly seeking at least €60 million (£50.5 million, $61.6 million) for the striker.
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This price tag places Vlahovic in the upper echelon of transfer targets, and it will likely take a significant offer from Arsenal or any other interested clubs to trigger a deal.
Arsenal’s bid for Vlahovic raises questions, especially given Juventus’ asking price. The Gunners had hoped to secure a loan deal for the striker, a move that would allow them to bolster their attack without committing to a long-term transfer.
However, this approach seems at odds with Juventus’ expectations, as the club has made it clear they are not interested in short-term solutions. With Juventus aiming to finish in the top four of Serie A and secure Champions League qualification, losing Vlahovic on a “dry” loan would leave them vulnerable in their attacking options.
The Serie A giants have other plans in mind, including selling the player outright or negotiating a loan deal with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
Juve are in for a Convinient Option
This approach gives Juventus flexibility, allowing them to secure a significant transfer fee while also keeping their options open if a suitable offer does not materialize immediately. The club’s willingness to wait until later in the window to assess interest from other suitors reflects their patience and desire to ensure they get the best possible deal for Vlahovic.
As of now, Arsenal’s bid for Vlahovic remains unsuccessful, but the Gunners are not backing down. According to reports, Arsenal is considering returning with a revised offer later this month. This determination from the London club signals that they are serious about strengthening their attack and are willing to pursue a top-quality striker like Vlahovic to help with their Premier League ambitions.
Juventus’ plans for the future are also intertwined with potential arrivals, with other key targets being linked to the club in January. One notable name is Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani, who has garnered significant attention from both Juventus and other European giants like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Juventus are reportedly in discussions with PSG over a potential deal for the French forward, although no agreement has been reached as of yet. With Juventus in the driver’s seat for this particular transfer, the coming weeks could reveal whether Kolo Muani’s move to Serie A will materialize.
Juve Active in the Transfer Window
The Bianconeri are also looking to bolster their defense, with reports indicating that they are pursuing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo. Juventus has already had a bid for Araujo rejected, but they are expected to return with a new offer. Meanwhile, Arsenal is reportedly also considering a move for the Uruguay international after his return from injury, highlighting the competition Juventus faces from other top clubs for their transfer targets.
Amid these developments, one player potentially leaving Juventus this month is Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz. Since his move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, Luiz has struggled to settle at Juventus, and there are rumors linking him with a move to Manchester United. With United potentially losing Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea, Luiz could serve as a replacement, offering a glimpse into the fluid nature of the January transfer market.
As the January window continues, Arsenal’s pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic remains a key storyline. The Gunners will likely need to reconsider their approach and possibly increase their offer if they are to convince Juventus to part ways with their prized striker.
Juventus, meanwhile, remain firm on their asking price and seem determined to secure the best deal possible, with interest in Vlahovic likely to intensify as the window progresses. Both clubs, along with their respective transfer targets, will be under the microscope in the coming weeks, and it remains to be seen where Vlahovic’s future lies.
