TERMS AGREED: Arsenal very close to complete first January transfer signing as Bukayo Saka’s replacement agreed personal terms to join the Gunners- Announcement holds this weekend
Arsenal are set to accelerate their transfer plans as Mikel Arteta looks to react to his side’s injury crisis.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton has left the Gunners six points off Premier League leaders Liverpool, but since the game at the AMEX Stadium the manager has revealed a further blow.
Teenage forward Ethan Nwaneri scored his side’s goal, but has since been ruled out for a “number of weeks” with a muscle injury.
It follows Bukayo Saka undergoing surgery for a hamstring problem in the festive period, with Arsenal’s key man set to be sidelined until at least the end of February.
Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz have also both been out with injury and illness, leaving Arteta’s attacking options looking threadbare ahead of a frenzied period of games. Arsenal still have seven more games to play in January, including tonight’s League Cup semi-final first leg with Newcastle, an FA Cup tie with Manchester United, and the north London derby.
According to Tutto Juve, the Premier League side have now renewed their interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. They were initially linked with the Serbian before he went to Turin in January 2022, and again last summer.
Arsenal have said to have made contact with the Serie A team over Vlahovic, who is rated at around £50million. And the timing of the development strongly suggests that Arteta and co know they can not afford to wait until the end of the season to boost their striking power.
Vlahovic’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, and Juventus will be aware his valuation will only get lower the closer it gets to the end of his deal. And the financial situation of The Old Lady means the Italian club can ill-afford to turn down big money bids.
Earlier this year, it was reported that the club were suffering from a financial loss of around £79million after spending an extortionate amount on players in recent years. Juve are also struggling to challenge domestically, lying fifth in the table and 12 points off leaders Inter Milan.
Vlahovic has been praised for both his physical play and clinical finishing ability, both notions that Arsenal are perceived to have lacked under Arteta. And having scored 18 goals last season, he already has 12 to his name this time around.
Juventus paid around £58m up front for Vlahovic to bring him in from Fiorentina three years ago. And it’s not just Arsenal linked, with Chelsea also reportedly interested in a January move.
There has also been speculation that Manchester United are lining up a shock swap bid. Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled in England since his move from Bologna, is said to interest Juventus with an exchange involving Vlahovic now being touted.
