Latest developments
- Arsenal actively targeting a striker for January
- Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic interests Arsenal
- Binaconeri open to Vlahovic's winter exit
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (5/5): Fabrizio Romano world-renowned
Arsenal have been targeting a striker since the start of the season, and Mikel Arteta's side have earmarked a number of strikers, including Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
Arsenal have now identified Vlahovic as a potential candidate to join Arteta at Emirates Stadium as per Fabrizio Romano on ‘The Daily Briefing'. The report also suggested that Juventus may be open to a sale of the striker in January.
Reports from Romano can be considered almost one hundred per cent accurate as the Italian transfer guru is reputed as one of the best at that game.
Value (3/5): Juventus may look to recoup their 2022 transfer fee
No new transfer fee has been mentioned in the report, however, Transfermarkt have rated the Serbian at €65 million and Juventus are unlikely to sell the striker at a lower price point.
The Bianconeri may even look to recoup the entire sum of the amount they paid to acquire Vlahovic from Fiorentina in the winter transfer window of 2022 which would total over €83.5 million.
However, one thing that could potentially bring down their asking price may be the Serbian's contract which is set to expire in the summer of 2026 as Vlahovic has not been very open to signing an extension with Juventus.
Suitability (5/5): Arsenal need a natural striker
Despite using a number nine position in their tactics Arsenal are one of the few teams in the Premier League that has been playing without an established striker in the starting lineup. At the moment, the striker position has been filled by Kai Havertz.
The German international lacks the skills and mobility in the area necessary for a striker to intimidate defenders, though. Therefore, having a striker like Vlahovic will immediately help Arteta's team function better in attack.
Upgrade? (5/5): Arsenal's Jesus and Havertz not functioning
Although Gabriel Jesus is the sole natural striker in Arsenal's squad, the Brazilian hasn't even come close to regaining the form he had at Manchester City. Havertz, on the other hand, is not a natural striker, and it shows on the pitch. He may be a brilliant player, but he is incredibly erratic.
In the centre of attack, Vlahovic would be a huge improvement over Arsenal's present alternatives.
Logic (4.5/5): Vlahovic needs a change of scenery
Vlahovic had shown a lot of promise during his time at Fiorentina and was even labelled as one of the best strikers in the world. However, after his big-money move to Juventus, things haven't fallen into place for the Serbian. Injuries and the team's overall lack of effectiveness have hurt the striker's confidence. As such, a move to Arsenal may exactly be what he needs.
Whisper+ final verdict – 22.5/25
Arsenal have been struggling to score goals this season. Bukayo Saka continues to struggle with injuries, while Havertz's ineffectiveness as a striker has multiplied Arteta's headaches. As such, signing a recognized striker may be the need of the hour for Arsenal to recover from what has been a dull start to the season.
