Latest developments
- Arsenal are stepping up their interest in Dusan Vlahovic.
- The Serbian striker has been a Gunners target for a while.
- Talks have now been held with Juventus.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): On Arsenal's radar
With little sign of progress on a deal for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Arsenal have turned to Juventus' striker Dusan Vlahovic to fill their centre-forward position, with talks held between the two sides.
This news comes from teamtalk.com, whose sources claim the Gunners could force a move through in January, though the summer looks more likely.
Value (4/5): Half the price of Isak
One of the driving factors behind putting the Serbian as their top priority is his price tag, with Juventus wanting around £55 million for the 24-year-old, compared to the £115 million that the Magpies want for Isak.
£55 million isn't nothing, but that is more or less in line with his market value. Vlahovic is not part of Thiago Motta's long-term plans in Turin, despite three UEFA Champions League goals this season.
Suitability (4/5): An all-round striker
Vlahovic has only ever played at centre-forward, and is therefore a specialist in an area Arsenal are lacking, but he has variety to his game, using pace to beat defenders as well as act as a poacher.
Top international and European experience suggests he will do just fine in the Premier League, where the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard should supply him with countless opportunities.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): Final piece in Arsenal jigsaw
The lack of a 20 goal a season striker has, for some people, what has caused Arsenal to come up just short in recent Premier League title challenges.
As always when talking of Arsenal strikers it must be pointed out that their current options, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, are not proper centre-forwards, despite making decent contributions at times.
Logic (5/5): Top strikers in short supply
Elite central strikers do not become available all that often, especially at such reasonable prices. Talks taking place would make sense from the Gunners' side, and they would be crazy not to put in a bid.
For Vlahovic, if he isn't in the Juve plans, then a new challenge in a new league will seem reasonable to him, especially where he will undoubtedly be the focal point in attack.
Whisper+ verdict: 20.5/25
Talks taking place would not be out-of-the-blue considering the situations of all parties involved. As for Arsenal prioritising Vlahovic over Isak, the pair's respective price tags make it highly plausible.
