Arsenal identifies Dusan Vlahovic as striker target despite Gabriel Jesus ‘staying’ 

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic to replace the underperforming Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal identifies Dusan Vlahovic as striker target despite Gabriel Jesus ‘staying’ 

Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is being targeted by Arsenal in the January transfer window. (via SempreInter)

According to recent reports, Arsenal are strongly interested in signing long-time transfer target Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. The 24-year-old could join the North London club in January despite the club already having a number nine in Gabriel Jesus. 

Having joined the club from Fiorentina in 2022 for a hefty €80 million transfer fee, Dusan Vlahovic has transitioned into one of Serie A’s best goal-scorers. The Serbian star has bagged 51 goals in 119 appearances for the Old Lady.

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However, Vlahovic could very well be on his way out of Turin next year, if contract extension talks fail to materialize. He has a contract running until 2026 and the Italian side may sell him to avoid losing him for free and also to cut down on the wage bill.

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Arsenal have emerged as the front-runners to sign Vlahovic. This comes after his respectable start to the season, with 12 goal contributions in 18 matches. The Gunners have been in the search for a striker to fill in the void that has been created by the misfiring Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian has scored just once this season in 19 appearances. If he joins, Vlahovic would be complemented by the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard in the attack. 

Apart from the ex-Fiorentina man, the Gunners have also shortlisted a number of other targets. The list includes Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. However, Isak’s massive £115 million price tag keeps him off their reach for now. 

Arsenal look towards Dan Ashworth to replace Edu as director

Dan Ashworth’s sudden departure from Manchester United, just five months after being appointed as sporting director, has certainly raised some eyebrows. He has now emerged as an Arsenal target to replace Edu Gaspar, who most recently left the club.

Arsenal Dan Ashworth
Arsenal are reportedly targeting ex-Man Utd director Dan Ashworth to replace the departed Edu. (via Daily Express)

Ashworth’s relationship with Arsenal managing director Richard Garlick could see his move to the North London club made easier. The pair worked together at West Brom until 2012.

However, Arsenal’s management is not in a rush to appoint anyone. They are more likely to wait until the end of the season. They might also look towards promoting assistant sporting director Jason Ayto to the role.