Every cloud has a silver lining and Arsenal supporters might be about to realise this for themselves.
Still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, being snubbed could ultimately prove brilliant for the Gunners.
That’s because while Mudryk – who has since joined Chelsea – was being linked to Arsenal, so was Dusan Vlahovic.
According to La Repubblica last week, the North Londoners were keen on the Juventus hitman, valued at £97.5 million.
And missing out on the Ukraine international could potentially make Vlahovic a more realistic target than he was originally.
He was always realistic by virtue of the problems Juve find themselves in this season.
But signing him and Mudryk was never going to be an option, particularly in the same window – and particularly in January.
Now that Mudryk is off the table, it may, in theory, allow Arsenal a lot more financial firepower to get serious about the Serbia international.
Sure, Mikel Arteta would’ve loved a winger, but let’s not forget he needs a striker, too.
Eddie Nketiah’s missed opportunities against Spurs last weekend could’ve haunted Arsenal on another day, underlining the importance of a clinical number nine in the absence of Gabriel Jesus.
Missing Mudryk was devastating for the North Londoners, given how close it looked to materialising.
But maybe, just maybe, it gives Arsenal more resources to throw at Vlahovic instead.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
