Arsenal are now in constant contact with Darko Ristic, the agent of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, over a transfer. But they face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Chelsea currently lead the race for a deal in January. But Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all in the mix to sign the Serbian. Also, Juventus will not let Vlahovic leave Turin on the cheap.
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The Bianconeri value the striker at absolutely no less than €90m (£80m) and will hold firm in their valuation. It was only in January 2022 that Juventus signed Vlahovic for an upfront €70m (£62m) from Fiorentina, as well. Add-ons can take his move up another €10m (£9m).
Vlahovic penned a £215k-a-week contract running through to 2026 to join Juventus in the last winter market. But the 22-year-old has so far struggled to hit the heights expected of him. Over 36 games across all competitions, the 19-cap international has only hit 16 goals.
Of his haul, 13 have come during 25 Serie A appearances including six in 10 matches so far this season. Vlahovic missed Juventus’ final four top-flight fixtures before the World Cup in Qatar with a groin injury. He has only just resumed training with the Bianconeri this Friday.
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Calciomercato adds that Vlahovic is only likely to return to the Juventus bench at Napoli on January 13. Massimiliano Allegri’s side resume their Serie A season away to Cremonese on Wednesday, January 4. They also host Udinese on the 7th before facing the league leaders.
Interest in Vlahovic’s transfer from Arsenal et al may also put his involvement for Juventus in doubt. While The Times has reported, whilst also citing Mikel Arteta’s admiration of the 22-year-old, that Vlahovic is open to leaving the Allianz Stadium during the January 2023 sales.
Arteta is looking for a striker having lost Gabriel Jesus following surgery on his knee injury. The Brazilian is unlikely to feature before February and may face an even greater absence. So, Vlahovic – who Juventus icon Alessio Tacchinardi dubbed ‘extraordinary’ – may appeal.
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