If Mikel Arteta wants to sign a new striker, then Dusan Vlahovic could be available for a cut-price fee during the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old frontman has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium ever since he first burst on to the scene at Fiorentina.

Vlahovic, who sees his contract at the Allianz Arena expire in June 2026, has featured 16 times for Juventus in the Serie A this season, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. Playing a key role in Thiago Motta's team, he has helped the Old Lady climb to fifth in the table, and they remain unbeaten.

According to TransferMarkt (TM), the Serbian international currently has a market value of €60million (£49.8m) - which is already quite the discount on the €80m (£66.4m) that Juventus paid for him in January 2022. With just 18 months remaining on his deal in Turin, he could be available for even less at the end of the season.

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This time next year, clubs from overseas, like Arsenal, will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with Vlahovic over a free transfer in the summer - unless he signs a new contract before-hand. If the Serbian doesn't pen an extension, the Italian giants will be forced to make a difficult call.

Juventus will have to decide whether they'd rather risk losing him for free - if talks prolong - or cut their losses and cash in. Vlahovic has been regularly linked with a transfer to the Gunners over the years, which makes the Emirates Stadium a potential destination in the future.

Speaking to The Telegraph in June 2022, the striker was quizzed on Arsenal's interest. He said: "Maybe my agent knows [about the Gunners' offer] - but I never talked to anyone about it. I just had one club in my mind, because Juventus is Juventus.

"There's nothing else to say. And now I feel honoured to be given this jersey.

"It's incredible every time I put it on. I definitely identify with their DNA.

"The Juventus personality coincides with my personality. When you come here you never give up, you fight all the time, you make the sacrifices. This was definitely what I was looking for."

Then, in February 2024, Vlahovic ruled out an exit from Juventus. Speaking to beIN Sports, as quoted by Italian publication Calciomercato, he said: "I love this city and this club; I feel well at Juventus; they have exceeded my expectations."

While Vlahovic has previously committed his future to the Old Lady, there could be cracks in his relationship with Motta. In November, the Serbian aimed an implicit dig at the Juventus boss over his role in the side.

Speaking to RSI, as quoted by Calciomercato, he said: "Yes I like to play with another striker on the side. I get on well, but it also depends on the coach. Definitely it is a bit easier because [Aleksandar] Mitrovic is a strong player who plays a lot with his back to goal and engaging in aerial duels and I can exploit my qualities.

"It's also because coach Dragan Stojković didn't force me to do so many defensive tasks. And for a player like me, for my frame... honestly I can't run so much. Because then I am not fresh in the final third."