Arsenal 'monitoring' Dusan Vlahovic situation as Mikel Arteta lines up January transfer

Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian has been in fine form this season, scoring nine times and adding one assist in 16 matches but the Serie A side are struggling to make progress with a new contract for their prolific No.9.

According to Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing, Vlahovic, 24, and his representatives are now exploring other options, with Arsenal understood to be keeping an eye on developments. It's added that Mikel Arteta remains keen to strengthen their attacking department after failing to sign a striker in the summer.

Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres have both been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium in recent times. However, Vlahovic could be a tempting option as he has been targeted by the Gunners in the past, with their interest said to be dating back to his time at Fiorentina.

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Daily Briefing report that 'new contacts are expected in the coming days', with Arsenal weighing up a January move for Vlahovic, even if nothing has been agreed with Juventus. Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee is among the players that Juventus have looked at as a possible replacement for Vlahovic.

Arsenal opted against bringing in a new centre forward during the summer transfer window, despite selling Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace. Kai Havertz has started the season as their first-choice striker, but he hasn't set the world alight, scoring seven times and adding one assist in 17 appearances. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus has acted as back-up but the Brazilian has struggled for form, having scored just once in 15 games this season.

This, accompanied by the fact Arsenal have scored just twice in their last four Premier League matches, has increased speculation that the Gunners are going to dip into the market for a new striker in January. And Vlahovic has been lined up as a perfect solution to their striker issues.

Speaking on his future in April amid reported interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, Vlahovic told L'Equipe: "I heard, I saw the newspapers, but I didn’t know anything. I was thinking mainly about myself and preparing for a good season. Future? Two years have passed and I’m very happy here. This is my answer, I want to win something important with Juve. Then we’ll see, we’ll talk about it later."