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Dusan Vlahovic stance on Arsenal transfer as Juventus offer and contract talks revealed

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic
-Credit:Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images


Arsenal have been given a major boost to their hopes of signing Dusan Vlahovic this month. The 24-year-old Juventus striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium on numerous occasions ever since he burst onto the scene at Fiorentina.

Vlahovic, who sees his contract at the Allianz Stadium 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's fired the Old Lady to fifth in the table – and they remain unbeaten.

The Serbia international has been just as influential in the Champions League too, netting four in five games to take Juventus above the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the standings. Vlahovic's impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, attracting interest from Arsenal.

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According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Gunners have identified the Serbian as a potential target as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his frontline in the January transfer window. The report states that Juventus have hit a 'standstill' in negotiations over a new contract with Vlahovic, so they're 'willing to listen to offers'.

Meanwhile, it's said that the Italian giants' sporting director is currently wrapping up a deal to sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG on loan. Calciomercato adds that Vlahovic would 'enthusiastically welcome the idea' of leaving Juventus to test himself in the Premier League.

This time next year, clubs from overseas, like Arsenal, will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with the striker over a free transfer in the summer of 2026 – unless he signs a new contract beforehand. If Vlahovic doesn't pen an extension, the Old Lady would be forced to make a tough decision.

Despite this, Calciomercato claim he's been given a €60m (£50.5m) price tag. Speaking to The Telegraph in June 2022, Vlahovic 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."

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

Vlahovic has previously committed his future to the Italian giants, but there could be cracks in his relationship with Motta. In November, he seemed to aim a 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."