Arsenal backed to sign 24yo UCL striker in January, available for £33m – Journalist | OneFootball

Arsenal could revive their interest in signing their long-term striker target this winter, according to Italian journalist Marcello Chirico.

The Gunners have had a frustrating Premier League campaign. They are presently six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

The club are playing catch-up after just 17 games into the season, and the hierarchy could back manager Mikel Arteta with some quality winter signings.

Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has been long linked with a move to Arsenal, and Chirico claims that he is unlikely to renew his contract, which expires in June 2026.

The journalist adds that a winter departure is unlikely for the Serbian unless Arsenal force the player’s hand. He could be available for around £33 million.

Arsenal unlikely to pursue deal for Vlahovic

The 24-year-old was a top target for the Gunners in January 2022, but he turned down their interest to join the Bianconeri from Fiorentina instead.

Vlahovic signed for the Turin giants after a sensational 2021 with 34 goals, but he has failed to live up to the same expectations over the last few years.

He has managed only 53 goals from 122 appearances for the Bianconeri, including 12 this campaign.

We don’t believe the Gunners will make a renewed approach for him. The ship has probably sailed.

Vlahovic has a shot-to-goal conversion rate of only 14 percent in Serie A this term. He has been guilty of squandering 11 big chances in the league.

This has contributed to the club’s significant drop in form over the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus’ recent turnaround in fortunes could urge Arsenal to wait until the summer before pursuing a deal for a marquee striker.

The focus for January could be a wide attacking player after a long-term injury for Bukayo Saka. The club graduate could be out of action until March.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com