Arsenal ‘very likely’ to return for striker this summer

The Gunners missed out on him in 2022 but could be set to go back in

Posted Wednesday, February 08, 2023 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Arsenal are 'very likely' to return for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to reports.

The Gunners were keen on the Serbian striker in January 2022 when he was at Fiorentina, only for the Old Lady to swoop in and agree a £75m deal for the attacker in the final days of the transfer window, leaving Arsenal without a new striker for the final six months of the season.

It ultimately cost them a top 4 spot, though the Gunners have since roared back and currently sit top of the Premier League, five points clear of Manchester City in second place, and on course to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

And in the time since, Juventus have fallen into dire straits, with the club out of the Champions League and having been docked 15 points for financial breaches in the past five years.

As a result, per Italian Journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, lots of movement is expected in Turin this summer, headed by Vlahovic.

"A hot summer also seems to be on the horizon for forwards. One of them is definitely Vlahovic."

"The Premier League is now moving at another great [level] and is potentially able to present very high offers, and Italy remains of the favourite destinations.

"Arsenal had already tried to sign him before the transfer to Juventus.

"The idea remained and at the end of the season, a new attempt is very likely.

Despite the report, it does seem very unlikely that Arsenal will decide to revisit a move for the Serbian striker. After adding Gabriel Jesus to their frontline last summer, the Gunners also have Eddie Nketiah, who has proved a more than capable backup in the Brazilian's absence and is currently the club's Premier League top goalscorer.

Meanwhile, they also have a decision to make over Folarin Balogun, who is currently on red-hot form for Ligue 1 side Stade des Reims, with only Erling Haaland, Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane having scored more across Europe than his 14 goals.

With three excellent striking options to choose from, a move for Vlahovic seems unlikely unless one or more of those above are moved on.