Dusan Vlahovic breaks his silence on January move to Arsenal
Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic has dismissed rumors connecting him to a move to Arsenal in January.
He has disclosed that he is currently engaged in negotiations for a contract extension in Turin.
Despite initial speculation linking him to Emirates Stadium in January 2022 as a potential replacement for the sidelined Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Vlahovic opted for a £71.6m move to Juventus, leaving Alexandre Lacazette as Arsenal’s primary striker for the remainder of his contract.
Arsenal’s failure to secure a new number nine for the latter part of the 2021-22 season was identified as a key factor in their inability to qualify for the Champions League.
The Gunners addressed this deficiency by signing Gabriel Jesus in the subsequent summer, but the Brazilian has struggled to find consistent goal-scoring form due to injuries.
Additionally, Eddie Nketiah has yet to establish consistency at Arsenal, and Folarin Balogun was allowed to join Monaco during the summer transfer window.
Consequently, the current leaders of the Premier League are reportedly aiming to acquire a prominent striker either in January or the summer of 2024.
There are suggestions that they might make another attempt to secure Dusan Vlahovic, as the striker has faced challenges replicating the success he enjoyed at Fiorentina since joining Juventus.
Chelsea has also been linked with an interest in the Serbian international. However, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by the Evening Standard, the 23-year-old expressed his intention to stay with Juventus.
“I didn’t experience it as a different summer from the others, from my point of view nothing happened,” Vlahovic said. “I have always been focused and calm, even during the tour in America, when I missed the match against AC Milan due to a physical problem. I have always been calm.
“I was always sure I wanted to stay. The noises are always there, and they are part of the game, if we start listening to everyone, we can go crazy. I isolated myself and only thought about the retreat and in the end I’m very happy I stayed. It was what I wanted.”
Although Dusan Vlahovic’s current contract with Massimiliano Allegri’s team is set to run until the summer of 2026, Juventus is reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement on a new contract with their primary attacking force.
The ex-Fiorentina man confirmed that discussions are already underway between his agent and Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli over new terms, adding: “I play in one of the most important teams in the world.
“I am honoured and proud, for now I see myself here. I still have two-and-a-half years left on my contract, but we are in no hurry. [Juve sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli and my agent are already talking. I’m very happy to be here.”
Since joining Juventus last winter, Dusan Vlahovic has compiled an impressive record of 28 goals and seven assists in 74 matches.
In the ongoing 2023-24 Serie A campaign, he has contributed five goals and one assist in 11 appearances.
With a potential move for Vlahovic ruled out, Arsenal is reportedly considering alternatives in the form of Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
However, the Gunners are believed to be prioritizing the acquisition of a new midfielder for the latter part of the season.
Thomas Partey, who is reportedly on Juventus’ radar, could be allowed to depart in January due to persistent injury issues. Additionally, the contracts of Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are set to expire in 2024.
Dusan Vlahovic breaks his silence on January move to Arsenal