Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could be on the verge of concluding a three-year transfer mission this January, with the club poised to capitalise on a unique market opportunity.
Gunners' Long-Standing Admiration for Serbian Striker
The north London club have maintained a firm interest in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic for several seasons. Their pursuit dates back to January 2022, when the Serbian international was at Fiorentina. At that time, a move to the Emirates Stadium failed to materialise, with the player opting for a switch to Juventus and the reported transfer fee proving a significant obstacle for Arsenal.
Now, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Vlahovic, 25, is entering the final six months of his contract with the Italian giants. According to reports, he has scored 64 goals and provided 16 assists in 162 appearances across all competitions for Juventus. Despite this productivity, his time in Turin has been punctuated by injury problems, and he is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery for a tendon avulsion.
A Changed Landscape for Arsenal and Vlahovic
When Arsenal first showed serious interest, the club had not qualified for the Champions League for four consecutive seasons, which was reportedly a factor in Vlahovic's decision. Today, Mikel Arteta's side are not only back amongst Europe's elite but are also topping the Premier League table, holding a two-point lead over Manchester City.
This resurgence, built on a successful summer that brought in players like Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, and Viktor Gyokeres, makes the project far more attractive. From January 1st, 2026, Vlahovic will be legally permitted to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign clubs, meaning Arsenal could secure his signature without paying a transfer fee.
Strategic Decision for the Forward Line
The key question for Arsenal's hierarchy is whether their striking needs have evolved. The significant investment in Viktor Gyokeres suggests he is the long-term focal point. However, the chance to acquire a player of Vlahovic's calibre for free represents a remarkable piece of business, offering elite competition and depth as the club fights on multiple fronts.
While Vlahovic has not ruled out extending his stay in Italy, the ticking clock on his contract strengthens the position of interested parties like Arsenal. Andrea Berta, now in a key recruitment role at the Emirates, may see this as the perfect moment to finally secure a player who has eluded the club for years, turning a once-costly saga into a potential bargain.
