Arsenal’s efforts to secure the services of the in-demand Dusan Vlahovic appear set to be met with disappointment.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Fiorentina frontman throughout the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to add to his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium.
With Vlahovic having netted 20 goals so far throughout the current campaign, he appeared like a perfect candidate. However, reports have suggested that the 21-year-old is edging towards a move to Juventus with the Italian giants having apparently agreed a £62million fee with Fiorentina for the striker’s signature.
That will certainly be a blow to Arsenal’s plans for the remainder of the window and indeed season if they don’t manage to recruit a forward.
However, with Vlahovic seemingly being on the verge of a move to Turin, the Gunners might actually have been inadvertently offered a great chance to sign an ideal alternative.
Should the Serbian arrive at the Juventus Stadium, this would likely see Paulo Dybala handed more competition for a starting berth.
Whilst that might not usually mean all too much, the Argentine sees his own future with Juventus called into question.
The former Palermo forward sees his contract with Juventus expire at the end of the campaign and with his current employers stumping up considerable fees for another forward option, he could well be tempted to seek pastures new.
Whilst the club will be keen to retain his services - especially after seeing him net 11 goals throughout the first-half of the campaign - current boss Max Allegri failed to confirm whether the Bianconeri will be able to call upon him beyond the end of the season.
Speaking on the striker’s future, he said: "Paulo is better physically, he is growing, he is very calm.
"This helps him because he’s freer to play, he has less responsibility, I’m very happy with what he’s doing. I think he will give us a lot between now and the end of the season."
Intriguingly, Dybala has been linked with a move to north London on many occasions.
Arsenal’s great rivals Tottenham Hotspur were close to securing his transfer two years ago as they attempted to find quality back-up for Harry Kane - with an image rights issue scuppering a move. The Gunners have also been recently labelled as huge admirers of the five-time Serie A winner.
So whilst the news of Vlahovic's imminent move to Juve will be a huge disappointment to Arsenal and Arteta, they could still profit and recruit their much sought-after striker.
