Arsenal have re-ignited their interest in Dusan Vlahovic ahead of the January transfer window following the knee injury suffered to Gabriel Jesus. The Serbian international snubbed the Gunners in favour of Juventus in January, sealing a move to the Old Lady from Fiorentina, but he may arrive in north London one year later than many associated with Arsenal would have hoped.
Jesus, who arrived from Manchester City in the summer, looks set to be out until February at the earliest after undergoing surgery on his right knee. football.london understands that a wide player and central midfielder are the priority areas the club are exploring, but that may change slightly given Jesus' expected absence.
Reports in Italy claim that the Gunners have contacted Vlahovic's representatives to discuss a possible deal in January. Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport claim Arteta's side are one of many clubs to ponder the striker's future amid uncertainty over whether he'll stay with Juventus.
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The Gunners may be able to gain advantage in their pursuit of Vlahovic given Juventus' recent interest in Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. CalcioMercato report that the Italian outfit remain interested in Gabriel and see him as their left-footed defensive successor to Giorgio Chiellini.
The Brazilian centre-back has formed a formidable partnership at the centre of defence with William Saliba and while it is unlikely Mikel Arteta would sanction his departure, the potential arrival of Eintracht Frankfurt star Evan Ndicka could soften the blow.
However, that agreement seems set for the summer of 2023 following the expiration of the French defender's contract which would leave the Gunners with a gaping hole in defence for the remainder of the season.
The report does state that Massimiliano Allegri’s side are willing to offer £34.4million plus add-ons and midfielder Arthur - who is due to spend the whole season at Liverpool- on loan with an option to buy, for Gabriel. However, it is unlikely to be a deal that Arsenal green light.
The arrival of a top class striker in January does seem important given the injury to Jesus especially with his return date not set in stone highlighted by what happened to Liverpool's Luiz Diaz who was also recovering from a knee injury.
Allowing Gabriel to leave could be detrimental to Arsenal and given his importance it seems highly unlikely to go ahead, but the prospect of having Vlahovic for the next six months, with Gabriel going the other way, to help push the Gunners for the Premier League title may be a risk worth taking.
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