Arsenal have been linked with a shocking return for former transfer target Dusan Vlahovic, according to recent reports. The Gunners were interested in a move for the Serbia international back in January as Mikel Arteta looked to bolster his forward options going into the latter half of the season.
The 22-year-old snubbed a switch to the Emirates in favour of Juventus though, leaving the Gunners without a new striking option after the window closed. Arteta had to wait until the summer window to add a centre-forward to his ranks, picking up Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
The Brazilian has impressed so far, scoring four and assisting three in seven Premier League appearances so far this season in the Premier League. "He’s all energy," the manager said on his new number nine. "You see his enthusiasm, he’s always smiling, he’s always talking to his teammates and apart from that I think he brings a different level of desire and commitment and enthusiasm, so I think it’s really good."
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There may be concerns over the options beyond Jesus though, should he be hit with injuries or a rough patch of form in the coming months. Academy graduate Eddie Nketiah remains the only senior first-team option to play as a centre-forward in a natural capacity.
Links to the likes of Tammy Abraham and Vlahovic have been growing in recent weeks as a potential striker import in the January transfer window. However, the latter is one that has gained a lot of traction, especially combined with Juventus' recent financial troubles.
A report from 90Min claims the Gunners are "happy" to hand the striker a way out of the Turin-based club, however his stance is that he has no interest in leaving the Bianconeri. It could hand Arteta yet another blow if he wants to continue adding strength in depth to the squad.
However, it also reaffirms that interest in a move to Arsenal wasn't on the cards, with the manager only looking for players committed to join the cause in the transfer window.
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