Arsenal will spend Christmas at the summit of the Premier League following their remarkable start to the season - but there is currently a major sense of deja vu at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta was desperate to add more firepower to his squad in last year's January transfer window after dispensing with the services of club captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang. With Aubameyang out of the picture, Arteta and Edu had their sights set on one man to replace the Gunners' former talisman: Dusan Vlahovic.
Now, 12 months on, the Serbian striker is believed to be back on Arsenal's radar, with a move not out of the question due to Juventus' crippling financial concerns.
Vlahovic, 22, was one of Europe's most coveted forwards after plundering 49 goals in 108 games for Fiorentina and Arsenal were one of his most high-profile suitors.
Speculation rumbled on all winter as Vlahovic edged closer to a Fiorentina exit. However, the sought-after striker opted to remain in Serie A by joining Juventus - much to the dismay of Arteta.
It was claimed at the time by Pablo Bentancur, the agent of Lucas Torreira, who was playing alongside Vlahovic after being loaned to Fiorentina, that Arteta had been left "angry" after missing out on his top transfer target.
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Speaking back in February, Bentancur said: "Now, Arsenal are a bit angry because they wanted Vlahovic. Fiorentina wanted to sell him, but the agents said he had to go to Juventus - you always do what the player wants."
After missing out on Vlahovic, Arsenal were light on attacking options during the second half of the season and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The Gunners have rebounded from that setback and have thrived after capturing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in the summer. The Brazilian, who won four Premier League titles during his stint at the Etihad, has proven to be the elite No.9 that Arsenal were searching for: bringing goals, endeavour and a winning mentality to the club.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, their new talisman now faces up to three months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery; and in a bizarre twist of fate, Jesus' absence has seemingly nudged Arsenal back towards Vlahovic.
Juventus are open to selling their No.9 to raise some much-needed funds, while the Gunners are once again seeking attacking reinforcements in a bid to keep their unlikely title dream alive.
But rekindling their interest in Vlahovic could once again have an unhappy ending. Italian outlet Tuttosport have already claimed that Vlahovic is more than happy to snub the riches of the Premier League and remain in Turin.
Arsenal decided to keep their powder dry after missing out on Vlahovic last January. And while they have reaped the rewards after acquiring Jesus in the summer, their decision to forego any January signings had a disastrous impact on their 2021/22 campaign.
Vlahovic didn't appear to be particularly keen on joining Arsenal back then. If he isn't angling for a move 12 months on, then Edu cannot afford to let lightning strike twice.
