Dusan Vlahovic can now join Arsenal after his contract with Juventus expired on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Serb is a free agent and was previously linked with the Gunners in 2022.
What happened?
Dusan Vlahovic was one of Europe's most in-demand forwards when he left Fiorentina in a £66million transfer four years ago. Arsenal had lodged an offer worth around £60m that same summer, but he chose Juventus instead.
Why it matters for Dusan Vlahovic
Mikel Arteta looks content with Viktor Gyokeres as his leading man, but Arsenal may be wise to add another frontman of a similar profile to their options. Dusan Vlahovic's experience and goal-scoring record make him an attractive option.
What comes next?
Dusan Vlahovic was sparsely used this past season and started in only 13 of his 23 total appearances, but he still recorded 10 goals in that time. His value is underlined by his ability to score goals despite limited playing time.
Antonio Cassano, the ex-Italy striker, had previously said that Dusan Vlahovic's decision to join Juventus was "sensationally wrong". He believed that Vlahovic needed to make an intermediate step to a team like Arsenal, Tottenham, or Sevilla.
Dusan Vlahovic had responded to Cassano's claims, saying that he never talked to anyone about Arsenal's offer and that Juventus was always his first choice. He felt honoured to be given the Juventus jersey and identified with their DNA.
The Gunners haven't missed out by not having Dusan Vlahovic among their ranks, as they won the Premier League in their first season after signing Gyokeres as their new frontman. However, they may now endeavour to find depth at striker beyond the Swede.
Dusan Vlahovic's contract expiration has sparked interest from Arsenal, and it remains to be seen whether he will join the Gunners this summer. His experience and goal-scoring record make him an attractive option for the Premier League champions.
At 26 years of age, Dusan Vlahovic is still in his prime and has a lot to offer. His ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates makes him a valuable asset to any team.
The transfer window is now open, and Arsenal are looking to build on their Premier League title win. Dusan Vlahovic's availability has sparked interest from the Gunners, and it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga unfolds.