Arsenal considering bold bid for €65m-rated striker this weekend after Ollie Watkins bid rejected

Arsenal are actively pursuing a new striker as the January transfer window nears its conclusion, with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic emerging as a potential target, according to TEAMtalk. The Gunners, who have been searching for attacking reinforcements following Gabriel Jesus’s injury, had initially set their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but saw a £40 million bid rejected earlier in the week. With Villa making it clear that Watkins is not for sale, Arsenal’s attention has now shifted to other options, including the Serbian international Vlahovic.

Arsenal’s urgency to sign a forward has been heightened by the long-term absence of Jesus, who is recovering from an ACL injury. As the Premier League title race intensifies, Mikel Arteta’s squad is in need of a reliable goal-scorer to bolster their attacking options, and Vlahovic could be the player to provide that. The 25-year-old, who joined Juventus from Fiorentina in a deal worth around £60 million in 2022, has shown his quality in Serie A, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances so far this season. Vlahovic’s physical presence, technical ability, and experience in Italy’s top flight make him a strong candidate to strengthen Arsenal’s front line.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Vlahovic is open to a move to the Premier League, where he could take on a new challenge after a couple of seasons with Juventus. Arsenal have reportedly been long-time admirers of the striker, and with the transfer window rapidly closing, the club may look to make a decisive move over the weekend. However, there are several hurdles Arsenal must navigate if they wish to secure the Serbian’s signature.

One of the primary challenges is Juventus’s requirement to sign a replacement striker before agreeing to sell Vlahovic. The Turin-based club recently secured a deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, but Juventus manager Thiago Motta has expressed doubts over whether the Frenchman can handle the responsibility of being the club’s main striker in both Serie A and the Champions League. This uncertainty, coupled with an injury to backup forward Arkadiusz Milik, has left Juventus somewhat reluctant to part with Vlahovic unless they are able to bring in another striker to bolster their options.

If Juventus does manage to sign another forward, they could be willing to sell Vlahovic for a reduced price, potentially lowering his current €65 million (£54.4 million, $67.4 million) valuation. This would open the door for Arsenal to make a more enticing offer, though it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will act quickly enough to secure the deal before the window closes.

Arsenal have also been linked with other forwards in recent weeks. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenian striker, is another name high on Arteta’s wishlist. Sesko has impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga and has been a consistent performer for Leipzig, but the German side is reportedly unwilling to let him leave mid-season. As a result, Arsenal may have to wait until the summer transfer window if they want to pursue a deal for Sesko, though a significant bid could still prompt Leipzig to reconsider their stance.

While the pursuit of Sesko may be put on hold for now, Arsenal’s immediate focus is on securing a forward to cover for Jesus in the remainder of the season. With just a few days left before the transfer window shuts, the club is under pressure to make a move that could ensure they remain competitive in the title race.

Despite the challenges, Arsenal’s interest in Vlahovic highlights their desire to bring in a proven goal-scorer capable of making an impact in the Premier League. The Gunners’ attack has looked potent at times this season, but the loss of Jesus has left a significant void in the squad. A player like Vlahovic, who is capable of leading the line in the Premier League, could provide the finishing touch to an attack that already features talented players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Leandro Trossard.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue Vlahovic will depend on Juventus’s willingness to sell and the club’s ability to secure a replacement. If Arsenal can negotiate a deal, they could add a key player to their squad just in time for the crucial final stretch of the season. If not, the Gunners may need to turn their attention to alternative targets in the summer transfer window, where they will likely face stiff competition for the best available forwards.

As the deadline approaches, Arsenal’s fans will be eagerly awaiting news of any potential signings. With a title race heating up and the club in need of reinforcements, Mikel Arteta will be hoping to secure a striker who can make an immediate impact and help push the team towards its goal of winning the Premier League. Whether that player is Vlahovic, Sesko, or another target remains to be seen, but Arsenal’s determination to strengthen their attack is clear.