Arsenal have made a first bid for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic but have had their loan offer for the Serbia international hitman rejected by the Serie A giants.

Arsenal have reportedly made their first official move to acquire Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, but their loan proposal for the Serbian international has been rebuffed by the Serie A club. The Gunners, under manager Mikel Arteta, have long admired Vlahović, who chose Juventus over Arsenal when leaving Fiorentina in January 2021 for a hefty €83.5 million fee. With Arsenal’s need for reinforcements upfront becoming more urgent, the North London club appears eager to revisit their interest in the 24-year-old.

The situation has been compounded by Arsenal’s recent struggles. Following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United, a Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United, and a frustrating Premier League draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, the need for an attacking boost is evident. Gabriel Jesus’ significant injury and Bukayo Saka’s continued absence have left Arteta’s team short on firepower during a critical phase of the season.

Juventus rejected Arsenal’s initial approach for Vlahović, which proposed a loan deal without a binding purchase clause. The Italian giants, who are reportedly close to securing PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani as a potential replacement, prefer either a permanent sale or a loan arrangement that includes an obligation to buy. This stance indicates Juventus’ intent to secure a long-term resolution for Vlahović’s future, potentially as part of a broader strategy to reshape their forward line.

The rejection has not deterred Arsenal entirely. Reports suggest the Gunners are considering a renewed approach later in the January transfer window. FootballTransfers previously disclosed that Juventus had offered Vlahović to Arsenal for a fee in the region of €55 million, reinforcing the idea that the player is indeed available for the right price.

While Arsenal’s interest in Vlahović is clear, the club’s transfer strategy remains calculated. Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy reportedly view RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško as their primary long-term target. However, Šeško is unavailable for transfer until the summer, which has forced Arsenal to explore alternative options for immediate reinforcements.

Vlahović, with his proven goal-scoring pedigree and physical presence, presents a compelling short-term solution. A six-month loan deal would allow Arsenal to bolster their attack without committing significant financial resources, especially if the agreement lacks an obligatory purchase clause. This flexibility is crucial for Arsenal, as it enables them to reassess their priorities in the summer, when they might pursue Šeško.

The potential arrival of Vlahović could provide Arsenal with a much-needed injection of quality in the final third. The Serbian forward’s skill set aligns well with Arteta’s tactical philosophy. Vlahović is a powerful and dynamic striker who excels in hold-up play, aerial duels, and finishing in tight spaces. His ability to link up with midfielders and wingers could complement Arsenal’s current attacking options, while his clinical edge in front of goal would address one of the team’s most pressing issues.

Statistically, Vlahović has performed admirably for Juventus this season, contributing 12 goals and three assists in 24 appearances. His consistency in front of goal and knack for creating scoring opportunities make him an attractive option for a side that has struggled to convert chances in recent weeks.

Arsenal’s cautious approach to the transfer window is rooted in their long-term planning and financial prudence. A loan deal for Vlahović, without an obligatory purchase clause, represents a low-risk move that aligns with the club’s objectives. If Vlahović were to excel during his stint at Arsenal, the club could revisit the possibility of signing him permanently in the summer, depending on Juventus’ demands and the status of other targets like Šeško.

From Juventus’ perspective, the reluctance to accept a loan deal without guarantees of a future sale is understandable. The Turin-based club is likely looking to recoup a significant portion of the €83.5 million they invested in Vlahović, and a straightforward loan arrangement does not align with their financial goals.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Vlahović also highlights broader concerns within the squad. Injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have exposed the team’s lack of depth in attacking positions. Arteta’s side has shown resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges this season, but the recent run of poor results underscores the need for reinforcements to maintain their competitiveness.

The team’s reliance on creative midfielders and wingers to generate scoring opportunities places additional pressure on the forward line to deliver consistently. Vlahović’s ability to operate as a focal point in attack could relieve some of this burden, allowing Arsenal’s creative players to flourish in advanced positions.

Juventus’ decision to reject Arsenal’s loan bid also reflects the competitive nature of the transfer market. With several clubs reportedly interested in Vlahović, Juventus are likely to wait until later in the window to assess their options. The arrival of Randal Kolo Muani from PSG could further influence their willingness to negotiate, as it would provide the Serie A club with greater flexibility in managing their attacking resources.

Arsenal must also contend with interest from other clubs, which could drive up Vlahović’s price or complicate negotiations. The North London club’s ability to secure the Serbian forward may depend on their willingness to compromise on certain terms, such as including an option or obligation to buy.

As the January transfer window progresses, Arsenal’s pursuit of Dušan Vlahović will remain a focal point of speculation. The Serbian striker represents a tantalizing short-term solution to the Gunners’ attacking woes, but the complexities of the deal and Juventus’ demands make it a challenging proposition.

Arteta’s calculated approach to the market reflects his commitment to building a sustainable and competitive squad. Whether through securing Vlahović, waiting for Šeško, or exploring alternative options, Arsenal’s ability to navigate this crucial period will play a significant role in determining the team’s fortunes for the remainder of the season and beyond.