Arsenal transfer rumours rated: Gunners could raid Italy in January with Arthur, Kulusevski & Vlahović linked

Arsenal have a history of making big money moves in the January transfer window and that may very well be the case once again as Mikel Arteta bids to strengthen his side and keep up their push for a top four finish in the Premier League.

The Gunners broke their record transfer fee in the 2018 winter window to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and could be set to potentially do the same again next month.

With the futures of both Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette currently unclear and Eddie Nketiah turning down a new contract, a striker looks to be top of the agenda.

The club will also be one of several Premier League sides that have their squad hit by the African Cup of Nations with Nicolas Pépé, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny all headed to Cameroon.

Recent rumours have suggested that Arteta could look to raid the Serie A for players and here are some of the names who have been linked in recent weeks:

Premier League clubs alerted to Dusan Vlahovic situation

Europe’s top clubs were put on alert this week after it was confirmed that Serbian international striker Dusan Vlahovic had turned down a new contract with Fiorentina.

The 21-year old forward, who has scored 23 goals in 27 appearances for club and country this season, still has 18 months left on his current deal at the Artemio Franchi Stadium but this latest rejection may see Fiorentina cash in on the hitman while they still can.

Arsenal have been touted as one possible destination for the striker, who this week scored his 33rd calendar goal in Serie A to equal the current record held by Cristiano Ronaldo, but they would face competition.

Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be keen on Vlahovic while Newcastle United have also been in the conversation with their new Saudi Arabia backed spending powers.

Spurs are favourites to sign the forward (via SkyBet), should he leave in January,

While Vlahovic would no doubt be a brilliant signing, the Gunners not only face competition but could potentially have to stump up as much as £68 million - which would be just shy of their current record fee for Nicolas Pepe.

Juventus pair on Arsenal radar as former Barcelona star looks for regular game time

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo is another big name from the Italian top flight who has been linked with Arsenal in recent days.

Also linked with the Gunners is Melo’s teammate Dejan Kulusevski.

Both Arthur (25) and Kilusevski (21) are struggling for regular game time at the moment but that doesn’t mean that either will be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Swedish international Kulusevski only joined the Turin side last year and cost them €35 million from Serie A rivals Atalanta.

It is reported that the two clubs are currently some distance apart in valuation, with Arsenal looking to pay around €29.5 million and Juve not willing to sell for less than €40 million.

Brazillan international Arthur also signed for Juve in 2020, after two years at Barcelona, but has only been a bit part player at the Allianz Stadium this season.