'Huge admirers' - Arsenal and Chelsea receive transfer boost in pursuit of £70m lethal striker

Arsenal and Chelsea look to have both been handed a boost in their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who could be sold if he doesn’t agree a new contract at the Serie A club.

Arsenal have been linked to several top strikers as their search for a number nine continues following a tough spell for Gabriel Jesus, who has struggled for form. The Gunners are said to be monitoring the situation of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and are also believed to hold an interest in Sporting CP attacker Viktor Gyokeres.

However, seeing as Vlahovic appears to be at a stalemate in negotiations over a new deal with Juventus, he could become available for the Gunners to sign. According to the Boot Room, Arsenal are ‘huge admirers’ of Vlahovic who has scored six goals in 13 Serie A games so far this season. He joined Juventus from Fiorentina in January 2022 for £70m, since scoring 50 goals in 118 games.

The Serbian’s contract expires at Juventus in 2026, meaning that if they fail to agree a new deal, the Italian club would look to sell him this summer to avoid letting him leave for free.

The report also states that Chelsea have an eye on Vlahovic, as they continue to consider adding another striker to their ranks amid Nicolas Jackson’s impressive form so far this season.

Arsenal and Chelsea face competition from Premier League rivals for Vlahovic

The two London sides aren’t the only English clubs to be linked with the Serbian attacker, as Manchester United are also reportedly interested.

The report suggests United could pursue Vlahovic as a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who have combined for just five goals so far this season.

However, it is arguably less likely that United would make a move compared to the likes of Arsenal, as they spent just over £100m on the aforementioned Hojlund and Zirkzee.

Could Arsenal sign a striker in January?

If the Gunners were to add Vlahovic, it would more likely be in the summer that Juventus would let him leave.

However, there have been reports suggesting that Mikel Arteta could bring in a striker in January to help with Arsenal’s title fight against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Victor Osimhen, Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are all names that have been linked with a move to the Emirates. Any of them could move in January, should Arsenal put in a bid that is deemed large enough by their respective clubs.