Chelsea and Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic has rejected a huge offer to leave Juventus but could still be on the move before the January transfer window closes.
Vlahovic, 24, has been heavily linked with a move away from Juventus during the winter window following a mixed spell in Turin.
Signed for £66m in January 2022, Vlahovic has scored 40 goals in 93 appearances for the Italian giants.
Despite his regular goals, there is a feeling Vlahovic has underachieved at Juve which is one of the reasons he could leave in the next week.
Vlahovic emerged as a target for several Premier League clubs during his spell at Fiorentina and Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with January moves as they look to bolster Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta’s options up top.
Both clubs have endured subdued transfer windows but Chelsea are said to be considering a move for Vlahovic as Nicolas Jackson continues to struggle in front of goal.
Jackson started the season well but has failed to find the back of the net in seven games, going over a month without a goal.
A number of pundits and former Chelsea players have questioned whether Jackson is at the level needed for the Blues to challenge for major trophies under Maresca.
Arsenal, meanwhile, look in desperate need for a new striker as Kai Havertz is the club’s top goalscorer this season with eight and Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the campaign through injury.
In a potential boost to the London clubs, Vlahovic has rejected an approach to leave Juventus and join Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
The club where Cristiano Ronaldo has resided since 2023 hoped to bring Vlahovic to Saudi Arabia before the transfer deadline and were ready to offer the player a huge contract.
But Gianluca Di Marzio says Serbia international Vlahovic has rejected the opportunity as he appears determined to remain in Europe.
Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos recently urged the Gunners to revive their interest in Vlahovic and backed the striker to help Arteta finally get his hands on the Premier League trophy.
‘Dusan Vlahovic could take Arsenal closer to the title, but Mikel Arteta has a clear idea of how he wants to play and who he wants in that nine position,’ Senderos told CasinoHawks.
‘We’ve seen Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz there, but Vlahovic is a fantastic player who has performed in the Italian league and been a success.
‘It’s difficult to judge him this season, but he could certainly have a big impact in the Premier League, why not.’
Meanwhile, another ex-Arsenal player – Nigel Winterburn – has named Vlahovic as one of three strikers his former club should be targeting in the final week of the transfer window.
‘Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked with Arsenal, as have the likes of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic,’ Winterburn told William Hill Vegas.
If you could guarantee Mikel Arteta that one of them can offer 20 to 25 goals a season, that would be great — but no one can guarantee that!
‘The Gunners need a striker to take them to the next level, and that is to win the Premier League.
‘I would take any of those strikers – it doesn’t matter which one. What matters is who scores the most goals for this team and is the best fit.
‘Each option comes with its own attributes, but the priority is finding the one who can deliver goals consistently to fire Arsenal to the title. Addressing this issue in the squad could drive Arsenal to a league title.’
Vlahovic came on as a late substitute in Juventus’ 2-1 defeat to Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as new loan signing Randal Kolo Muani started for Thiago Motta’s side and scored on his debut.
Serbian star Vlahovic is not the only player Chelsea are considering signing, with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho also linked with a surprising move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea defender Renato Veiga left the club earlier this week – joining Juventus on loan – while the likes of Joao Felix and Axel Disasi could also be set to leave west London before the February 3 deadline.
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