Arsenal get transfer green light to sign £30m striker for free this summer

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Arsenal could be set for another opportunity to sign Dusan Vlahovic this summer after the Juventus striker failed to agree terms on a new contract with the Serie A club.

The Serbia international will become available as a free agent at the end of the month, with significant differences over wage expectations reportedly ending his four-year stay in Turin.

Vlahovic first emerged as an Arsenal target during January 2022 while at Fiorentina, though the Gunners were ultimately deterred by the substantial transfer fee required. The striker eventually completed a £66million move to Juventus instead.

Champions League factor

At the time of Arsenal’s initial interest, Vlahovic was also keen to join a Champions League club. The north London side had not featured in Europe’s premier competition for four consecutive seasons, while Juventus were regular participants.

The 26-year-old has since netted 68 times in 168 appearances for the Italian giants and was recognised as Serie A’s finest striker in 2024. However, his time at Juventus has yielded just one trophy – a Coppa Italia triumph.

Transfermarkt currently values Vlahovic at €35million (£30million), but his contract situation means he could depart for nothing when his deal expires.

Arsenal’s striker situation

Arsenal, fresh from winning the Premier League title, invested £64million in Viktor Gyokeres last summer. The Sweden international scored 21 goals in his debut campaign but found himself among the substitutes for crucial matches, including the Champions League final, with Kai Havertz preferred in the starting lineup.

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti had previously expressed his desire to retain Vlahovic, describing the potential loss as significant for the club’s attacking options.

“We’ve suffered the loss of Vlahovic like the bread and butter,” Spalletti said. “You can’t play football without someone with his characteristics, without a strong, physical threat who scores goals.”

The manager had hoped his directors and the striker would reach an agreement, but those negotiations appear to have reached an impasse.

Arsenal are expected to strengthen their squad further this summer, with suggestions the club could target both a new winger and centre forward. Vlahovic’s availability on a free transfer could present an attractive opportunity for Arteta’s side to add proven Serie A quality to their attacking ranks.