Arsenal gaze barely wavers as striker with point to prove tipped to follow transfer path
Despite looking to have missed out on Dusan Vlahovic, Arsenal still have the chance to sign a Serbian striker this month, according to reports.
Vlahovic has been a top target for Arsenal for a number of weeks. They want to sign an elite centre-forward amid doubts over the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Thanks to his form for Fiorentina, Vlahovic has emerged as one of the outstanding young strikers in Europe. And with a contract expiring in 2023, the chances of a summer transfer are reasonable.
But that transfer now looks unlikely to be to Arsenal. Instead, Juventus seem to be leading the race for a forward also linked with Tottenham and Manchester City.
As such, Arsenal have been expanding their shortlist of strikers. Alternatives include Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton, Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad and Raul De Tomas of Espanyol.
The latter duo are playing in La Liga at present and there is another striker in the Spanish top-flight on Arsenal’s radar.
The Sun are among a number of sources to have reported of the chances of Arsenal signing Luka Jovic from Real Madrid in January.
Jovic is an international teammate of Vlahovic, but is struggling for gametime at club level. He is yet to start a La Liga game this season, but has one goal and two assists from 11 substitute appearances.
Arsenal have been mentioned as potential suitors for a while. Now, they could have the opportunity to take him on loan until the end of the season should they require.
Aubameyang may be offloaded since he is the club’s highest earner but has had a number of discipline issues, the latest resulting in him losing the captaincy. And Lacazette and Nketiah are both out of contract in the summer, so this week could be Arsenal’s last chance to cash in.
Jovic to follow frequent transfer path?
Mikel Arteta is keen for a high-pedigree player to fill the void if he loses some of his current options. Although against a short-term deal for a player for the sake of it, a loan for Jovic may appeal.
Still only 24, the former Eintracht Frankfurt hitman may have a point to prove. He has never played in the Premier League before, but has an appetite to play in England.
And Real Madrid may be willing to lend him to Arsenal. In fact, they have previously agreed deals to send Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard to north London.
Each initially joined Arsenal on loan; Ceballos returned to Real after two seasons but Odegaard signed permanently following his temporary stint. Jovic may be the next to follow the pathway from the Spanish capital to its English equivalent.
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