Arsenal have reportedly failed with their first bid to sign Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
There were calls for the Gunners to acquire the services of a new striker in the aftermath of their disappointing FA Cup exit to Manchester United on Sunday.
That was a consequence of Kai Havertz squandering several opportunities in the final third, but there is now a greater demand for a fresh face in the final third courtesy of Gabriel Jesus's season-ending knee injury.
Although Havertz is expected to retain his place in the side for Wednesday's Premier League showdown with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Mikel Arteta has indicated that the club are working diligently behind the scenes to strengthen their squad.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal have already tried and failed to get a deal over the line.
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Juventus rebuff first Vlahovic bid?
The report suggests that Juventus have rejected a loan proposal for Vlahovic that has been presented by Arsenal in recent days.
Vlahovic's future is up in the air courtesy of just 18 months remaining on his contract and Juventus being keen for the Serbia international to avoid running down his deal any further.
That is despite the 24-year-old remaining as a key figure in the Juventus attack, contributing 11 goals from his 21 starts in Serie A and the Champions League this season.
Juventus are allegedly of the preference that they wish to sell the 24-year-old or oversee a loan exit which comes with the obligation to buy.
With Vlahovic having cost in excess of £70m in the past, there will be an acknowledgement that Premier League clubs are best placed and most motivated to try to acquire the services of the frontman.
As it stands, though, more negotiations are likely required to find a positive outcome, even with Juventus reportedly on the brink of signing Paris Saint-Germain attacker Randal Kolo Muani on loan.
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Is Vlahovic the right fit for Arsenal?
Arteta has rarely used a traditional number nine since the days of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, faith being placed in Havertz and the other attackers in the squad.
Havertz's return of 12 goals in all competitions during 2024-25 is respectable enough, yet Arsenal supporters have recently been left feeling what could have been through the Germany international's misses in front of goal.
Vlahovic is the physically-imposing number nine that most Gunners fans will insist they are missing, but that may come with Arteta having to tweak his tried-and-trusted style of play.
That said, with Vlahovic standing at 6ft 3in, he could emerge as another key asset at set pieces as well as benefitting from the work of Arsenal's creators.
Darren Plant
