Arsenal are reportedly leading the charge in the transfer pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic, a prolific striker who scored an impressive 50 goals across all competitions last season. Manager Mikel Arteta has given the green light for the deal to be their first major signing by the January transfer window, and fans are already celebrating the latest developments. The move could potentially reshape the attacking line for the North London club in a much-needed effort to solidify their title aspirations.
The proposed operation involves a swap deal with Juventus, involving Gabriel Jesus heading to Turin while Dusan Vlahovic makes his way to the Emirates Stadium. According to Spazio J, Juventus is reportedly considering this strategic move as part of their forward-thinking approach, while Mikel Arteta is desperate for a clinical goalscorer to address Arsenal’s struggles in the final third.
Gabriel Jesus has struggled to cement his place as a consistent goalscorer since joining the Gunners from Manchester City in 2022. Although flashes of brilliance have been evident, his ability to convert chances into goals regularly has fallen short. His current inconsistency has placed pressure on Arteta to explore alternative options ahead of the January window, and Vlahovic now appears as the most promising candidate.
Vlahovic, a Serbian international, is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe at the moment. His record of 50 goals last season highlights his elite finishing ability, a skill Arsenal desperately need. His style offers power, agility, and clinical precision, a perfect match for Arsenal’s system under Arteta. Notably, Vlahovic’s contract with Juventus is set to expire in 2026, and recent reports suggest wage demands and contract renewal issues could create uncertainty around his future in Turin.
As per reports, Juventus are said to be open to parting with Vlahovic for a fee of €70 million (£60m), which would likely pave the way for this potential swap deal. For Juventus, Gabriel Jesus would represent a technically gifted alternative who aligns with the attacking philosophy of manager Thiago Motta. His versatility could prove useful, especially as Motta considers other options such as Joshua Zirkzee—who worked with him at Bologna.
For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, this swap deal could solve their biggest issue in the transfer market this season: the lack of a clinical finisher. Despite having talent like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, the Gunners have lacked the final push in their attack to ensure consistent wins over their rivals. Gabriel Jesus has shown flashes of his potential but has also faced his fair share of inconsistency, with his 27-year-old status suggesting time could be running out for his role at the club.
It is noteworthy that Arsenal were already linked with Vlahovic back in January 2022 when the striker chose to join Juventus instead. Arteta has since kept a close eye on the striker, and Vlahovic remains a prime target for the club. A swap deal involving Jesus would allow Arsenal to minimize financial outlay while addressing their striker woes with one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen.
Vlahovic’s stats from this season have proven impressive, netting 12 goals in 20 appearances for Juventus. His ability to find space and convert chances makes him a prime candidate for Arteta’s system, which has struggled to consistently convert possession into goals this season. His physicality, combined with technical brilliance, could make him an instant success at the Premier League level.
Juventus’s willingness to sell Vlahovic could stem from a few factors, with his reported wage demands creating challenges for the Italian club. Juventus have faced financial issues in recent years, and their efforts to balance wages with their competitive goals could lead them to consider a move for Gabriel Jesus. While Jesus may not be considered as prolific a goalscorer as Vlahovic, his technical ability and experience playing in high-pressure situations could make him a valuable asset.
The swap scenario would undoubtedly be a calculated gamble for all parties involved. For Juventus, signing Jesus could offer them a dynamic forward with versatility, adaptability, and Premier League experience. Meanwhile, for Arteta and the Gunners, replacing Jesus with Vlahovic could be the solution to their finishing woes, offering them a powerful, proven goalscorer ahead of the business end of the season.
However, the question remains whether Jesus would embrace a move to Juventus. At 27 years old, he is still a key figure at the Emirates and has shown flashes of the talent that convinced Arsenal to sign him from Manchester City in the first place. His relationship with Arteta could complicate matters, though with his goalscoring struggles this term, a fresh start with Juventus could provide a much-needed reset.
As this transfer saga continues to unfold, the January window looks set to provide plenty of drama for Arsenal fans. If successful, this swap deal could give Mikel Arteta the attacking firepower he’s been seeking to challenge the Premier League’s top contenders and secure their spot in next season’s Champions League spots.
Juventus’s Thiago Motta has shown a preference for a technical, intelligent forward rather than a purely physical striker—something Gabriel Jesus could provide in spades. Jesus’s ability to adapt in wide areas and his pressing ability could fit seamlessly into Juventus’s plans under Motta, while Vlahovic would bring the consistent goals Arsenal have sorely lacked this season.
The next few weeks will undoubtedly be crucial as both clubs weigh their options. Juventus must decide if they’re willing to part with their star striker for €70 million and replace him with Gabriel Jesus. Meanwhile, Arteta will have to determine if swapping out a struggling striker for a proven European goalscorer will prove the difference in the second half of the season.
Fans on both sides are already excited about the possibility. Arsenal fans have celebrated Vlahovic’s arrival as a potential game-changer, while Juventus supporters remain divided over the departure of one of their most lethal marksmen. This proposed swap could mark the beginning of a transfer saga that will have consequences for years to come.
Should the deal go through, Arsenal will have completed one of the most exciting transfers of the winter window and could find themselves with one of the most lethal attacking partnerships in world football. Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team will likely monitor this situation closely as they hope to close the deal before the window officially opens.
As the clock ticks toward January, it’s clear this transfer window could define Arsenal’s push for the title. Will Dusan Vlahovic be their first January signing? And will this deal allow Mikel Arteta the firepower to finally cement their title ambitions this season? Only time will tell, but the prospect is tantalizing for all parties involved.