As Arsenal edge towards a potential Premier League and Champions League double, Mikel Arteta’s squad could be strengthened by one of Europe’s most proven strikers on a free transfer this summer.
According to reports, the Gunners are among several elite clubs monitoring Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović, whose contract with the Italian giants expires on July 1. The Serbian international is set to depart Turin without a transfer fee after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal.
Vlahović is understood to be seeking £7 million per year, while Juventus have offered around £5 million in previous negotiations. The stalemate has opened the door for a high-profile free transfer, presenting a rare opportunity for top clubs to secure a proven goalscorer without a hefty compensation package.
A Familiar Name for Arsenal Fans
This is not the first time Arsenal have been linked with the 26-year-old. Back in January 2022, Vlahović was the club’s primary striker target before he opted to join Juventus from Fiorentina in a £67 million deal. Now, years later, he could arrive at the Emirates Stadium for nothing.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo highlights Arsenal’s continued interest as they prepare for the business end of a historic season. With just two Premier League games remaining and the title within touching distance, the Gunners are also 90 minutes away from their first-ever Champions League triumph. They face reigning champions PSG in the final in Budapest, potentially with the domestic crown already secured.
Squad Fit and Tactical Sense
Questions remain about whether Vlahović is strictly necessary at Arsenal, given the current attacking options. Viktor Gyökeres has been a standout performer since his arrival last summer, while Kai Havertz has shown flashes of quality despite injury setbacks. Gabriel Jesus is widely expected to depart this summer following recurring injury issues, which has seen him drop down the pecking order, with versatile midfielder Mikel Merino occasionally deployed up front when fit.
However, Vlahović could provide genuine competition and depth. The Serbian shares a similar physical profile to Gyökeres — tall, strong, and powerful in the air — making him a natural fit for Arteta’s system. Adding him on a free transfer would allow Arsenal to maintain two high-level options at striker without major financial strain, especially if Havertz were to move on.
Strong Competition for His Signature
Vlahović is far from short of suitors. Atletico Madrid have reportedly been offered the player via an intermediary in the last 24 hours. Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also closely following developments.
Barcelona, in particular, could emerge as strong contenders. Robert Lewandowski has announced he will leave the club this summer, creating a vacancy at the top of their attack. Given the Catalan club’s well-documented financial challenges, signing an established, high-quality striker like Vlahović on a free transfer with manageable wages represents an attractive solution.
What Happens Next?
For Juventus, losing a player of Vlahović’s calibre for zero compensation marks a significant miss in contract management. For Arsenal, the situation offers a low-risk, high-reward chance to add depth to a squad on the verge of greatness.
Whether Arteta pulls the trigger will depend on how the next few weeks unfold — both on the pitch in the Premier League run-in and Champions League final, and off it as transfer planning accelerates. One thing is clear: a Champions League-level striker is about to become available for free, and several of Europe’s biggest clubs are ready to pounce.