01 May 2023 , 10:41
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Not so long ago, back when Arsenal were aiming for just Champions League qualification rather than title triumphs, manager Mikel Arteta was keen on making Dusan Vlahovic the main man at the Emirates.
The Serbian striker had attracted plenty of admirers as a result of his fine form in front of goal for Fiorentina. A number of the continent's biggest clubs were keeping tabs on the situation until eventually it became a two-horse race between Arsenal and Juventus.
Perhaps it was something to do with his prior Serie A experience, but Vlahovic opted to remain in Italy and put pen to paper on a deal with Juventus, snubbing the project the Gunners are building in the process.
That has since gone on to appear like the wrong decision, or a "sensationally wrong" decision according to ex-Roma and Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano.
While Vlahovc has been struggling to make things work in Turin under the guidance of Max Allegri, Arsenal have since signed Gabriel Jesus last summer and are on course for a top-two finish this term.
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Vlahovic is currently without a goal in 10 games and is cutting an increasingly frustrated figure, which has sparked fresh rumours over his club future beyond this summer. Yet again, Arsenal have emerged as a potential destination.
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Potential Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic has endured a torrid time of it at Juventus this season (Getty Images)According to Turin-based newspaper La Stampa, the forward's agents are keen on moving Vlahovic on and have since offered him to both the Gunners and German giants Bayern Munich.
A report in Four Four Two magazine suggests that the Serbia international would be open to a move to Arsenal now if Arteta reciprocates the interest in a potential deal. It is already clear that the Gunners boss thinks highly of Vlahovic from the previous pursuit.
Despite his poor form, Juventus want as much as the £62million they paid for Vlahovic if they are to sanction a departure in the summer.
Arsenal may have bolstered their front line in the form of Jesus, but his serious knee injury this season has already proven how difficult it will be for the Gunners to adapt if something similar were to ever happen again.
With that and some of the Brazilian's recent wasteful finishing in mind, there is every chance Arteta is interested in reigniting a move for Vlahovic as Arsenal aim to battle Manchester City for the title once again next season.
As Vlahovic's agents put feelers out to determine interest in their client, Arteta will be wary over the fact he missed out on the Serbian once and will do well to not have it happen again.