Arsenal, Chelsea to battle for Dusan Vlahovic in January?

Arsenal and Chelsea could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic during the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old was heavily linked with Arsenal during his time at Fiorentina, but it was Juventus that won the race to sign him in January 2022.

Vlahovic has scored 16 goals and registered four assists in 36 appearances for the Old Lady in all competitions, including seven goals and two assists in 15 outings this term.

The Serbia international has a contract in Turin until June 2026, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future with the Italian giants.

Juventus are said to be under pressure to make a big sale at the start of 2023 following their failure to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League.

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According to Corriere dello Sport, Vlahovic's agent Darko Ristic is working to secure an exit for his client, with a number of clubs keeping a close eye on the situation.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are said to be monitoring developments.

However, the report adds that Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to make moves 'immediately', with the Premier League pair determined to sign new forwards during the winter market.

Despite seemingly being open to a sale, Juventus would still allegedly want 'in excess of £80m' to let Vlahovic leave during the January window.

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Arsenal have lost Gabriel Jesus to a long-term knee injury, although Eddie Nketiah has scored in his last two Premier League appearances against West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Nketiah only has two league goals this term, though, and Mikel Arteta's Premier League title hopefuls are keen to add another forward this month.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are also working to sign a new striker during the January market, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only managing one Premier League goal this season.

Kai Havertz is the team's leading goalscorer in the league with four, but Armando Broja only has one, and Graham Potter's side are currently down in ninth spot in the Premier League table.