Arsenal keeping tabs on star striker who previously snubbed Mikel Arteta ahead of January transfer window

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Arsenal are casting their eye over long-time target Dusan Vlahovic, talkSPORT understands.

The Juventus striker is facing an uncertain future in Turin as his contract moves into its final 18 months.

It's believed that Juventus could be willing to cash in on the forward if he fails to agree a new deal before next summer.

And it has led the Gunners to monitor developments regarding the 24-year-old.

Vlahovic‘s contract situation could force Juve into accepting a loss on the striker having signed him for £66million from Fiorentina in January 2022.

At the time, Arsenal were heavily linked with securing his services in their quest to secure a top four finish.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had been frozen out by Arteta, leaving Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as the club’s only strikers.

But the Serbia international ultimately snubbed a move to the Emirates in favour of Turin, where he has since scored 48 goals in 111 games in all competitions.

Speaking to The Telegraph in 2022 about the transfer saga, Vlahovic said: “Maybe my agent knows [about Arsenal's offer] but I never talked to anyone about it.

“I just had one club in my mind because Juventus is Juventus. There is nothing else to say.

“And now I feel honoured to be given this jersey. It's incredible every time I put it on.

"I definitely identify with their DNA. The Juventus personality coincides with my personality.

“When you come here you never give up, you fight all the time, you make the sacrifices. This was definitely what I was looking for."

Vlahovic, who scored the winner in the Old Lady’s Coppa Italia final with Atalanta last season, has found the back of the net seven times this term.

Arteta is believed to remain a huge admirer of the player, with it remaining to be seen if Arsenal formalise their interest in Vlahovic in January.

Arsenal may be hoping that Vlahovic could offer the goals that would see them finally come out on top in the Premier League title race.

A 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday means that the Gunners are now four points behind league leaders Liverpool after eight games played.

And wouldn’t you just know, Arteta’s side face Arne Slot’s men next in the top-flight, with Liverpool looking to avoid a third consecutive league defeat at the Emirates.