Dusan Vlahovic, the Juventus striker, has denied the possibility of a January move to Arsenal. Despite ongoing links with the Gunners and interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Vlahovic has emphasized that he never came close to leaving Juventus during the summer transfer window.
Vlahovic, 23, joined Juventus from Fiorentina for a fee exceeding £62 million in the winter window of 2022. Financial challenges at the Serie A giants have fueled speculation about his potential departure. Recent reports from Italy suggest that Arsenal would need to pay £86 million to secure his signature in January, but Vlahovic has refuted any notions of an imminent exit.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic stated, “I didn’t experience it as a different summer from the others, from my point of view nothing happened. I have always been focused and calm, even during the tour in America when I missed the match against AC Milan due to a physical problem. I have always been calm.”
Addressing transfer rumors, Vlahovic added, “I was always sure I wanted to stay. The noises are always there, and they are part of the game; if we start listening to everyone, we can go crazy. I isolated myself and only thought about the retreat, and in the end, I’m very happy I stayed. It was what I wanted.”
While Arsenal has been linked with a January move for a striker, the return of Gabriel Jesus to fitness and improved performances from Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz may alter their transfer plans. The priority for Arsenal in January is believed to be a new midfielder.
Vlahovic has also disclosed that preliminary discussions for a new contract with Juventus have commenced. “I play in one of the most important teams in the world,” he said. “I am honored and proud, for now, I see myself here. I still have two-and-a-half years left on my contract, but we are in no hurry. [Juve sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli and my agent are already talking. I’m very happy to be here.”
