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Not so long ago, Arsenal weren’t quite as an attractive prospect as they are now. They didn’t have Champions League qualification near-certain every season, and they weren’t in the picture for the Premier League title.

That’s when the Gunners first made a move for Dusan Vlahovic, but at the time the story was the striker wasn’t even interested in listening to what Arsenal had to say because he had his heart set on joining Juventus.

Despite that, there’s been claims this week of Mikel Arteta’s side preparing to swoop again for the Serbian striker. January was seen as possible, but a summer 2025 attempt considered much more likely.

The 24-year-old’s contract with Juventus runs until June 2026, and if they get to next summer without a renewal then tension will rise.

Agent Claudio Anellucci has been asked about this week’s Arsenal claims. He doesn’t represent Vlahovic and was therefore free to say whatever he wanted.

CalcioNapoli24 quote him as saying: “Vlahovic, for me, is overrated. I’m not crazy about him, in recent years he has brought home his goals but if we look at the chances he had and the goals scored, the average is low. Last year he should have scored 30 goals, but to do well he must always be at 100%, which he can’t do.”

Cutting, and perhaps Vlahovic’s perceived inability to consistently be on top form would be something for Arsenal’s scouts to consider.