Juventus have reportedly hit a roadblock in negotiations over a new contract for Arsenal-linked Dusan Vlahovic.
The 24-year-old was one of the hottest attacking properties during the January window of 2022, eventually making the switch from Fiorentina to Turin.
Since settling in at Juventus, Vlahovic has made 107 appearances across all competitions, scoring 43 goals and helping his side to Coppa Italia glory last campaign.
Now under the reign of Thiago Motta, the towering forward has started the 2024-25 campaign in steady fashion, netting two goals across five Serie A matches.
Still in the early years of his career, Vlahovic has established himself as a key figure on the international scene, earning 30 caps for Serbia, including three at Euro 2024 in Germany over the summer.
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Arsenal handed major boost in Vlahovic hunt?
According to Calciomercato, Juventus are struggling in discussions with Vlahovic and his representatives over an extension to his contract at the Allianz Stadium.
Signing on a big-money deal in 2022, the 24-year-old is contracted to the Turin-based club until the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, meaning that both parties are entering a crucial time in their association.
The Old Lady are keen to avoid a situation similar to that of Federico Chiesa, who left for just £10m to Liverpool in the summer with just a single year left on his contract.
An extension to the summer of 2028 or 2029 is supposedly the plan for Vlahovic's contract, although the player himself is not looking to rush into an agreement, assessing his options and seeing how the team progress under new boss Motta.
There is hope on the side of Juventus that talks over a fresh contract can resume at the end of the calendar year, just in time for the January transfer window.
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Arsenal waiting in the wings?
With Vlahovic's contract situation rumbling on in Italy, it has been reported that Arsenal are considering a swoop for the Serbian during the summer window of 2025.
Although to good effect, the Gunners are operating without a recognised striker in their side, with Kai Havertz representing the focal point of Mikel Arteta's attack.
There are questions over whether Arsenal can push Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race without a prolific marksman at the tip of their forward line.
Gabriel Jesus is a natural option for the Gunners in that role, but Vlahovic would offer a more commanding presence for the North Londoners, arguably in the mould of Erling Haaland in terms of physique.
Carter White
