Chelsea are ready to match Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic, a move that could put a huge dent in the Gunners' January plans, it is claimed.
Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcements has become more urgent in recent weeks. After Bukayo Saka was ruled out for a long period following hamstring surgery, the club confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
That leaves Mikel Arteta's side thin up front, and renewed pressure on Vlahovic is suggested as a solution. The Gunners tried to sign the Serbian international from Fiorentina in January 2022, but he opted for Juve.
The Turin side could be willing to sell for the right price, potentially providing Arsenal with a solution to their injury problems. If the latest reports are to be believed, their fellow Londoner Chelsea could throw a spanner in the works.
“We are actively looking at the market to improve the squad,” Arteta said before confirming the extent of Jesus' injury. “We have been doing that since day one. It would be naive not to do that, because it is an opportunity to evolve and improve the team.”
According to The Times, Vlahovic is not an immediate target for Arsenal, despite the Gunners being urged to revive their interest. The same publication suggests Chelsea could make a move for the 24-year-old, with Renato Veiga heading in the opposite direction in the summer.
Vlahovic scored 18 goals in all competitions last season and has already scored 12 this season. However, only seven of these came in Serie A, with Thiago Motta's side finishing in fifth place despite being unbeaten in their first 21 games.
Chelsea's ties with Vlahovic come amid uncertainty over Christopher Nkunku's future. French striker Nkunku is reportedly keen to return to the Bundesliga, where he scored 58 goals in his last two seasons at RB Leipzig.
Nkunku missed the start of last season due to injury and has played second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson this season. He has scored just twice in the league but has scored seven goals in as many Conference League games to help Enzo Maresca's Blues reach the round of 16.
Chelsea are also still linked with Alejandro Garnacho, who could leave Manchester United this month. The winger's agents were spotted at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening as Chelsea defeated Wolves in the Premier League, although Napoli are also reportedly keen on a move.
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