Dusan Vlahovic has been dropped by Juventus for Randal Kolo Muani amid new links to the Premier League.
The Serbian striker, 24, was a big target for Arsenal in January 2022 before deciding to join JUVE in a big-money transfer. But three years later his future in Turin is in doubt.
Juventus beat a number of English clubs for a loan deal for Muani, who was the subject of interest from Tottenham. And comments made by Juve head coach Thiago Motta indicate he is now ahead of Vlahovic in the pecking order.
“Randal is a player we have been looking for, who can give us a lot of movement, not allowing the opposition defenders any points of reference,” he told Dazn ahead of Saturday night's trip to Napoli.
“In defense today he has important tasks to ensure that Napoli cannot pass the ball cleanly in areas that could cause us problems.”
When questioned about Vlahovic's omission from the starting XI, Motta added: “Vlahovic responded very well, he is a very positive leader in this squad.
“He comes back from a small injury, he has helped the team a lot and knows that he can be a very important choice from the bench to give us different characteristics in the second half to maintain or even increase the level throughout the 95 minutes. ”
Muani made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut, helping to retain his starting spot ahead of Vlahovic, who was linked with a move to Arsenal's Premier League rivals, Chelsea, earlier this week.
With Arsenal in need of a striker – and planning to do business this month – there has been speculation that the Gunners could yet rekindle their interest in Vlahovic, who made a £66million move three years ago.
Benjamin Sesko is widely known as the club's first-choice target when it comes to a new No. 9. But the Slovenia international is highly unlikely to be sold by RB Leipzig mid-season unless Arsenal table a monster bid for the frontman.
However, Owen Hargreaves suggested Arsenal should consider making another move for Vlahovic in midweek, telling TNT sports: “Juventus have just signed Muani; You would think that Vlahovic might be an option [for Arsenal]. He could be perfect for them, with his profile. '
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