Nottingham Forest emerged as surprise frontrunners in the race to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, outpacing Premier League giants like Arsenal and Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest has made a surprise move in the transfer market by targeting Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian international has been a long-standing target for several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, but Forest’s European qualification has given them an edge in the race.
According to reports, Forest are showing strong intent under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with Vlahovic identified as a marquee signing to reinforce their attacking options.
Vlahovic, 25, has impressed with 56 goals in 143 appearances for Juventus since joining from Fiorentina in a £66 million deal in January 2022.
Despite his contract running until June 2026, stalled extension talks due to his refusal to accept a pay cut have prompted Juventus to consider offers in the region of £25-30 million. This valuation is significantly lower than their original £70 million asking price, making Vlahovic a more accessible target for clubs.
Arsenal has been tracking Vlahovic for some time, with their pursuit dating back to January 2022 when they submitted a £50 million bid for the striker while he was still at Fiorentina. However, Vlahovic opted for Juventus, and despite Arsenal’s continued interest, the club now appears to be prioritizing other striker targets, such as Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško.
As the transfer window heats up, Arsenal will need to monitor the situation closely and decide whether to pursue Vlahovic or focus on their current targets. With new sporting director Andrea Berta leading the club’s transfer strategy, Arsenal’s approach to the transfer market is expected to be more calculated and strategic.