Arsenal have reportedly made an approach for Juventus outcast Dejan Kulusevski after Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic refused to answer their calls.
According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Gunners are determined to reinforce their front line with a purchase from Serie A in January.
The first choice is Vlahovic and Fiorentina would be happy to sell for €80m, but the same source insists Vlahovic’s agents are not even picking up the phone to Arsenal directors.
Instead, the London club is turning towards Kulusevski at Juventus, who is dropping down the pecking order for Max Allegri.
Formerly of Atalanta and on loan at Parma, Kulusevski has just one goal and one assist in 15 games for Juventus this season between Serie A and the Champions League.
The 21-year-old was purchased for €35m plus bonuses and is one of the players Allegri could sacrifice in order to bring in their primary target, who funnily enough is also Vlahovic.
Some of the issues with Kulusevski have been tactical, because although he primarily plays on the right wing of attack, he himself insists that he is happier in a trequartista role behind the strikers.
Juventus, per Kulusevski si muove l’Arsenal. Le news di calciomercato#SkyCalciomercato #Calciomercato #SkySport #Juventus #Juve #Kulusevski #Arsenal https://t.co/5FN3wE7UAH
— skysport (@SkySport) November 11, 2021
Arsenal, we’re just not that in to you.
I would sell Kulusevski in a heartbeat if it means Vlahovic comes to Juve ! Even if it meant Icardi coming to Juve I would do it – heck even if it meant paying down debts with no replacement i would do it ! in Cherubini we trust
Milan. Stick to making shoes…
I think Kulusevski is talented, no doubt, but I do not see him as a Max Allegri player in the long term. He drifts on and out of games, often holding on to the ball way too long, gets dispossessed too easily and doesn’t appear to have the heart to fight for the team. He is not alone in that, as there are several players in the squad with that issue and they need to be gone as soon as possible. He never looks happy, especially when he scores or assists and whilst his teammates are celebrating he looks as miserable as sin. I have been disappointed in him and I just don’t see him as the type of player we need right now. He is too much of a luxury and we cannot afford to carry any passengers right now.