<p>Arsenal seems likely to move on to plan B in their search for a new center forward. </p>



<p>The Gunners undoubtedly would love to make a move for reinforcements in the position, and others, during the January market. </p>



<p>However, a deal for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brentford-tv-schedule/">Brentford</a> striker Ivan Toney now appears to be unlikely after the fellow <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> club slapped a massive price tag on their star.</p>



<p>According to recent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brentford-set-price-tag-for-arsenal-target-ivan-toney-20240105-WST-481421.html">reports</a>, the Bees are asking <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> for around $125 million to sign Toney. The Gunners, and practically any other interested club, will unlikely meet this massive demand. It is widely expected that Toney is currently valued at a fee closer to $80 million. This is partially due to the fact that the striker has not played since May and only has 18 months remaining on his current contract.</p>



<h2>Juve exec claims that star striker is not for sale</h2>



<p>With Toney possibly unattainable at the moment, Arsenal may turn their attention back to Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian star was previously linked with a move to the north London club back in early 2022. Nevertheless, the forward eventually opted to sign with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> in a $90 million deal.</p>



<p>Although Vlahovic essentially rejected Arsenal two years ago, the Gunners are once again reportedly interested in making another attempt at the striker. After all, the north London club need to target a top center forward and they could do a lot worse than the Juve star.</p>



<p>While manager Mikel Arteta may soon attempt to pry Vlahovic away from the Italian side, Juve brass has other plans. Cristiano Giuntoli, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> team’s sporting director, recently claimed that the striker will remain with the club beyond January.</p>



<p>“Bid from Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic? We don’t know anything about that story, there’s nothing,” <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1742995999897841834?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Giuntoli. “Vlahovic is not for sale.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240106_WST_481691_imago1038125808h-1200x800_cdd08318.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-481719" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago1038125808h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago1038125808h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago1038125808h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago1038125808h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago1038125808h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Ivan Toney is another Arsenal target, with his suspension due to expire in January</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Vlahovic recently frustrated by lack of playing time</h2>



<p>Despite Giuntoli’s stance on the issue, Vlahovic has recently admitted to frustrations with manager Max Allegri over playing time. The center forward was recently left on the bench for a Serie A matchup with Frosinone just before Christmas. Although he did eventually enter the fray as a substitute, and score the game-winning goal, the striker claimed that it was difficult to understand starting on the bench.</p>



<p>“Surely it wasn’t easy for me to accept the coach’s decision, but I did respect his choice,” <a href="https://football-italia.net/juventus-star-vlahovic-admits-it-was-difficult-to-accept-allegris-decision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Vlahovic. “Given the way he speaks every day, those who are introduced are as important as those who start, especially with five substitutions.”</p>



<p>Vlahovic has started 11 of 17 total matches for Allegri so far this season. He was also left on the bench during Juve’s most recent Italy Cup fixture against Salernitana earlier this week. The Old Lady won the match 6-1 on the night, as Vlahovic featured in the last 14 minutes of the match.</p>



<p>Any potential move for Vlahovic, or any other striker, almost certainly depends on Arsenal’s ability to sell Eddie Nketiah. The 24-year-old striker typically serves as backup to Gabriel Jesus at the position. However, Nketiah has not exactly proven to be a prolific goalscorer off of the bench. In fact, the Englishman has managed to score just five goals in his last 32 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> appearances.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/crystal-palace-tv-schedule/">Crystal Palace</a> are looking at a possible move for Nketiah during the January transfer period. The Eagles would need to purchase the striker in order for the Gunners to target another player at the position.</p>



<p>Photo credits: IMAGO / Nicolo Campo : IMAGO / PRiME Media Images</p>

Arsenal may turn to Juve star in search for new striker

Arsenal could soon target Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic as the North London club looks for January reinforcements

Arsenal may turn to Juve star in search for new striker - World Soccer Talk


<p>Chelsea’s search for a new center forward could soon be finally coming to an end. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> have reportedly offered Dusan Vlahovic to the Blues in a potential swap deal. <em>The Old Lady</em> would like to sign Romelu Lukaku from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> outfit, but a fee has not yet been agreed between the two teams. Lukaku previously excelled at fellow <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> club <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter Milan</a>.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-vlahovic-sanchez-brighton-b1097914.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening Standard</a></em> is claiming that Juve would give <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> Vlahovic and cash in order to pry Lukaku away from West London. It remains to be seen exactly how much money Juve would offer in the package deal. However, Lukaku does not have a future at Chelsea and is looking to make the switch to Juve.</p>



<h5>Pochettino wants spending spree to continue</h5>



<p>New Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated that the club could buy yet another striker. This comes after Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have already arrived in Chelsea this summer. The duo has cost the club over $100 million combined in transfer fees. The team’s manager, however, is looking for additional options.</p>



<p>Pochettino revealed after his team’s victory against Fulham on Sunday that the market is still open for the club. “Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profiles or different players who can help us. Of course, we are open,” <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-pochettino-midfielder-striker-transfer-plans-b1097627.html?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1690756576" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Pochettino. “We need to analyze now in the next weeks until the transfer window closes. We will take the best decision for the team.”</p>



<h2>Vlahovic can provide Chelsea goals</h2>



<p>Chelsea struggled to score throughout the duration of their hugely disappointing 2022/23 campaign. In fact, the club averaged just one goal per game in the top flight. With the team needing obvious changes up front, Chelsea have allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Joao Felix, and Kai Havertz to all depart the squad this summer.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Why Chelsea can&apos;t score goals" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d9cT0vnt_WE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>Much like Chelsea, Vlahovic is also coming off of a down year. After scoring 29 goals in <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/dusan-vlahovic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357498" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">45 total games in 2021/22</a> with Fiorentina and Juventus, the Serbia international managed just 14 goals last campaign. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old striker may need a change of scenery to get back to his usual goal output.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO CREDITS: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT</em></p>


Juventus has reportedly offered Chelsea Vlahovic along with cash to Chelsea in order to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer.

Juventus offers Chelsea Vlahovic and cash for Lukaku


<p>A Vlahovic Chelsea move could suit everyone this summer. It seems rare that Dusan Vlahovic would be on the move so quickly. His goal-scoring prowess earned him a huge transfer fee and a transfer to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> in the winter of 2022, but his form has dipped.</p>



<p>Since joining the Bianconeri, he has performed adequately, although his influence has been less than hoped. The team from Turin has been through a lot recently, though. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, they have had several run-ins with the law and their resources have been lacking. Thus, they will let go of the Serbian international in order to recoup revenue via player sales.</p>



<p>Due to their ongoing financial crisis, Juventus are reportedly considering the possibility of parting ways with some of their players during the current summer transfer window. </p>



<p>Despite Vlahovic’s contract running until the summer of 2026, there appears to be a considerable likelihood that he will be shown the Allianz Stadium exit door.</p>



<h2>Luaku’s exit could facilitate Vlahovic Chelsea move</h2>



<p>Therefore, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> are contemplating a transfer for the Juventus striker, as per the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12301181/Chelsea-weigh-Juventus-striker-Dusan-Vlahovic-Mauricio-Pochettino-eyes-firepower.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a> and Italian newspaper Tuttosport. New Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino has shown interest in a number of forwards as the West London club looks to bolster its attack.</p>



<p>Last year, they had a difficult go of it and ultimately settled for a 12th-place finish. Their offense was severely lacking, and it was mostly responsible for their disappointing performances. The Blues just couldn’t produce and subsequently capitalize on scoring opportunities.</p>



<p>The Blues are thus eager to replace their current number nine in order to improve their offense. Romelu Lukaku’s impending departure amid the recent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-pull-out-of-lukaku-deal-for-bizarre-reason-20230715-WST-443499.html">links with Juventus</a> means they will be without a reliable striking option. Therefore, they want Vlahovic to join their team. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">Juventus bid for Romelu Lukaku ⚪️⚫️<br><br>◉ €37.5m plus €2.5m add-ons.<br><br>◉ Proposal ONLY valid if they’ll be able to sell Dušan Vlahović by August 4.<br><br>◉ Chelsea hope to sell Lukaku before August.<br><br>◉ Chelsea are NOT interested in Dušan Vlahović despite rumours of swap deal. <a href="https://t.co/JFecUBaoJr">pic.twitter.com/JFecUBaoJr</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1680213402944151552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Chelsea may have to battle PSG</h2>



<p>The Serbian may not have been a star performer for Juventus, but he could be an asset moving forward. The 23-year-old’s reported asking price of $100 million is more than Chelsea could pay. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, the Old Lady are adamant that he will not move on loan.&nbsp;Another team that is said to be interested in signing Vlahovic is Paris Saint-Germain.</p>



<p>Their pursuit of UEFA Champions League success may make them a more appealing option for Serbia international.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / LaPresse</p>


With Mauricio Pochettino looking for attacking solutions, a Vlahovic Chelsea deal could well be in the works

Chelsea evaluating potential move for Juventus outcast

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<p>Dušan Vlahović’s arrival at Juventus is the latest major move among the great talents in the soccer world.</p>
<p>The nearly $90 million transfer sum paid by the Old Lady to Fiorentina carries considerable pressure for the 22-year-old Serbian. Part of Juventus’s reasoning in acquiring the striker is his dominance in Serie A.</p>
<p>Oftentimes, players jump to different leagues and fail to adjust to the stylistic or physical differences. With Vlahović already playing, and <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/dusan-vlahovic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357498">thriving</a>, with Fiorentina since 2018, Juventus understood his capabilities.</p>
<p>Even then, Vlahović’s debut demonstrated how important a successful start is for a new signing. This is especially true for major clubs around Europe, such as Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and many others.</p>
<p>The reasons for a quick start come from different sources. Some of these are measurable. Pure goal-scoring is what a number of clubs bring in forwards to do. Managers can see whether or not a player has the technical ability early on. The same applies for midfielders, defenders and sometimes goalkeepers. There are specific tasks asked of each player, and whether or not they can accomplish them is a judgment made early on.</p>
<p>However, equally important is the mental side of things. There is a legitimate argument to be made that some signings need to warm up to a new league. Considering the difference in a league like Ligue 1 compared to the Premier League, a mental adjustment, and acceptance from teammates, coaches and fans are paramount.</p>
<p>Looking at the last couple of years, success stories abound. However, players often cannot live up to the hype surrounding them early on. These players receive a swift sentencing of ‘flop’ after a mere handful of games.</p>
<h3>How a successful start impacts a new signing</h3>
<p>Each January and August, the transfer windows conclude with at least one major name moving across Europe. Just in the past year, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Romelu Lukaku, Jadon Sancho, Dayot Upamecano and others all made this transfer window one for the record books.</p>
<p>With the multitude of transfers, different success rates exist.</p>
<p>Some players have thrived at their new clubs after summer transfers. For example, David Alaba, arriving at Real Madrid from Bayern Munich on a free, is a mainstay on the backline of Los Blancos. Similarly, Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White have Arsenal in the driver’s seat for the fourth spot in the Premier League.</p>
<p>That being said, some of the biggest transfers, in terms of coverage and cost, are not panning out like some clubs hoped. Jack Grealish, who cost Manchester City $130 million, has been good. However, with a price tag that high, City perhaps expected more out of the Englishman. The same applies for Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian looks like a shadow of the man who bagged back-to-back 30-goal seasons with Inter Milan.</p>
<p>Also, Lionel Messi, who left Barcelona on an undesired transfer, only has <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-messi/leistungsdaten/spieler/28003/plus/0?saison=2021">15 goal contributions in 20 games</a>. Not a bad tally, but certainly not the eye-popping numbers of his recent seasons at Camp Nou.</p>
<h4><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30 alignnone" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220216_WST_371141_05a32ae1626f5c1f7d85696095f5838de49ecaa8.webp&amp;width=768&amp;height=557" width="768" height="557"></figure></div></h4>
<h4>Developing in a new league or team</h4>
<p>No one can dispute Lionel Messi’s greatness at Barcelona. However, Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien and Ronald Koeman worked their play styles around the Argentine.</p>
<p>Messi entered a new team for the first time in his stories career when joining PSG in the summer. He joined a vaunted attacking duo of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Therefore, he lost some of the dependency Barcelona’s managers placed on him.</p>
<p>Also, Barcelona plays a very particular style. Albeit, the&nbsp;<em>Tiki-Taka&nbsp;</em>Barcelona of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola dissipated over the last decade. However, Messi still held on to it.</p>
<p>Perhaps this change in play style and supporting cast contributed to Messi’s slow start to the season. New team, new league and new country are things that could be daunting to a player who spent 21 years with one club.</p>
<p>This demonstrates how a fast start can benefit a player, and of course a team. For one, a fast start demonstrates success with different players, staff, philosophies and everything else around a player.</p>
<h5>Positions</h5>
<p>For some players, adjusting to a new team can be easier. Strikers are there to score. Get in position, snag a goal or two, and you are set. Sure, that is a blanket statement.</p>
<p>Romelu Lukaku is a striker. He is not the greatest on the ball, but his shot sets him apart from many of those who share the position. His struggles come from the change in formation compared to his time at Inter Milan. At the San Siro, Lukaku shared the spoils in front of goal with Lautaro Martínez. With Chelsea, Lukaku is alone up top. Tuchel prefers the deeper-lying forward to hold up play, rather than seek out scoring positions and bury the ball in the net.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/24/chelsea-take-hit-selling-lukaku-then-rebuying-him/">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Chelsea take financial hit selling then buying Romelu Lukaku.</em></p>
<p>The struggles early on compounded with a lack of chemistry with his teammates, forcing Tuchel into a rapid changes. This is a stark contrast from the solidity he felt with Martínez at the head of the line.</p>
<p>Lukaku’s inability to secure a successful start as a new signing served as a microcosm of frustration. The same can be said about Lukaku’s Chelsea teammate, Saúl Ñíguez.</p>
<p>Clearly, Saúl does not fit Tuchel’s eye. Despite being in the squad for 20 of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, the midfielder never wowed Tuchel, despite just one appearance in the first two months after his arrival. Now, Saúl is a background player at Stamford Bridge, seldom seeing the field.</p>
<h4>Confidence</h4>
<p>An interesting thing that is not measurable or purely identifiable is the mental side of a new signing. When looking at the players before, there is a simple way (at least on paper) to allow players to thrive. Lukaku needs a strike partner, Messi could use more of the ball, Saúl must <a href="https:\/\/www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/saul-niguez-thomas-tuchel-chelsea-21758483">‘work harder’</a> according to Thomas Tuchel.</p>
<p>However, confidence goes a long way, especially for a player entering an unfamiliar area.</p>
<p>In an interview with World Soccer Talk, LA Galaxy’s Jonathan Bond talked about the importance of confidence. Bond is a goalkeeper who spent several seasons in the Premier League, Championship and League One with a handful of sides. Even with a less-intense league like Major League Soccer, early confidence allowed him to shine in his debut season. His successful start for a new signing flew relatively under the radar in MLS.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“Some people seem to naturally have a lot more [confidence] than others. Confidence can be a fragile thing at times. It was important for me to get off to a strong start last season to win the trust of the fans and my teammates.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>The same applies to any other position, although goalkeeper gets scrutinized for the smallest mistakes.</p>
<h5>A sign of things to come</h5>
<p>Some positions, such as goalkeeper, have the metaphorical ‘monkey on the back.’ Although, that stigma generally gets thrown on goal-scorers.</p>
<p>Circling back to Chelsea, Timo Werner got off to a brutal start at Stamford Bridge after arriving from RB Leipzig. It took the German 15 games to score in the Premier League. For any other player, a <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9263939/Timo-Werner-reveals-delight-finally-ending-15-game-goal-drought.html">half-season-long goal drought</a> would destroy confidence. That is especially true considering the $58 million Chelsea shelled out for his services.</p>
<p>Flash forward a year, Timo Werner failed to live up to his billing. Now, the striker is still young. At only 25, he retains ample time to prove himself in the Premier League.</p>
<p>However, seven goals and 13 assists through 46 Premier League games is not a strong enough tally to thrive.</p>
<p>Look at a player like Philippe Coutinho. A star in the Premier League, Coutinho battled injuries and inconsistency upon his arrival at Barcelona. Despite flashes of his brilliance from Liverpool, Coutinho never won over the fans. To be fair, the Catalan fans were harsh on Coutinho, expecting him to be the replacement for Neymar.</p>
<h5>Overcoming sluggish starts</h5>
<p>The beauty about confidence is that it can be acquired. Thomas Tuchel did not help Saúl get his confidence on the field back. However, some players stick through tough beginnings to recoup some of the excitement.</p>
<p>Vinicius Junior debuted with Real Madrid as an 18-year-old. Despite the clear inexperience, Real Madrid fans howled at Vini, expecting him to be a world-beater upon arrival. He failed to deliver a successful start for a new signing. A pair of disappointing seasons cam as he grew accustomed to life outside of Brazil.</p>
<p>However, he now serves as Real Madrid’s most creative threat. In his third season at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Brazilian has 25 goal contributions in 30 games in all competitions.</p>
<h3>Building off a strong start</h3>
<p>When mentioning ‘starts’ for new clubs, that applies to the first handful of games.</p>
<p>Take someone like Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese arrived at Manchester United and made an immediate impact. The midfielder won Premier League Player of the Month for February, his first full month at Old Trafford. From then on, he became perhaps the most integral player for the Red Devils.</p>
<p>Although different positions, Dušan Vlahović will hope that his strong start can yield as successful as a return as Bruno.</p>
<p>If the debut goal means anything, he could be on his way. It certainly aids his confidence in a much brighter spotlight than what Fiorentina provided.</p>
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Incoming transfers carry a burden. In order to thrive, a successful start as a new signing is a requirement more than a request.

Dušan Vlahović and other new signings making a strong debut - World Soccer Talk

Dušan Vlahović and other new signings making a strong debut

<div id="attachment_362276" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-362276" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>There is no secret that Arsenal’s forwards currently have a scoring problem.</p>
<p>After all, the Gunners have managed just <a href="https:\/\/www.premierleague.com/clubs/1/Arsenal/results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">21 goals in 16 Premier League matches</a> so far this season. As of now, the club possesses two high-profile strikers up front.</p>
<p>However, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appear on the rumor mill as potential departures from the Emirtates. Lacazette’s current contract is ending in the summer, and Aubameyang was recently <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/14/aubameyang-stripped-of-arsenal-captaincy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stripped of his captaincy</a> and is supposedly open to a move away from the Emirates.</p>
<p>Whether Arsenal make a move for a new striker in January or the summer, reinforcements in this position is clearly a top priority. Listed below are five potential options for manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners.</p>
<h3>Arsenal’s potential forwards via the transfer market</h3>
<h5>Dusan Vlahovic</h5>
<p>Undoubtedly, Arsenal’s number one choice for a center forward in either January or the summer is Dusan Vlahovic.</p>
<p>The problem for the Gunners is that Vlahovic is every team’s top pick for a new striker. Media outlets link the current Fiorentina forward to Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona and pretty much any team in need of a young, promising forward. Competition, as well as the player’s preference, could prevent Arsenal from getting their man.</p>
<p>We have seen that this new regime can spend money, but clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG are tough to beat when they get involved in transfers.</p>
<p>The Serbia international has been a goal machine over the last calendar year. Since December 15th, 2020, Vlahovic has scored an astounding <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/du-scaron-an-vlahovic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357498" target="_blank" rel="noopener">37 goals in just 46 total matches</a> for Fiorentina. The combination of his goal record and the fact that he’s just 21 makes for plenty of gossip surrounding his future. Vlahovic will almost certainly depart Florence at some point in 2022.</p>
<p>However, Arsenal need some luck to land the striker ahead of other clubs.</p>
<h5>Jonathan David</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-362281 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211214_WST_362250_Jonathan-David-300x342.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=342" alt="" width="300" height="342" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Jonathan-David-300x342.png 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Jonathan-David-150x171.png 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Jonathan-David.png 348w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>If Vlahovic is Arsenal’s top target, Jonathan David could very well be their plan B. The Lille forward is currently <a href="https:\/\/supersport.com/football/france/top-scorers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading Ligue 1 with 11 goals</a> during the current campaign. Also just 21, David has managed to score 24 French league goals in just 55 matches since his arrival from Gent in 2020.</p>
<p>Able to play at the center forward position or as a second striker, the Canada international is a very dynamic player. Along with scoring goals, he also passes well and even helps out in defense with pressures that potentially lead to turnovers. Certainly, Arteta and the Arsenal will be aware of David’s ability outside of scoring goals.</p>
<p>As with everyone else on this list, the Gunners will have competition in their striker search. Liverpool, PSG, and West Ham share interest in David. Previously, the Canadian spoke of his dreams Although David as previously stated that he grew up dreaming of a move to Arsenal or Barcelona. If the Gunners miss out on Vlahovic, David could be a decent, and cheaper, alternative with a market value of about <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/jonathan-david/profil/spieler/533738" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40 million</a>.</p>
<h5>Dominic Calvert-Lewin</h5>
<p>A move from one Premier League side to another is a polarizing option for Arteta and company.</p>
<p><a href="https:\/\/www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1534782/arsenal-news-paul-merson-dominic-calvert-lewin-everton-premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arsenal fans appear to be split</a> on the possibility of Calvert-Lewin being a Aubameyang or Lacazette replacement. Those against the move point out Calvert-Lewin’s failure to be a true ‘elite’ goal-scorer. For instance, the England international failed to score more than 16 league goals in a season. Moreover, he is not quite as technically gifted as other potential options.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Calvert-Lewin is still just 24. He is far removed from the player in danger of earning more yellow cards than scoring goals. The current Everton forward managed to score 19 Premier League goals in his last 36 appearances.</p>
<p>Calvert-Lewin would give the Gunners a formidable presence inside the box with his aerial ability and poacher mentality. However, the 6’2 target man may not be a good fit with Arteta’s preferred playing style. Arsenal have a more active, fluid style going forward. Currently, Arsenal ranks 17th in crosses into the box so far this season in the Premier League.</p>
<h5><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-362277 size-medium alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211214_WST_362250_Alexander-Isak-1-300x348.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=348" alt="" width="300" height="348" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-300x348.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-600x695.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-150x174.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1-768x890.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Alexander-Isak-1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div></h5>
<h5>Alexander Isak</h5>
<p>Alexander Isak burst on to the scene as the successor to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Sweden. However, some critics peggded him as a flop as he failed to impress at Borussia Dortmund.</p>
<p>Even then, his time at Real Sociedad proved to be a revelation for the now-22-year-old striker. Since the start of the 2020/21 season, Isak scored 20 goals in 48 LaLiga fixtures. Not a world-beater output, but it shows significant potential. Although he is scoring below expected this season, Isak possesses a rare combination of size, 6’4, and pace. He has just three league goals in 17 games this season for Real Sociedad.</p>
<p>In spite of his lackluster start to the current campaign, Arteta and the Arsenal front office tend to see out players for their potential. Potential is something ever-present in Isak. As is the case with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, questions of a potential fit with Arsenal could be raised. Yet, the 22-year-old striker is certainly talented, and his addition would be a welcome one among Arsenal’s forwards.</p>
<p>The Gunners could face competition from Liverpool and Spurs, among others, in approaching Isak in 2022.</p>
<h5><span style="font-size: 16px;">Joao Felix</span></h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-362278 size-medium alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211214_WST_362250_Joao-Felix-300x400.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=400" alt="" width="300" height="400" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Joao-Felix-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Joao-Felix-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Joao-Felix.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Of all the players to possibly join Arsenal’s forwards, Joao Felix seems the most like a wild card.</p>
<p>Undeniably, Felix is one of the most-talented young players in all of Europe. Gifted with footwork and intelligence with passing, his fit with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid seems confusing. Simeone is one that does not seek out creativity, more so out-and-out defense into attack.</p>
<p>Statistically speaking, Felix never really racked up the goals and assists many predicted during his time in Spain. Regardless, Felix is not a typical center forward. In fact, he can mold into different attacking positions. That could be up front alone or as a second striker or occupying the flanks. We all know how much Arteta likes versatile players to fit the passing style of play.</p>
<p>The only issue with a potential deal for Felix would be competition. Much like Vlahovic, Felix would be wanted by most of the big clubs around Europe. In fact, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Liverpool all have interest in signing the 22-year-old. Felix’s mammoth player wages potentially would not be much of an issue assuming the Gunners move on from Aubameyang.</p>
<p>A lot would have to happen for Arsenal to land Felix, but he should be near the top of Arteta’s wish list for Arsenal’s forwards.</p>


Arsenal's forwards this season have been underwhelming. Potential exits for Lacazette and Aubameyang open the doors for the transfer market.

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