Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing another prominent striker within the next two days, as manager Mikel Arteta and interim sporting director Jason Ayto search for alternatives to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal target forward in closing days of January window With the winter transfer window closing on February 3rd, Arsenal is running out of time to secure a reliable new forward following long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before the match-1 Arsenal made £50m bid for forward who netted 21 goals last season Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s desire to add a new attacking option, though it appears they will miss out on top target Watkins. Villa rejected their initial £60m offer earlier this week, and with Jhon Duran completing a lucrative move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, it’s clear Unai Emery will be reluctant to lose two key strikers in such quick succession.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League matches

Date

Man City (home)

February 2nd

Leicester City (away)

February 15th

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Villa may also have been frustrated by the timing of Arsenal’s bid, which came just before Villa’s Champions League win over Celtic, possibly souring relations with their Premier League rivals.

Now, attention shifts to potential alternatives to Watkins, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović emerging as a possible target.

The Serbian forward’s contract runs until 2026, meaning Juventus will need to make a decision about his future if they can’t reach new terms. Vlahović, on a reported £313,000-per-week salary, has netted 12 goals in all competitions this season.

Arsenal considering weekend bid for Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović As reported by journalist Rudy Galetti for TEAMtalk, Arsenal are contemplating an offer for Vlahović this weekend.

The former Fiorentina forward is open to a move to the Premier League, giving Arteta a boost as Arsenal prepare to make a potential bid for him, as he is said to be one of their primary targets.

However, negotiating a deal could be difficult, as Juventus has limited time to find a replacement. While Juve signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan earlier this month, manager Thiago Motta is uncertain if he can lead the attack alone as they aim for a Champions League spot next season.

If Arsenal can convince Juventus to part with Vlahović, he would significantly strengthen Arteta’s attack.

“I’ve been saying it for a long time,” said former Juventus striker Roberto Boninsegna about Vlahović’s talent.

“He’s strong, powerful, takes up space, and is a reference point. A courageous left-footed forward. A great centre-forward.”