Chelsea and Arsenal handed boost in race to sign 24-year-old Serie A star following fresh transfer decision: Reports

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. They have also been handed a major boost as his contract extension talks with the Bianconeri have hit a standstill.

As per TEAMtalk, Vlahovic is likely to leave Juventus in January or next summer amidst recent incidents. After Juve's 2-2 draw against Venezia at home on December 14, the club's fans let their displeasure known to the players. While returning through the tunnel, Vlahovic appeared to make a sarcastic reaction towards the fans.

Moreover, as per TEAMtalk, manager Thiago Motta is also looking to sell Vlahovic among concerns over his defensive work. Hence, with his contract expiring in 2026, talks of new contract have hit a standstill. He might be available for around €50-60 million.

Arsenal have been linked with Vlahovic since his time at Fiorentina. They are again in the market for a striker amidst the struggles of the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. While Havertz has scored just five league goals this season, Jesus has yet to open his account. Chelsea have also recently enquired about Vlahovic.

The Serbian striker has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 19 games across competitions this season.

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Arsenal and Chelsea target Dusan Vlahovic appears to take a dig at Juventus manager

Dusan Vlahovic plays as a sole striker for Juventus and hence, also has some defensive responsibility in manager Thiago Motta's system. For Serbia, however, he often shares the role with Aleksandar Mitrovic. After last month's international break, the Arsenal and Chelsea target if he prefers the latter. He answered (via TEAMtalk):

“Yes, I like to play with another striker on the side. I get on well but it also depends on the coach. Definitely it is a bit easier because [Aleksandar] Mitrovic is a strong player who plays a lot with his back to goal and engaging in aerial duels and I can exploit my qualities.

“It’s also because coach Dragan Stojković did not force me to do so many defensive tasks. And for a player like me, for my frame…honestly I can’t run so much. Because then I am not fresh in the final third.”

Both Arsenal and Chelsea also play a lone striker system, which could potentially make him a tough fit for either club. He's scored 52 goals and provided 11 assists in 120 games across competitions for Juventus.