The transfer story of Dusan Vlahovic dominated the January window of 2022. The build-up to the window saw the club push to try and sign the then Fiorentina striker. However, a deal was unable to be agreed.
football.london understands that Edu tried everything possible to secure the Serbian forward but ultimately the player’s will to move to Turin won in the end to frustrate Arsenal, who failed to sign anyone in the window for the senior squad. Juventus acquired Vlahovic and he went on to help them qualify for the Champions League despite the club having a season below their usual standards and watching the Milan clubs vie for the title.
Now, however, Juventus find themselves under scrutiny as an investigation into the club’s business between 2019 and 2021 goes on. There have been suggestions that Vlahovic could leave just a year after he arrived, although a move to north London seems unlikely with the Gunners chasing other targets.
READ MORE: Why Gonzalo Higuain never signed for Arsenal after striker announces retirement 9 years later
However, Vlahovic could yet play at the Emirates Stadium as early as this Sunday. After being eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup, Vlahovic has returned to Juve who will travel to play Arsenal in a friendly this Saturday.
Thomas Partey, whose country was also eliminated in the group stages when Ghana were knocked out in Qatar, returned to the field yesterday (Tuesday) in the friendly win over Serie A champions AC Milan. Therefore, there is a good chance that Vlahovic could feature this Saturday, barring any injury.
This brings memories back of 2013 when in the Emirates Cup clash between Napoli and Arsenal, Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain was booed when coming on at half-time for the Italian side. Higuain had a drawn-out transfer saga with the Gunners in which he came very close to making a move from Real Madrid to Arsenal.
“I remember that I was on the verge of going to Arsenal when I went to Napoli, but they said I was too expensive,” Higuain said to TyC Sports. “And a few days later, they paid €80million for Ozil!”
Clearly, some resentment at Arsenal's U-turn on the deal remained years after it failed. But at the time fans were unknowing of the situation and took the opportunity to give the striker a far-from-welcome reception.
Vlahovic, should he start or play in any shape or form on Saturday, is likely to receive similar treatment. Although, due to train strikes, the capacity of the Emirates Stadium crowd is expected to be affected, with tickets still on sale for the game to the general public.
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