This season has been full of ups and downs Arsenal yet.
Mikel Arteta The team has dropped points in games they shouldn't have had, such as last weekend, but then bounced back with an emphatic win as they did against Monaco.
However, while much of the team was unpredictable and far from their best, Bukayo Saka He has taken another step forward and has now cemented himself as arguably Arsenal's best and most important player.
So, recent reports linking the club with a striker who could help the Hill End icon improve should leave fans incredibly excited.
Arsenal transfer news
According to A A recent report from Caught OffsideArsenal is interested in signing the Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic In January.
The report revealed that Arteta is pushing the club to make a move for the Serbian international next month, who is valued at €70m by the Old Lady, which translates to around £58m.
However, the Gunners are unlikely to have the freedom to make a move for the talented striker, with the report also claiming that Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are 'monitoring' his situation.
It would likely be a complicated and expensive move to get over the line, but given Vlahovic's incredible ability, it is one worth pursuing, especially as it could help Saka reach another level.
Why would Vlahovic make Saka better?
So, to get straight to the point, there is one main reason Vlahovic makes Saka better: his raw production.
Yes, over the past few seasons, the Serbia international has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer, so playing him in midfield over the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz would increase the Gunners' mercurial number seven's assist tally.
For example, since the start of the 22/23 season, the Belgrade-born “scoring machine”, as he has been called U23 scout Antonio MangoAnd it was recorded He scored 42 goals and provided nine assists In just 98 games, which equates to an average goal involvement every 1.92 games, during a period when Juventus were far less dominant in Serie A.
On the other hand, the former Chelsea player scored a goal He scored 33 goals and provided 10 assists In 120 games, that amounts to a reasonable but less impressive average of 2.79 goals every 2.79 games.
Finally, Jesus, who replaced Havertz, scored He scored 20 goals and provided 17 assists In 88 matches over the same period, that amounts to an average goal share every 2.37 matches.
|
Vlahovic vs Havertz vs Jesus |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
2022/23 |
|||
|
Appearances |
42 |
47 |
33 |
|
Objectives |
14 |
9 |
11 |
|
Helps |
4 |
1 |
7 |
|
Goal + assists per match |
0.42 |
0.21 |
0.54 |
|
2023/24 |
|||
|
Appearances |
38 |
51 |
36 |
|
Objectives |
18 |
14 |
8 |
|
Helps |
3 |
7 |
8 |
|
Goal + assists per match |
0.55 |
0.41 |
0.44 |
|
2024/25 |
|||
|
Appearances |
18 |
22 |
19 |
|
Objectives |
10 |
10 |
1 |
|
Helps |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Goal + assists per match |
0.66 |
0.54 |
0.15 |
|
All stats via Transfermarkt |
|||
However, his form this season has been so poor, it seems his future lies elsewhere.
With that being said, it is quite clear that Juve is an 'exceptional' striker. Journalist Ollie Spencer called itHe is the most effective of the three, so just imagine how many goals he will be able to score playing alongside Saka, who has already scored. 12 assists in 21 matches.
Likewise, having a more traditional number nine to his left would help the 23-year-old Englishman reach another level.
Ultimately, while Havertz and Jesus are good team players, Vlahovic appears to be the superior striker.
Therefore, Arsenal must do what they can to sign him in January.
