Arsenal have Juventus duo Dusan Vlahovic and Fabio Miretti on their transfer wishlist for the upcoming January transfer window.

Arsenal have impressed this season and could be primed to make it back to the UEFA Champions League if not put a surprise title charge. Mikel Arteta’s rebuild consists of putting together a young side that is still finding its feet in the Premier League, but they could genuinely challenge for major trophies in a few years.

The biggest name of all the failed targets for Arsenal this year was undoubtedly Dusan Vlahovic. Vlahovic has found the net 44 times in 98 Serie A games for Fiorentina before moving to Juventus (stats via transfermarkt).

There were reports that Arsenal even tabled an official bid for the Serbian striker after he refused to extend his contract. Arteta had him on his wishlist since last summer.

Even after being aware of the Gunners’ concrete interest in him, Vlahovic was wary of the club’s chances of securing Champions League football for the 2022/23 season. Even Arsenal were sceptical of pursuing him wholeheartedly due to his high wage demands and exorbitant agent fees.

Juventus’ midfield star Fabio Miretti is also on Arteta’s wishlist. The Italian U21 international has become a key member of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad this term.

Why Does Arteta Want This Duo?

Dusan Vlahovic is an efficient finisher possessing good dribbling skills. The striker is known for his work off the ball and is also an aerial threat standing at 6’2. The left-footed Serbian striker is amongst the most prolific young strikers right now that every top team are looking to have in their ranks.

With his physicality and exquisite finishing ability, it is a no-brainer that Vlahovic is a perfect fit for the Premier League. Whether or not Arteta can strike up a deal for Dusan Vlahovic in the 2023 January transfer window remains to be seen, but if he does, it will certainly be a major boost for his rebuilding process.

Vlahovic has fired 12 goals in 22 Serie A outings for Juventus – including 5 in 7 appearances this term (stats via transfermarkt).

Fabio Miretti had taken his first small steps into Serie C with Juventus’ under-23 team, but in the 2021/22 season, he went to another level, becoming a key player in the under-23s, while also being one of the star players of that season’s UEFA Youth League as Juve made a strong run to the semi-finals.

Off the ball, he is a rugged, combative defensive player that presses with intensity and closes spaces quickly, always looking for interceptions to kick-start transition opportunities in attack.

In possession, he is a press-resistant, creative player that can play across a number of positions. Deep in midfield he can absorb the pressure and be a crucial line-breaking ball carrier that helps his team beat the first line of the press.

He can also play a box-to-box role, using his industrious attributes as a ball-winner, while also being given the license to be aggressive going forward. Or he can play as a pure number ten, where his creativity, dribbling and excellent ball-striking technique all come to the fore and he can do serious damage to the opponents.

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Stories on Dušan Vlahović and links to Arsenal move for January have been described as wide of mark by sources on both sides. ⛔️ #AFC

Vlahović, only focused on Juventus and Arsenal currently very happy with their strikers. pic.twitter.com/M6wJutp1nu

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2022

It seems unlikely that Juventus would be looking to sell Dusan Vlahovic within a year of securing his services, but that has not deterred Arteta. Similarly, Miretti is another name that the Turin side will be unwilling to part with, especially midway through the ongoing campaign.

Arsenal have a youthful roster, and the addition of Miretti and Vlahovic will certainly be a step in the right direction. Despite having an excellent start to the season, Arsenal may be looking to improve their squad depth because of the congested fixture schedule that comes with playing in the Europa League.

Fabio Miretti is certainly a midfielder with plenty of potential and he is someone who already understands what the environment is like. If he is given more opportunities with the seniors in 2022/23, his development as a footballer can progress further and the Bianconeri could have a midfield gem in their hands.

Arsenal will be looking at more alternatives with Mykhaylo Murdyk also being one of the priority targets.

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