Former Arsenal target emerges as option as Real Madrid look to reinforce attack: Reports
La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing former Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic in the summer. The 23-year-old striker currently plies his trade for Serie A side Juventus.
Vlahovic made his career breakthrough in the 2020-21 season for Serie A's Fiorentina. He scored 21 goals in 40 appearances and was voted Serie A Best Young Player. In the following season, he upped his game, scoring 20 goals in 24 appearances for Fiorentina and Juventus.
Vlahovic's performances caught the eye of Arsenal in the winter transfer window during the 2021-22 season. Arsenal allegedly heavily pursued him however the Serbian decided to join Juventus on a four-and-a-half-year contract in a move worth €70 million.
Vlahovic hasn't quite hit the standards he set at Fiorentina so far, scoring 22 goals in 59 appearances for the Bianconeri. His 2022-23 season has been negatively impacted by a series of hamstring injuries, hindering his consistency.
However, this hasn't put Real Madrid off considering signing him in the summer. According to Fichajes.net, Vlahovic caught the eye of Real Madrid when he played for Fiorentina however they didn't sign him due to their heavy options in attack. This included the emergence of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes, and the in-form Karim Benzema.
Los Blancos are interested in signing the Juventus star in the summer. Karim Benzema's performances have slightly dropped this season and the Frenchman isn't getting any younger. The 35-year-old has contributed 29 goals in 38 games across competitions this season.
Meanwhile, if Juventus fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, they could be forced to sell Vlahovic. They are currently second in the league table, five points above fifth-placed AC Milan. He would most likely be an option to bring on from the bench for Carlo Ancelotti.
Moussa Diaby linked with a move to Arsenal and Real Madrid: Reports
Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. The France international operates on the right wing and is renowned for his high pace and dribbling ability.
Diaby has scored 14 goals in 43 appearances to date this season and has helped Bayer Leverkusen challenge for a spot in Europe next season. As per German journalist Patrick Berger, Diaby would cost £70 million to sign.
According to The Sporting News, both Arsenal and Real Madrid are interested in his signature. The Gunners considered signing him in January however Leverkusen did not want to sell then. After challenging Manchester City for the title all season in the Premier League, they will need more squad depth to remain competitive.
Los Blancos have allegedly had Diaby on their radar for a few months as Carlo Ancelotti wants a good enough rotation option for Vinicius Jr in the attack.