Vlahovic cites ‘DNA’ in Arsenal snub explanation
Dusan Vlahovic says he snubbed Arsenal to join Juventus as he has “similar DNA” to the Turin club.
Arsenal had chased Vlahovic for the best part of a year and ramped up their bid to sign the Fiorentina star as they sought a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is set to join Barcelona.
READ MORE: January 2022 Premier League transfer window: the losers
But the Serbia international and his representatives reportedly refused to even hold talks with the Gunners and the 22-year-old instead moved to Serie A giants Juventus for €80m.
Spurs, Man City and Newcastle had also been linked with the striker, who explained his decision to join Juventus.
“I am thrilled and proud to have signed with Juventus. A glorious club. I am ready to give my best for the team and obtain great results. I want to thank Juventus President and all the people that brought me here,” Vlahovic said during his unveiling press conference.
“There were many rumours about foreign clubs, but the choice was easy because the club and I have a similar DNA. Fight and suffer when needed. I think it’s part of my mentality as well, so the choice was not difficult.”
Arsenal’s chase and ultimate failure to land Vlahovic left them little time to find an alternative, and has left them with just two recognised strikers – Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah – for the remainder of the season.
Kevin Campbell claims Arsenal are playing a dangerous game.
He said: “If Aubameyang had stayed at the club he’s still an asset, he still would have been the best striker at the football club, so maybe you try and mend that bridge.
“But obviously things broke down to a point where they thought it was right to get him out of the club and there were two or three takers for Aubameyang. He wanted to go to Spain, Barcelona obliged, Arsenal got the deal done and they move on.
“I think Lacazette and Nketiah isn’t strong enough. Lacazette is obviously very experienced and a very good player. Nketiah is not the answer – he’s going to be leaving in the summer.
“I think Arsenal should have done business. They’ve been linked with Vlahovic, Isak and a whole host of strikers, but they’ve brought nobody in. I think they’re playing a bit of Russian roulette.
“There’s holes in the squad, even more holes now as they’ve thinned the squad down tremendously.
“The Arsenal bench could look like an advert for Mothercare with bottles and Farleys Rusks with the amount of youngsters they could have. It’s a very difficult game Arsenal are playing.”
