Philippe Senderos Urges Arsenal to Revive Interest in Dusan Vlahovic
Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos has called on his old club to reignite their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Swiss international believes the Serbian forward has the quality to help Arsenal bridge the gap in their quest for the Premier League title.
Arsenal have come agonizingly close to lifting the Premier League trophy in the past two seasons, finishing runners-up to Manchester City. However, their inability to clinch the title has reignited debates about the need for a proven goalscorer in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Currently, the Gunners' striking options are limited. With Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, and Leandro Trossard as the only senior forwards available, Arsenal’s attack lacks the depth and firepower required for a sustained title challenge. Injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have only magnified these concerns.
Vlahovic: The Missing Piece?
Senderos, speaking to CasinoHawks, emphasized Vlahovic’s potential to transform Arsenal’s fortunes. “Dusan Vlahovic could take Arsenal closer to the title,” Senderos said. “He’s a fantastic player who has performed well in the Italian league and could certainly make a big impact in the Premier League. Why not?”
Vlahovic has been a standout talent in Serie A, known for his clinical finishing, physical presence, and ability to lead the line. While his current season with Juventus has been challenging, his track record suggests he could thrive in a team built around attacking flair, such as Arsenal.
Arteta’s Tactical Vision
However, integrating Vlahovic into Arsenal’s system may not be straightforward. Arteta’s preferred style of play demands a versatile striker capable of dropping deep, linking up play, and pressing intensely—a role Gabriel Jesus has performed admirably when fit.
Senderos acknowledged this challenge, noting, “Mikel Arteta has a clear idea of how he wants to play and who he wants in that nine position. We’ve seen Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz there, but Vlahovic could add a different dimension.”
Opinion: A Risk Worth Taking
Adding Vlahovic to Arsenal’s ranks could be a game-changer. His profile as a natural goalscorer complements the creative talents of Martin Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli. While questions remain about how seamlessly he would adapt to Arteta’s philosophy, the potential rewards outweigh the risks.
The Premier League is unforgiving, and depth in the forward line is essential for any team aspiring to dethrone Manchester City. Arsenal’s current reliance on a handful of players in attack is a gamble that could derail their title ambitions, especially in a long and grueling season.
Conclusion
With the January transfer window approaching, Arsenal must assess their options carefully. Vlahovic represents a rare opportunity to secure a proven striker capable of delivering in big moments. If Arteta and the board are serious about ending the club’s title drought, reigniting their interest in the Serbian star should be a priority.
As Senderos aptly put it, “Why not?” For Arsenal, the time to act might just be now.