Everton backed to agree 'bargain' deal to sign striker who Mikel Arteta 'loves'

Everton are plotting a move to sign former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as they aim to strengthen their centre-forward options.

The 26-year-old became a free agent after his Juventus contract expired last month, and his weighing up his options as he targets an immediate return to top-level football.

David Moyes is determined to strengthen his squad in attacking areas, with the Serbia international having been on the Toffees' radar for over a year.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Vlahovic is highly regarded by a number of Premier League clubs and could be a target for Everton.

The former Juventus forward has previously been keen on a move to the Premier League, and was a long-term target for Arsenal, with their pursuit led by Mikel Arteta.

After the Gunners opted to pursue other options, however, Vlahovic remained at Juventus and struggled to impress before opting to assess his next steps as a free agent.

Could Everton make a move to sign Dusan Vlahovic?

Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Everton are stepping up their plans to sign a new striker, with Moyes determined to improve on his current available options.

Vlahovic has been a long-term target for Everton, who originally considered a move to sign him when he was made available by Juventus in last summer's transfer window.

His availability as a free agent has now placed them on high alert, and there is a now a growing chance that they could make a move for the striker.

"Everton want to sign a new striker, and the opportunity to sign a free agent will be appealing," Brown told Football Insider.

"They don't have tonnes of money to spend, and the top strikers will cost a lot, so when somebody with Vlahovic's reputation becomes available, of course they will be interested.

"It's always a bargain if you can get a player in a position you need to strengthen on a free transfer.

"He was a target for Arsenal for a number of years, Mikel Arteta loves him, so it's clear there is a talented player in there even if he wasn't the most consistent at Juventus.

"There's obviously a reason they've let him go, but Everton will have done their due dilligence, they'll know the reasons behind it and whether it will be a concern for them.

"But he's a very highly regarded striker who has been on the radar of a number of Premier League strikers, so from Everton's point of view, he could be a very good signing."

How close did Arsenal come to signing Vlahovic?

Everton are emerging as new contenders for Vlahovic's signature, but the striker was linked over a number of years with a move to Arsenal which looked certain to happen.

The Gunners targeted the forward before his move from Fiorentina to Juventus, and were keeping a close eye on his performances in Turin.

Football Insider exclusively revealed at the start of the 2024-25 season that Arsenal were lining up a move to sign Vlahovic as he was expected to become available in 2025.

The striker was seen as a "Harry Kane-like" forward who would dominate as a typical centre-forward, rather than Kai Havertz playing a deeper role in the middle.

However, as a result of his inconsistent displays for Juventus, the Gunners opted to consider other options and instead brought in Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line.