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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Wheatley

Arsenal sent Dusan Vlahovic message amid Mikel Arteta's nine crucial days to save their season

Knocked out of both domestic cups and struggling to score at home to Burnley - it's the January disaster that Mikel Arteta would have wanted to avoid.

Arsenal forged plenty of opportunities in the stalemate at Emirates Stadium but none of them found the back of the net.

Alexandre Lacazette, who sees his contract expire in less than six months time, missed a massive chance to hand the Gunners all three points.

The Frenchman has scored just one goal in his last seven and a half games (a penalty) and his performance sent another reminder to technical director Edu and manager Arteta as to why they need a new striker - and fast.

Burnley have won just one of their last 20 Premier League games and Arteta's screams of 'let's go' towards his players in the final few minutes weren't enough to push his team onto victory.

Dusan Vlahovic has been the main target throughout January but Arsenal have been unable to convince the Serb that Emirates Stadium is the perfect destination for him right now.

football.london understands that Vlahovic remains keen on a move to Serie A giants Juventus, while Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici maintains a close relationship with the 21-year-old's representatives, prompting suggestions that a summer move could be in the pipeline.

With Vlahovic looking unlikely, Arsenal's alternate forward targets include Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak, Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lille star Jonathan David.

The question remains whether the club can put together a package to entice one of the aforementioned names before the transfer window closes.

"The market is difficult, it's complicated, we knew that," said Arteta after the game.

Does he expect incomings?

"Well, we are certainly trying. I don't know if we'll be able to do it, but let's see."

A striker is not the only reinforcement Arsenal need this month.

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has been the subject of interest from the Gunners, who have so far been unable to agree on the terms of a loan agreement.

football.london understands that Monday and Tuesday next week will be key days in determining whether that deal will happen.

Arsenal went into the January transfer window needing a central midfield and striker at the bare minimum and they have nine days to ensure that those deals happen.

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