Arsenal are weighing up a January swoop for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski after being rebuffed in their efforts to sign Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, reports claim.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to recruit a new attacker to help maintain the club’s run of impressive recent form and had identified Vlahovic as a possible option, but it was reported that the Fiorentina man had refused to answer calls from the north Londoners.

Now Arsenal are launching their Plan B and are interested in making a move for out of favour Juventus star Kulusevski, according to Sky Sport Italia, with the player making just two starts this season under Max Allegri.

Kulusevski has a contract in Turin until 2025 – having signed as an exciting youngster from Parma in 2020 – but he will be keen on regular action to ensure he keeps progressing and fulfils his potential.

The Sweden international has one goal in 15 outings this term but has been restricted to substitute appearances and cup games.

Arsenal have won four in a row in all competitions and are unbeaten in their last ten – and the quality of Kulusevski would help elevate the team to another level as they look to make a push for the top four, with Arteta hoping to add support for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

It comes after they were handed a set-back in their pursuit of Vlahovic, who was rated at around £68million.

Arsenal were keen to do a deal after rivals Spurs were said to be put off by the fee, but Italian media suggested the player simply wouldn’t pick up the phone.

A possible explanation behind Vlahovic’s refusal to talk to the Gunners is there are suggestions that he has already struck a deal with Juventus to join them next summer.

Vlahovic currently has eight goals from 12 Serie A games this term including a hat-trick at home to Spezia at the end of October.