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Dusan Vlahovic explains why Arsenal snub was easy after favouring ‘glorious’ transfer outcome

Dusan Vlahovic joining Juventus

Dusan Vlahovic has denied it was difficult to turn down Arsenal after explaining why he is a perfect match for new employers Juventus.

Serbian striker Vlahovic was a major target for Arsenal, among other admirers, throughout the January transfer window. He would have taken their attack to the next level amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

Ultimately, the latter duo stayed (but are out of contract at the end of the season). But Aubameyang is completing a move to Barcelona and will not be replaced.

Arsenal could therefore regret missing out on Vlahovic – but it seems like they never had much of a chance once Juventus got involved.

The Serie A side signed the centre-forward from Fiorentina for a fee in the region of €80m.

And speaking at his unveiling press conference, Vlahovic has now confirmed it was a simple choice to sign for Juventus.

He said: “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 savings on Auba will enable a huge summer

Arsenal savings on Auba will enable a huge summer

They may have lost out big for now, but in the long run, Arsenal may have set themselves up for success.

Indeed, he emphasised his delight by saying: “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 the Juventus president and all the people that brought me here.”

Vlahovic unfazed by Ronaldo succession and Champions League

Dusan Vlahovic after his Juventus medical

Vlahovic will be wearing the number seven shirt for his new club, following in the footsteps of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

But the 22-year-old does not feel any pressure to have the number on his back.

He said: “The No.7 jersey represents nothing. All the numbers are important here. I chose it because it’s the closest to No.9.

“I am here to help my teammates and reach our targets. The shirt number is not important.

“Determination and commitment are what matter the most. I don’t care about the rest. The most important thing is to win games.”

Some of those games will be in the Champions League, a tournament Vlahovic has never played in before.

Eager to show he belongs at the top level, he added: “It will be thrilling [to make my Champions League debut].

“I try to work hard and be focused on myself. I try to be focused at any time, I don’t know where I’ll get, but I’ll give my best to go far.”

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