Arsenal in strongest position to sign Dusan Vlahovic this month

Arsenal are in the strongest position to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this month, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.

The Gunners have had an impressive season thus far, and are currently fourth in the standings with 35 points from 20 appearances.

The onus will be on extending the good run this year. A new striker could be pursued to boost their Champions League ambitions.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out-of-favour under manager Mikel Arteta, it is reported that the Gunners are keen on Vlahovic.

The north London giants are in the ‘strongest position’ to sign the Serbian marksman, as per Ornstein.

Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with him, but the Gunners are ‘best placed’ in meeting the price tag and salary.

Fiorentina have the option of signing Lucas Torreira after his loan stint. The Gunners could use him as a bargaining chip in the proposal.

Despite the positives, Ornstein says a deal is not close. The Gunners don’t appear Vlahovic’s preferred destination, but it could change.

Our view:

Aubameyang has been dropped for the past six matches following his disciplinary breach. He is now away on international duty.

Arteta has said that his situation will be assessed game by game, but it is reported that the former captain could be sold this month.

Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah could also be sold, having entered the final six months of his contract. He has already snubbed a renewal.

Elsewhere, Folarin Balogun looks set to leave on loan while Alexandre Lacazette’s future remains uncertain beyond the current season.

The Frenchman is eyeing a long-term renewal with the Gunners, but the hierarchy are reluctant to meet his demands as things stand.

Arteta has his sights on pursuing a new striker in advance. It appears Vlahovic is the prime target after his excellent exploits in 2021.

The Serbian netted a stunning 33 Serie A goals last year, matching the league’s record held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Vlahovic is effective in the box, he is not the best when it comes to defensive contributions or holding up play for his teammates.

The £63million-rated star is more of a traditional centre-forward, but has plenty of room for improvement at just 21.

With less than 18 months left on his deal, Fiorentina are likely to consider an early sale. It would be a big statement if the Gunners can land him.

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Read: Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun expected to join Middlesbrough next week.