Arsenal determined to sign Dusan Vlahovic despite £150m cost

Arsenal are determined to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic despite costs amounting to £150 million, a report from The Mail claims.

The Serbian is regarded as one of the hottest properties in world football, having a netted a stunning 35 league goals during the last calendar year.

He has already rejected a new contract beyond June next year, and it has been speculated that the Serie A club could sanction his sale this month.

The Gunners are determined to land his services. It is now reported that they are willing to spend £150m. It includes his salary as well as agent fees.

The London giants are likely to meet the £58m price tag for the striker alongside his wage demands of £300,000-a-week (£160,000-a-week after tax) over five seasons.

His representative is proving a stumbling block towards a deal, but the Gunners could convince him with a commission of £15m to push through a move.

Our view:

Vlahovic has been in superb form over the past 12 months. In the current campaign, he has bagged 18 goals alongside three assists from just 22 games.

He has his sights on a bigger challenge away from Florence, but it has been repeatedly suggested that his agent wants to delay the decision until the summer.

However, La Viola could have the final say as they could cash in on him this month. The club could secure the best price for the highly-rated marksman.

The transfer fee does not come as a surprise, but the salary demands seem outlandish, given the Gunners have several players on significantly lesser wages.

Bukayo Saka for example is on just £40,000-a-week before tax. The attacker is due for a renewal in the coming months, and may make similar demands.

That would have a substantial impact on the Gunners’ wage structure and a precedence will be set with big salary hikes on future player contract renewals.

Vlahovic does not quite suit Mikel Arteta’s tactical system as he is not the best with his hold-up play and defensive contributions. However, he has a gifted scoring ability that can’t be denied.

It would be a big statement signing if the Gunners can land him. With a potential 10 per cent FIFA agent cap on transfer fees this summer, his representative could give in.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Read: Mikel Arteta speaks on Xhaka, Tomiyasu and Smith Rowe after shock FA Cup exit.