Arsenal willing to pay Fiorentina’s asking price for Dusan Vlahovic over four years
Arsenal are willing to pay Fiorentina’s €75 million (£62.5m) asking price for Dusan Vlahovic over a period of four years, according to Independent.
The Gunners are determined to sign the 21-year-old striker this month as he could boost their prospects of qualifying for the Champions League.
They are prepared to meet the price tag for his services, but there is a hinging point with La Viola wanting the majority of the transfer fee up front.
The north London giants prefer to pay the sum over four years. Meanwhile, it is reported that the player and his agent could delay a decision until the summer.
Vlahovic will enter the final year of his contract in July. A release clause will become active by then which could attract interest from several European clubs.
The Gunners have a clearer run to sign him now. Vlahovic is ‘at least open’ to considering the move, given the club’s impressive progress this season.
Our view:
Vlahovic is one of the most sought-after players in European football at the moment, having bagged a stunning 35 goals for his club over the past year.
Hence, he will come with a premium fee. The buy-out clause is unclear, but La Viola’s stance suggests that it could be lesser than their current asking price.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has said in the past that he should not have to convince a player to join the club.
The club’s hierarchy are unlikely to be pursuing Vlahovic’s signature unless they have a feeling that the player would fancy a move in the coming weeks.
With the club looking to seal a loan move for Arthur, there is an indication that they could be willing to spend big to land Vlahovic before the transfer deadline.
Over the past couple of seasons, the club have generally opted for staggered payments on new signings, but they did pay the full £45m release clause for Thomas Partey.
Considering this, a winter deal for Vlahovic could be on the cards, but it could drag until the final days of the transfer window as the club aim to lower the initial payment.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
‘Read: Arsenal could sign Arthur Melo on one condition.
