Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal trying to sign Dusan Vlahovic since October
Arsenal have been trying to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic since October last year, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners are determined to bring the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, but a deal appears far from straightforward at the current point.
While they have the funds to convince La Viola over a potential transfer, the main stumbling block appears on the side of the player and his agent.
Vlahovic wants to decide his future in the summer. His representative also favours the same route with the prospect of earning a higher commission as other elite clubs join the race.
Our view:
The Gunners are keen on pursuing a new striker this month, but there has been no progress in their pursuit of Vlahovic despite the frequent speculation.
The club are still pushing with a formal bid for him. With his contract expiring in less than 18 months, Fiorentina could be tempted to sell him this month.
Ultimately, the decision lies on Vlahovic and his agent. The next few days could determine whether the Gunners have any chance of persuading the marksman.
The club are not looking at alternative options as of now. The failure to sign Vlahovic could see them delay the purchase of a centre-forward until the summer.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been the club’s trusted strikers, but the former has fallen out-of-favour since his disciplinary breach.
The 32-year-old has returned early from AFCON after being diagnosed with ‘heart lesions’ following a bout of Covid. He could be out of action for a while.
This could yet hamper the club’s pursuit of the top four if Lacazette suffers a lengthy injury. Eddie Nketiah has yet to make a significant impact in the league.
A striker of Vlahovic’s calibre would provide a big boost in the Champions League race, but it appears an uphill battle to lure him before the end of the month.
The Serbian has been in peak form this term, bagging 20 goals and four assists from just 24 appearances.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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