Arsenal have reportedly been in contact with Fiorentina over the transfer of star striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Arsenal have initiated contact with Fiorentina over the transfer of striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January window. The price quoted for the forward is around €80 million, something the Gunners have reportedly agreed to pay.
Dusan Vlahovic will take the big stage against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday as he hopes to inflict further problems on the Bianconeri. It would also give the Serie A giants the chance to gauge a striker they are very much interested in.
The Serb’s performances last season and this term have continued to attract interest from some of the best clubs across England and Europe. Manchester City have been linked with a move after they failed to lure Harry Kane in the summer and finished their transfer business without signing a striker.
Tottenham were also interested in the summer and were eyeing him to replace Kane, had the England captain left in the summer. Spurs are still keen and interested in making an offer next summer with technical director Fabio Paratici leading the charge alongside new manager Antonio Conte.
However, Arsenal have reportedly made the first move in sparking a possible transfer battle. The Gunners were interested in Vlahovic in the summer as they sought a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette. However, the north London side have now initiated contact with Fiorentina over a possible January move.
The price reportedly quoted by Fiorentina stands at €80 million, which Arsenal are willing to pay, including bonuses and performance-related payments. While it is understood Fiorentina might be open to accepting an offer from Arsenal, they might also weigh in on offers from other clubs keen on the star.
While a move in January is completely possible, Vlahovic is currently willing to wait on other offers to evaluate his options before finalising his next destination. It does not imply the Serbian striker is not interested in Arsenal, just that he would like to see the contents on his table.
With his contract expiring in 2023, Fiorentina are desperate to extract top value for their prized asset, particularly in January. If he stays until next summer, his current value might diminish as he has made it clear of his intention not to sign a new contract with the Serie A outfit.
Arsenal are rising under Mikel Arteta and have their strikers in good form at the moment. However, Lacazette is expected to leave in the summer when his contract expires, and so might Eddie Nketiah. Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has entered his thirties, which has prompted Arsenal to search for a long-term option.
Vlahovic, with his physical and aerial abilities certainly meets the Gunners’ criteria. While being a physical striker, he also has shown lethal presence in front of goal, and his prolific record in the last 18 months in Serie A has convinced Arsenal to part with €80 million if he is available for a transfer.
