Arsenal are looking to sign Inter Milan forward Stevan Jovetic, but might face stiff competition from Russia, according to reports from the Italian media.
Jovetic, who had an unsuccessful couple of years at Premier League club Manchester City, was loaned off to Inter Milan last summer. However, according to a certain clause in the loan deal, Inter Milan are obligated to pay €14.5 million for Jovetic’s transfer to the San Siro this summer.
The main problem with this move is that Inter Milan are reportedly not too keen on signing Jovetic, as he has not been convincing for the Nerazzurri with his performances last season, when he managed to score only six goals from 26 appearances in the Serie A. The likelihood of Jovetic staying at Inter Milan is even smaller if manager Roberto Mancini also stays at the club, according to reports.
According to a report in Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport [via Football Italia], Spartak Moscow are prepared to make an offer that would take Jovetic to the Russian Premier League.
However, the 26-year-old is reportedly not too keen on a move to Russia. Instead, reports suggest that Jovetic has his mind set on a return to the Premier League. According to a report in Calciomercato, Premier League giants Arsenal may be interested in bringing the Montenegro international to the Emirates.
Despite Jovetic’s interest in a return to the Premier League though, Arsenal are yet to make any official offer for the player, according to the Calciomercato report. Spartak Moscow, on the other hand, are said to be the only club to have tabled an official offer for Jovetic.
Jovetic to boost Arsenal’s forward line?
While Jovetic had shown a lot of promise in his early years at Fiorentina, the Montenegrin forward has fallen flat ever since his move to Manchester City in 2013. A move back to the Serie A has not really helped Jovetic either, as he has only scored six goals in 26 league appearances.
However, a move to Arsenal could be mutually beneficial for both parties. With Danny Welbeck suffering from a long term knee injury, Jovetic is likely to be the understudy of France international Olivier Giroud.
While this would not ensure a start in every match, it would give the 26-year-old regular action in a top league, something that might bring back his scoring touch. Also, Jovetic is a better passer of the ball than Giroud and could give the Gunners a different dimension without losing the aerial threat that the Frenchman brings to the table.
