Arsenal have reportedly tabled an improved offer for Dusan Vlahovic to convince Fiorentina and get ahead of the queue of clubs vying for the Serbian.
According to Corriere Fiorentino, Arsenal have lodged an improved bid for Dusan Vlahovic as the Gunners remain intent on securing the striker ahead of the competition.
Dusan Vlahovic has followed up on his 21-goal haul from last season to light up Serie A in the current campaign. With 12 goals from 15 games, the Serbian is two clear of nearest rival Ciro Immobile in the goalscoring charts. However, his contractual situation with Fiorentina has put him on the market, with several sides vying for his signature.
There’s interest from every big league, as the Italians have indicated their willingness to do business in January. Vlahovic’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, meaning Fiorentina would rather make a sale in January than wait till the summer when his value could plummet. Arsenal reportedly made a massive bid a few weeks ago to get ahead of the queue for the Serbian’s signing.
There have been reports suggesting Fiorentina are prepared to discuss the deal with the north Londoners. And Arsenal are now eager to bring the striker to the club and have reportedly tabled an improved offer for the 21-year-old. With the competition intense for Vlahovic, the Gunners are willing to pay a premium to agree terms and stay away from a possible transfer battle.
Mikel Arteta wants a viable left-footed striker with the right physical capabilities. Vlahovic certainly ticks most of the boxes and could become the long-term option to lead the line for Arsenal. The Premier League side are keen on signing a proper striker, as the futures of their current forwards remains uncertain.
Alexandre Lacazette is expected to leave the club when the season ends when he runs down his current contract. Arsenal have no hope to get any transfer fee for the Frenchman who has established himself in Arteta’s plans this season, as the manager will block any move in January. Eddie Nketiah is also expected to leave after rejecting a third contract offer from Arsenal.
As for Vlahovic, it won’t be easy to capture his signing as several sides are eyeing his signature. Manchester City and Tottenham have been linked with the Serb for quite some time now. In fact, it is even believed that Tottenham met with Fiorentina’s CEO Joe Barone to discuss a potential move for the 21-year-old, amid Harry Kane’s poor form and speculations over his future.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also reportedly in the mix for the Fiorentina star, while Juventus seem like one of the favourites to sign the striker, although their financial capabilities in the current market might see them miss out. The Premier League sides are capable of paying a high transfer fee as Arsenal are currently demonstrating by making an improved offer that could be more than €80 million.
It remains to be seen of the Gunners succeed in prising Vlahovic way from Fiorentina and under the noses of their rivals. As it stands, the January window might see the striker move clubs, and he will be a hot topic in the next window, with the biggest of clubs expected to fight for his signature.