‘No intention’ – major issue arises as Arsenal ‘raise offer for top target’ to staggering new heights
Arsenal are reported to have increased their offer for Dusan Vlahovic to a huge £68m – but there remains serious doubts over whether the Gunners will manage to secure his signature.
The Serbia striker has made a huge impact in Serie A following his move from his home country in 2018. In fact, he has scored 43 goals in 100 appearances for La Viola.
But with his form has come significant transfer interest from elsewhere. Indeed, Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly the leading candidates to sign him from the Premier League.
However, reports over the weekend claim Manchester United are also keeping a close watch on Vlahovic.
In any case, he is set to move on from Florence after refusing the offer of a new contract. The 21-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, but Fiorentina would rather sell up in 2022 rather than risk losing him for free.
Fiorentina, having conceded they are open to a sale, are reportedly seeking around £63m (€75m) for the striker.
Dusan Vlahovic transfer in Arteta’s sights
However, Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) claims the Gunners are ready to pay a premium for the striker to secure a deal. Indeed, they report that Arsenal are now offering Fiorentina £68m (€80m) for Vlahovic.
Despite their sizeable approach, the Gunners reportedly still face an uphill battle to land the striker. That’s amid claims that Vlahovic is ‘extremely reticent’ to join Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side are unable to offer European football. And while they have made a solid start to the new season, it remains doubtful they will be able to offer the Champions League football Vlahovic craves.
In addition, they state the striker has ‘no intention’ to depart Florence midway through the season.
Instead, they report Vlahovic will wait until the end of the season to assess all his options with his agent.
However, they do accept this will be the striker’s final season at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Arteta in need of new strikers
The reported snub from Vlahovic means a move to Emirates Stadium looks increasingly unlikely.
Arteta though admits he and his staff are monitoring the market ahead of the January transfer window.
“We are in discussions,” Arteta said. “We have talks every week about it, how we can improve the team, and what things can happen in the January transfer window that can effect our squad.
“As you know, we have certain players with a little bit of uncertainty in the summer so we have to plan what’s going to happen now and what’s going to happen in the summer.
“A lot needs doing we know, and we’re not expecting big things to be happening. But we’re trying to be very alert in the market to see if we can improve the team.
“We’re preparing because things can happen and injuries can arise in this period of the season. You need to be prepared and to plan ahead.”
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