Huge twist in Arsenal’s Dusan Vlahovic transfer pursuit

Barcelona & Premier League Club Register Vlahovic Interest

Indeed, Barcelona, the hideously debt-ridden club, have shown some interest. They’ve informed Fiorentina of their interest but have told the club that they need to sell before they buy (shock).

They already struggled to register Ferran Torres and Dani Alves, so their interest is unlikely to result in a legitimate approach.

And then, on Wednesday, a second Premier League club opened talks about signing the striker. The club is unnamed but said to be desperate to make a marquee signing, while they’ve also been listed as ‘silly’ enough to succumb to whatever eye-watering agent demands will be placed on a deal.

In these instances there are always clauses and commissions that representatives know they can get away with due to the quality and value of the player, and if there is any club in the Premier League that suits the bill of wanting a statement signing and that doesn’t see money as an obstacle, you’d put your house on it being Newcastle.

But if Vlahovic remains fairly unconvinced of Arsenal’s project and their chances of silverware, then he’s hardly going to be smitten by a relegation battle under Eddie Howe. Regardless of how much of a salary is involved.

As for Arsenal, the news that Fiorentina are ‘desperate’ to shift Vlahovic this summer will intensify their pursuit. He’s been in their scopes for a while and further reports from across the world of their interest – and their bid – set this up to be an interesting affair.

The obvious obstacle is, of course, convincing the player. There is no point chasing down another rabbit hole all month.

Verdict: Hearing of Arsenal’s increased desire to sign the striker – and that they are also leading the pack in terms of interest – could work in their favour when it comes to convincing the player. As far as a ‘project’ goes, surely there is no bigger one around than the one Arteta is undertaking?

If the player doesn’t want to go, though, then he doesn’t want to go. We know as much from the Manuel Locatelli saga last summer.

In terms of profile, there is an awful lot to like about a free-scoring 21-year-old in a poor side, one that is built like a house and has lots of room for tactical flexibility. At this stage, after the summer just gone, fans trust the recruitment process far more.