Arsenal leading race in Dusan Vlahovic transfer pursuit

Turn the clocks back six months and replace Manuel Locatelli with Dusan Vlahovic. The stream of hourly ‘updates’ on the Italian midfielder didn’t conclude until he’d shunned Arsenal and finally signed with Juventus. There is a new man in town this January.

The name dominating the headlines this time around is the Serbian frontman, whose tally 37 Serie A goal in 56 outings for a bang average Fiorentina side for 18 months of that time is more than commendable. There is a reason Europe is on red alert.

Arsenal, however, are leading the race.

As per David Ornstein, if Vlahovic were to move this window then of all the destinations most likely to sign him, it’s Arsenal. That is an ‘if’, of course.

https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1479360202713575426

Arsenal leading Europe in Dusan Vlahovic transfer pursuit with Mikel Arteta’s side most likely to seal January deal for Fiorentina striker

The club ‘are trying’ to sign the 21-year-old this window to solve their current striker issue, with Eddie Nketiah subject of Premier League and foreign interest with six months left on his deal, Alexandre Lacazette due to depart in the summer, Folarin Balogun leaving on loan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang someone the club will have difficulty reintegrating or shifting.

Deemed the best place of all Vlahovic’s suitors in regards to fee and salary (KSE coming in clutch) Fiorentina are keen to cash in while they can – as noted recently – due to the striker having only 18 months left to run on his deal. As has been well noted, however, Arsenal aren’t considered Vlahovic’s preferred destination.

Like so many players in Serie A, the pinnacle of the game is turning out for one of Juventus, AC Milan or Inter. It’s Juve he is said to be keen on, so he can continue his devastating scoring numbers in the division. But, nothing is set in stone.

Interestingly, Fiorentina have brought in Krzysztof Piatek on loan, someone they said would be Vlahovic’s backup, but Sky Italia claim that I Viola remain the most interested club in Julian Alvarez. Also a striker, the club seeking to sign two forwards this window could indicate some potential movement with Vlahovic.

What is very clear from this is that the Serbian international is the man Mikel Arteta sees as his long-term No. 9. The figures being banded about are huge for a player of his relative inexperience, young age and with underlying metrics largely deemed unsustainable. The summer was the time to do business but activity elsewhere in the squad has called for action sooner. Arsenal are really pushing.

In essence, once the player realises that Arsenal are the best club in the world and going places with this group under this manager, he’ll be signing on the dotted line in no time.

If he categorically doesn’t want to come, then the trio of Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonathan David remain on the Gunners’ wishlist. Unless you truly want to play for The Arsenal, don’t bother.