Arsenal are growing increasingly hopeful of winning the Dusan Vlahovic transfer battle – with Mikel Arteta making some pointed comments about the possibility of signing the Serb.
Fiorentina powerhouse Vlahovic is one of the world’s most sought-after strikers alongside Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Indeed, he finished 2021 as the second-highest scorer in Europe’s top five leagues behind Robert Lewandowski.
Overall, he has netted 47 goals in 106 matches for his Serie A employers.
That form has seen him targeted by a plethora of top clubs all eager to prise him from Florence.
And talk of his exit has grown after Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso revealed in October that Vlahovic has rejected a new contract, increasing the likelihood of his departure.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham are all being linked with a move. However, trusted transfer source David Ornstein revealed on Friday that a move to the Gunners looked the most likely scenario.
To that end, a report earlier this week claims Arsenal are offering £45m in addition to Lucas Torreira.
Whether a deal is secured now, or at the end of the season remains to be concerned.
And while refusing to name the player directly, Mikel Arteta admits there is plenty of hard work going on behind the scenes.
Vlahovic transfer prompts honest Arteta response
Asked if Arsenal would try to secure a deal for Vlahovic this month, Arteta gave an honest reply.
“I think with the amount of things, and the way that we want to evolve the squad, we have to maximise every window in many different ways and we are alert.
“Edu and his team are working very hard, as we know exactly what we need to do,” he said, via Metro.
“Whether we can accomplish that in January or the summer is a different question as it is related to other stuff.
“If it is the right player and we can afford it, and we can do what we want to do, we will discuss it. We will make the best possible decision. We are open.”
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to depart this month, Arsenal’s need for a new striker is growing.
Wilshere deal unlikely
They also have a bit of a problem in central midfield right now. Indeed, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are both currently absent at AFCON. That leaves the Gunners with just Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as midfield options.
The club has recently allowed former star Jack Wilshere to train with the club. And plenty think he could prove an excellent short-term option for Arsenal to plug the gap.
However, Arteta has very quickly ruled out that possibility and insists Wilshere will not be signing.
“I think I was very clear with the situation with Jack. We know the role that he was going to have being around here. We continue the same way,” Arteta confirmed.
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