Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has been discussing Arsenal and a potential move for Dusan Vlahovic.
With the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah all in doubt, the centre-forward position at Arsenal is in something of a state of flux right now. As a result, there is not a great deal of certainty about who is going to be handling the role, both for the remainder of this campaign as well as from next season onwards.
Recent reports have suggested that one possible solution for Arsenal involves bringing Vlahovic in, with a report from The Athletic claiming that Mikel Arteta’s men are one of a number of clubs around Europe that are showing an interest in signing him.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show, Sheth outlined the situation surrounding the Serbian forward, and how there appears to be a difference in opinion between what the club want and what the player wants – and how that might potentially cause some issues for Arsenal in their pursuit of him.
Sheth said: “Dusan Vlahovic is a name that just won’t go away. We know that Arsenal have got an interest. I spoke to my colleagues at Sky in Italy and the feeling there is that Fiorentina would be open to doing a deal in this transfer window, but it seems that the player himself and his representatives are not up for doing a deal in this transfer window – that’s as it stands.
“One issue, though, as far as Vlahovic is concerned, is his next move or whatever it may be – be it staying or going, he wants Champions League football. And that’s where there’s a bit of an issue with Arsenal just now because they can’t guarantee that in a January transfer window. If they do make it in for next season, then in the summer, Vlahovic will probably make a decision on what club he wants to go to then.”
TIF Thoughts on Dharmesh Sheth’s comments on Dusan Vlahovic and Arsenal…
Is Vlahovic a realistic target?
Yes
No
It certainly does seem like Vlahovic’s future at Fiorentina hangs in the balance. His contract is set to expire in 2023, so Fiorentina may not be in a major rush to get rid of him – it’s not as if it’s this summer that he’d be able to leave for free.
That said, with reports previously claiming Vlahovic had turned down a new deal in Florence, this could be the ideal time to cash in.
However, that may only increase the competition for his signature, and the struggle for Arsenal will be putting themselves in the best position possible to sign him – which makes Champions League qualification a must for Arteta this season.
Given Vlahovic’s goal record of 49 goals in 109 games for his current side and the fact that he’s only 21, if he was able to repeat that form for the Gunners, he could be the man to take them to the next level and build a side around for the best part of a decade.
So it’s imperative that they make it this season in order to make a push for Vlahovic and really make themselves a competitive force in English football once again.
In other news: ‘My understanding’ – Charles Watts drops big Arsenal transfer update after Colney talks