Arsenal are said to be doing “everything possible” to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window but are facing stiff competition from rivals Tottenham.
Vlahovic, who has scored 23 goals in 29 appearances this season, has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe – with his current contract set to expire in 2023.
And Football.London claim that the Gunners are making a “continued push” to complete the signing of the 21-year-old this month as Mikel Arteta looks for long-term replacements for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, who both look set to leave the club.
The report cites sources close to Arsenal technical director Edu as insisting that he is doing “everything possible” to complete a deal in January.
But Tottenham could beat their north London rivals to the signing, according to the report, which suggests a deal “could be in the pipeline” for the Serbian to join Spurs in the summer because of managing director Fabio Paratici’s close relationship with Vlahovic’s representatives.
However, Football.London understands that Vlahovic would instead prefer to stay in Serie A rather than make the move abroad.
They claim the player has told close friends that Juventus or Inter Milan would be his ideal destination when he does decide to leave Fiorentina.
Vlahovic would likely cost in the region of £60m, but according to Sky Sports Arsenal will find it “difficult” to complete a deal this month because of the size of the transfer fee that would be required.