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Topics: Arsenal, Fiorentina, Football, Transfers, Premier League, Serie A
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Arsenal, Fiorentina, Football, Transfers, Premier League, Serie A
Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic is set to snub a move to Arsenal and wants to join a more “ambitious project”, according to reports in Italy.
Vlahovic, 21, has attracted interest from across Europe after scoring 18 goals in 22 games for Fiorentina this season.
Arsenal are keen to sign a new striker in January, with Alexandre Lacazette out of contract at the end of the season and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to leave the club after being stripped of the captaincy following a disciplinary breach.
The Gunners have reportedly made an offer for Serbia international Vlahovic, which comprises of £46m plus midfielder Lucas Torreira, who is on loan at Fiorentina this season.
However, Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio says Vlahovic is holding out for more a more ambitious project.
"A few months ago, his agents wouldn't even return Arsenal's calls,” Di Marzio said, as per Get Italian Football News.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Juventus have also been linked with Vlahovic, who has now scored 47 goals in 106 games for Fiorentina.
However, the striker has refused to comment on the speculation surrounding his future and insists his only focus is on helping his current side qualify for Europe next season.
“Only God knows what will happen next,” he said.
“I've said it several times so far. There is a good football story being made here in Florence.
“We have a good team, great players, great support from the fans. Everything deserves respect.
“Only God knows what will happen in the next period.
“My desire is to take Fiorentina to Europe, because we haven't been in Europe for a long time. We'll see.”
Former Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell has urged head coach Mikel Arteta to sign not one, but two strikers in January – with Eddie Nketiah also being linked with a move away from the Emirates.
“I think we need two strikers. I really think we need two because Aubameyang, Lacazette and Eddie,” Campbell told the Highbury Squad Podcast.
“I think they are all going to be gone. [Folarin] Balogun is going to go on loan [to Middlesbrough], so he is learning, so I think we are going to need two strikers.”