Transfer News: Arsenal lead race to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic amidst Manchester United interest
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic [Subscription Required] (h/t Daily Mail Online), Arsenal are leading the transfer race to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic amidst interest from Manchester United. He has enjoyed two sensational seasons so far and has attracted attention from across Europe as a result.
The Gunners are in the pole position in terms of the salary package involved and the fee regarding Vlahovic’s potential transfer. Mikel Arteta is eager to bring in a striker as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has uncertainty surrounding his future, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have their contracts expiring at the end of this season.
Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are the other clubs interested in signing the 21-year-old as they try to boost their squads, having seen a decline in recent years. Arteta’s side apparently had made a bid worth £46million plus Lucas Torreira, who is already on loan at Stadio Artemio Franchi. They could use that to their advantage in trying to facilitate a permanent transfer in the future.
Vlahovic will see his current contract with the Italian club expire in 2023, meaning he will enter the final year of his deal at the end of this season. They could look to try and offload him this month so as not to lose him on a cut-price next summer. Man United will need to apply more pressure and fork out the cash if they want to beat Arsenal to the punchline.
Vlahovic to United?
The Serbian has played in 21 matches this season for the Serie side with 18 goals and three assists in the process across all competition. He has carried on his form from last season and has helped his team in trying to compete for the European spots for the next season.
Man United could use a man like the Serie A attacker in their squad, considering how Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo would eventually need to be replaced moving forward. He could be one for the future as he is yet to reach his full potential. There is little to suggest that his recent upturn in fortunes is a one off.
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We are at a disadvantage and will need to get the better of the North London club not to lose the Serbian international. At the same time, it should not be like what happened the previous summer when the board ignored the issues in midfield and brought in marquee signings instead.
If we decide to pursue the Fiorentina star, we should first solve the issues that have plagued us over a long time. Signing someone exciting is always good, but it should never come at the cost of squad balance, as was the case in the past few years.
