Arsenal are ‘best placed’ to secure a deal for Dusan Vlahovic this month as the Gunners look to sign a centre-forward.
Mikel Arteta’s side are interested in signing the Fiorentina forward, who has become one of the most in-demand talents in European football following a prolific period in Italy.
The 21-year-old is the leading scorer in Serie A this season with 16 goals from 19 appearances and equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s divisional record for a calendar year after scoring 33 goals in 2021.
The Athletic are reporting that Arsenal are exploring the prospect of doing a deal this month and that the north Londoners are in the ‘strongest position’ amongst Vlahovic’s long list of suitors.
Fiorentina are set to cash-in on the Serbia international after he turned down a new contract at the club, his current deal having just 18 months left to run in Florence.
The Serie A side are also close to securing the signing of Krzysztof Piątek from Hertha Berlin in a deal that could facilitate Vlahovic’s exit this month.
Arsenal have the option of turning Lucas Torreira’s loan deal at Fiorentina into a permanent deal as part of an arrangement, with the signing of a forward a priority amid the uncertainty surrounding the club’s current options.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not featured since being stripped of the club captaincy for a disciplinary breach and is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract at the end of the season.
Arsenal are also set to allow Folarin Balogun leave in search of regular first-team football with the 20-year-old on the verge of joining Middlesbrough on loan.
