Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of €75m-rated striker in danger of COLLAPSE over hardball stance

Posted by

Fiorentina could be set to derail Arsenal’s January pursuit of goal-machine Dusan Vlahovic, according to the Independent.

Vlahovic, 21, is one of the hottest properties in European football right now. The Serb has netted 18 goals in 20 appearances for Fiorentina this campaign and looks set to SMASH through his 21-goal haul from last term.

The expectation is that this will be his final season at Fiorentina, with Vlahovic now ready to move on to one of the biggest clubs in Europe and compete for the biggest honours on offer.

There has been strong suggestion that Arsenal are keen to recruit him this month, jumping the queue to sign him by accelerating their pursuit, rather than waiting until the season’s end.

Dusan Vlahovic (pictured) is reportedly a top transfer target for Arsenal

MORE: Marouane Fellaini linked with surprise January Premier League return

However, a report by the Independent casts doubt over Arsenal’s chances of completing the deal, with Fiorentina not only demanding €75m [£62.6m], but also a hefty upfront payment.

Arsenal are understood to prefer a staggered payment of the transfer fee in order to make the deal more affordable. Fiorentina are thought to be playing hardball, which threatens to scupper the Gunners’ chances of signing Vlahovic.

Mikel Arteta will no doubt be desperate to get this one over the line, especially having frozen out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Arsenal fans will be crossing their fingers that a compromise is found over the next fortnight…

More Stories Dusan Vlahovic