Italian football expert James Horncastle claims that Arsenal have now contacted Fiorentina a staggering 30 times to try and sign Dusan Vlahovic.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Horncastle claims that Arsenal have been regularly calling Fiorentina to set up a Vlahovic deal.
Arsenal know the price tag and what a deal would cost in total, but that may not be enough to get Vlahovic.
Horncastle claims Vlahovic only wants to join a team playing in the Champions League and competing for silverware.
That isn’t the case for Arsenal just yet, though Mikel Arteta could lead the Gunners into the top four.
“Arsenal have spoken 30 times with Fiorentina about Vlahovic,” said Horncastle.
“They know the price and they know what would make an acceptable framework to get it done. But the reality is he wants to be in the Champions League. He’s an exceptional talent and has been so consistent.”
“The reality for clubs that want him is they have to make a very compelling pitch to show they are on the up, heading into the Champions League and contending for silverware,” he added.
Vlahovic, 21, has been simply ridiculous for Fiorentina.
Last season, the Serbian hitman bagged 21 goals in 37 games. Keen to prove he’s no one-season wonder, Vlahovic has already hit 16 goals in 20 games this season.
Vlahovic is on his way to becoming the next great European striker, challenging the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
As you can well imagine, clubs around Europe are queueing up to sign Vlahovic.
Arsenal are making a major push this month, desperate to beat the summer rush for Vlahovic.
Yet in that same Football London report, it’s noted that Tottenham may be teeing up a summer deal for Vlahovic.
Having seemingly made 30 calls to sign Vlahovic, you can’t really accuse Edu of slacking in this transfer race.
Whether the effort pays off remains to be seen.
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