According to Filippo Grassia, Newcastle have made a nine-figure bid for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, who Arsenal are also interested in.
What’s the story?
Well, this is massive news for Newcastle, if true.
If Grassia is correct, it seems the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and Amanda Staveley have made their first huge offer.
The journalist believes the bid is tempting Fiorentina, which comes as no surprise – it would be a club-record sale for the Serie A side.
It is also a club-record bid from the Magpies. So far in their existence, their most expensive signing was Joelinton in a deal worth £40m.
It is also mentioned that, despite the size of the bid, Vlahovic may still decide to turn Newcastle down.
Despite PIF’s riches, the Magpies are still 19th in the Premier League, and anybody who joins in January risks adding a relegation to their CV.
Newcastle face competition from Arsenal
Don’t expect Newcastle to have a free run at signing the 14-cap Serbia international.
After scoring 21 Serie A goals last season, and 15 in 17 Serie A outings this term, Vlahovic is one of the most in-demands players around.
The likes of Tottenham, Juventus, Liverpool and Everton have been linked with moves for the 21-year-old so far this year.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal are also said to be interested in Vlahovic, and have struck an initial agreement with Fiorentina.
However, the wonderkid – who has been compared to Erling Haaland – is unsure on a move to the Emirates Stadium and is deciding to wait.
Keep an eye on this saga, as Fiorentina will find it very hard to reject a nine-figure bid if it really has arrived in their inbox.
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