According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal are close to reaching an outline agreement with Fiorentina over the signing of Dusan Vlahovic.
What’s the story?
Well, Tottenham and Antonio Conte will be upset by this news, as Sport Media Set believe he is also a target for Arsenal’s rivals.
Nevertheless, it appears the Gunners have made the first significant step in bringing Vlahovic to the Premier League.
Di Marzio believes Arsenal have agreed an €80m (£68m) fee for the 12-cap Serbia international, after Fiorentina Directors Daniele Pradè and Joe Barone flew to London for talks.
Arsenal are willing to meet that sum, with a deal including bonuses.
Di Marzio adds that Edu and Mikel Arteta want Vlahovic at the Emirates Stadium in January, rather than the summer.
Sorry Arsenal, there’s still hope for Tottenham
Unfortunately for Arsenal, this is still far from a done deal.
Di Marzio adds that the Gunners are still yet to agree terms with Vlahovic himself, despite positive talks with Fiorentina.
The Italian journalist believes the signs suggest he may choose to wait for bigger offers to arrive in the summer.
As far as Fiorentina are concerned, however, they are already making moves to prepare for life after Vlahovic.
Di Marzio claims they want Dominico Berardi as a replacement for the 21-year-old, who won Serie A Young Player of the Season for 2020/21 following a 21-goal campaign in Italy’s top-flight.
If Arsenal can strike a deal with Vlahovic, they would be getting their hands on one of the most exciting forwards on the planet right now.
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