Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone claims Dusan Vlahovic could see out his contract and leave the Serie A side for free, despite Arsenal reportedly making a fresh bid for the striker’s transfer, via quotes by Calciomercato.
Vlahovic has now entered the last 18-months of his deal with I Viola after turning down an offer to renew. President Rocco Commisso confirmed in October the proposal would have made the Serbian the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
The 21-year-old has since maintained his incredible form in Tuscany to take his account for the season to 18 goals. He is averaging one goal every 105-minutes across all competitions.
Arsenal are now eager to see Vlahovic move to north London in a mid-season transfer from Fiorentina. Gazzetta dello Sport repot the Gunners offered I Viola €55m (£46m) plus Lucas Torreira, and that the Serie A outfit are considering accepting the €70m (£59m) package.
The Emirates Stadium natives would pay the outright fee through a number of instalments. While the Artemio Franchi Stadium side would like to turn Torreira’s loan spell permanent.
Vlahovic, for his part, would prefer to end the season in Tuscany before deciding his future. But Barone cannot rule out Serie A’s 16-goal top-scorer staying until his deal ends in 2023.
Barone issues update on Vlahovic’s Fiorentina future, amid fresh Arsenal bid
Barone is aware that Vlahovic’s agents would prefer the Arsenal target leaves Fiorentina on a free transfer in 2023. The Serbian’s representatives also frustrate the Viola chief, as they regularly increase their demands during negotiations over a new contract.
“It was a [November] meeting between Commisso and Vlahovic’s agent, who doubled the request for recruitment again, disrespecting the club,” Barone said. “For a year, it always happens that we raise the offer and they raise the request on wages and commissions.”
“Of course, it would be necessary to have clarity on what Vlahovic intends to do, because the negotiations are always made in three,” he added. “We are only at the beginning of January, let’s see what it can bring us.
“This is one of the wishes of Dusan’s entourage, and it wouldn’t be nice to us. We allowed him to express himself on the pitch. If they really want to bring him to maturity, they come out and report it. We must not deceive the fans and we are here for this, to tell our truth.”
Vlahovic could attract wider transfer interest should the Arsenal target leave Fiorentina for free. Gazzetta dello Sport add Tottenham and Atletico Madrid are currently also keen.
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