Transfer Talk: Gunners set sights on Vlahovic deal

Arsenal have reportedly made a cash-plus-player deal for Fiorentina hotshot Dusan Vlahovic.

The Gunners have offered £45million plus midfielder Lucas Torreira to La Viola, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Vlahovic, 21, is one of the most in-demand players in Europe after a stunning last 18 months in Florence.

The striker has netted 16 goals in 19 Serie A games this term after scoring 21 times in the 2020-21 campaign.

He has been linked with a number of clubs around Europe including Premier League champions Manchester City and the Gunners’ North London rivals Tottenham.

Vlahovic is widely expected to move on from Fiorentina either this month or in the summer after rejecting a huge contract at the club last year.

But the Serbian forward did suggest staying in Florence is not out of the question earlier this week.

He said: "I have stated this several times so far. A beautiful football story is being made here in Florence.

"We have a good team, great football players, great support from the fans. It all deserves respect.

"Only God knows what will happen in the next period. My wish is to bring Fiorentina to Europe, because we have not been in Europe for a long time.

"I don’t know what can happen overnight. We’ll see."

If the Gunners are to capture Vlahovic, they will need to convince him that Champions League football is likely at the Emirates next season.

They currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League and continue to improve under Mikel Arteta.

Vlahovic would likely replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang if he did make the move to North London.

Sky Sports say the Gunners are open to offers for their former captain whose latest disciplinary indiscretion has seen him left out of recent squads.

In other news

Real Madrid’s interest in signing Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger has reportedly cooled following talks with his representatives.

Marca say Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are still interested in signing the German, whose contract runs out at the end of the season.

Sky Sports believe Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham are all interested in signing Everton left-back Lucas Digne, who would be available for £30m.

Donny van de Beek may look to leave Manchester United after 18 unhappy months at Old Trafford with ESPN reporting that he is assessing his options.