Barone wants immediate communication in Vlahović pathway
Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone has publicly come out and expressed the club’s desire for an immediate decision from star Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović as the future of the Belgrade-native remains up in the air in January amid serious interest from Arsenal
Vlahović is arguably the most sought-after commodity on the market during the current winter window, with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners openly stating their interest in the Serbian international as they look for a long-term solution through the center-forward channel but have thus far been rebuffed by the players camp due to rumored heavy financial demands.
Via Fabrizio Romano citing quotes in Mediaset, Barone has asked for an immediate decision from the 21-year-old as La Viola remains open to a myriad of possibilities surrounding his future.
“We expect Dušan to make a decision on his future immediately, we need an answer if he stays or wants to leave. We asked Dušan two days ago to decide and communicate his plan in public immediately.”
Dusan Vlahovic’s agent has demanded an €8m fee just to renew the player’s contract with Fiorentina in addition to 10 per cent of any future transfer fee. (@FT). pic.twitter.com/IPkUlYwkiR
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 13, 2022
Now, the agent of Vlahović – who is the top client of agency group International Sports Office – is set to further complicate matters once again after the Financial Times reported that their demands include an €8million fee on top of 10% of any future transfer fee that Fiorentina receive.
Whether or not Arsenal will persist in their interest on the back of the increased knowledge of how difficult Vlahović’s agents are to work with remains to be seen.
Arsenal prepare for potential Arthur arrival
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be set to receive valuable reinforcement in the center of the park at the Emirates as the Gunners close on a January loan move for Juventus’ Brazilian midfielder Arthur.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 09: Arthur Melo of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma v Juventus at Stadio Olimpico on January 09, 2022 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images)
Both clubs are keen on the move in the wake of Arsenal committing to covering all of the player’s wages across the loan spell but his arrival in north London could be delayed while Juve search for a replacement this month.
And while his arrival is pending, the Gunners are set to part ways with defensive duo Pablo Marí and Sead Kolasinać as moves to Udinese and Olympique Marseille are primed to complete deals for the pair.
With Kolasinać out of contract in the summer and Arsenal now fairly stocked at center-back at current, and even more so when William Saliba returns to the Emirates in the summer, both will likely never again suit up under Mikel Arteta.
