An explanation for the absence of Arsenal-linked Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina’s squad to face Cagliari has this evening been provided.

The Viola are set to return to action on Sunday afternoon, making the trip to Sardinia for a Serie A meeting with relegation-battling Cagliari.

Vincenzo Italian’s men, though, fresh off the back of a 6-0 drubbing of Genoa, will need to make do without the services of the club’s star man.

This comes on the back of the revelation that transfer-linked Dusan Vlahovic has not been included in the travelling squad set for the Sardegna Arena:

Any hopes on the part of the Arsenal faithful that the Serb’s absence may have come owing to an imminent transfer, however, has this evening been swiftly shut down.

As per a host of reliable sources, in fact, Vlahovic has entered a period of self quarantine, after returning a positive test for Covid-19:

Gunners eyeing Viola star

Serbian hitman Vlahovic, in the midst of a stellar campaign in Florence to date, has of course been hotly tipped to make the move to the Emirates this month.

This comes with now-former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having been banished to the stands, and both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah due to see their contracts expire come the season’s end.

The 21-year-old, boasting 20 goals in just 24 appearances across all competitions this term, in turn, has been identified as the first-choice target to reinforce the club’s frontline by those in a position of power in north London.

And though the likes of capital rivals Tottenham and Serie A heavyweights Juventus are also known to be keen on the prolific striker, Arsenal have been widely labelled as the frontrunners to strike a deal.

Vlahovic himself, however, appears to be holding up any potential move to north London, amid the widespread understanding that he is keen to see out the season in Florence, before reassessing his options in the summer.

 

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