Fiorentina director Daniele Prade has, on Monday, provided an update on the situation of star striker and known Arsenal transfer target Dusan Vlahovic.
Vlahovic has of course been hotly tipped for an Emirates switch this month, amid a scintillating campaign to date which has seen him bag 20 goals in just 24 appearances across all competitions.
In turn, it came as little little surprise when the subject of the Serbian international’s future was put to the aforementioned Daniele Prade earlier this evening.
And the Viola chief went on to provide a telling insight into the situation.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on January 17, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
First, it was confirmed that offers have indeed been forthcoming for the talismanic attacker, albeit without the identity of the club/clubs involved revealed.
Significantly, Prade then reiterated that Fiorentina are open to the prospect of a January sale. Not only that, but the Italian too opened the door for Vlahovic to link up with long-time rivals Juventus.
So, what’s the hold up?
Well, any potential sale is being dragged out by the player himself, whose representatives refuse to discuss the situation with the club:
Fiorentina director Pradé: “Yes, we’ve received important bids for Vlahović in January – we’re open to sell. But we’ve never received any answer from his agents”. ?? #Vlahovic
“Juventus? Our doors are open. We wait for Dusan to decide, we need an answer”, he told sportitalia. pic.twitter.com/TcW8Lyg5xs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2022
Gunners move on?
Is it worth noting that Prade’s latest comments come swiftly on the back of speculation beginning to spread that Arsenal have essentially been forced to call time on their pursuit of Vlahovic.
First, it was reported in the Italian press that the Gunners ‘are ready to open talks’ with Real Sociedad over the signature of Alexander Isak.
This comes amid the suggestion that Vlahovic last week turned down an offer on the part of the transfer team at the Emirates.
As anticipated last week Dusan #Vlahovic has turned down #Arsenal‘s bid: now #Gunners are ready to open talks to try to sign Alexander #Isak from #RealSociedad… #transfers #AFC https://t.co/5RAp4DbK17
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 24, 2022
And ensuing speculation in Spain has pointed towards Espanyol standout Raul de Tomas as another potential option for Mikel Arteta and co, amid Arsenal’s desperate efforts to add fresh blood to the club’s frontline before the January transfer window slams shut.
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