Arsenal have suffered a potentially damaging blow in their pursuit of Fiorentina striker, Dusan Vlahovic, with Juventus making a big move to sign the forward.
The Times has reported this morning that Juventus have offered £25m for Vlahovic, plus Dejan Kulusevski, who has also been linked with a move to North London. It is the first concrete move made by a club to land Vlahovic, who is seemingly on his way of Fiorentina at some point.
Reports have suggested Vlahovic will stay put until the summer. However, Fiorentina are said to be under pressure to cash in, given the Serbian is entering the final 12 months of his contract when the summer rolls around. Juve, then, appear to have made the first big move.
While the cash sum of £25m is low, the addition of Kulusevski in the deal could prove pivotal. The young Swedish star is highly-rated in Europe. This, despite not quite getting into full swing in Turin. Both Arsenal and Tottenham are thought to have enquired about Kulusevski this month.
Vlahovic has been offered big money to stay in Florence. However, he is expected to seal a move away with half of Europe’s elite all chasing him.
TBR’s View: NIghtmare Situation For Arsenal And Vlahovic
Oh no. This is exactly what Arsenal didn’t want when it comes to Vlahovic. Juventus have made their play here and it will have caught Edu and co off guard.
Throwing Kulusevski into a deal is a smart move from Juve. They’re giving Fiorentina a young, exciting player who can at least take some of the load when Vlahovic does move on. Certainly, they’ll be tempted you feel.
For the Gunners, they might have to step on the gas a bit here. If they truly want Dusan Vlahovic, then the time is now to make the next move.