Arsenal dealt with a massive blow as reports states that their number one target for centre forward – Dusan Vlahovic is apparently likely to join Juventus.
The Gunners were thought to be trying to complete a deal for the Fiorentina youngster before Champions League regulars began making offers, but it appears that opportunity has passed them by.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Mario, Arsenal would be required to pay an £8.3 million commission charge to the player’s agency, which is a significant sum that Arsenal has not before agreed to.
Vlahovic’s transfer to Juventus is now a ‘done deal,’ according to Fabrizio Romano. So nothing for the Gunners – they will need to pursue other players.
With add-ons, the transfer fee is said to be €75 million (£62.5 million).
On a long-term contract, the 21-year-old is expected to earn €7 million (£5.8 million) in net compensation every season.
He is scheduled to arrive in Turin on Friday for his medical examination.
With his remarkable scoring in the Italian top flight for Fiorentina, the Serbia striker has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland.
Vlahovic matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s Serie A calendar year goal total of 33 in 2021, and his foot has remained firmly on the accelerator into the new year, with 17 goals in 21 games.
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This is going to be a contentious transfer.
Vlahovic’s home has already been placed under police surveillance as a result of threats made by Fiorentina fans after learning of his planned move to Juve.
Unlike most football rivalries, which are founded on geographical closeness or a history of competitive matches, Fiorentina’s hatred for Juve stems from the transfer market.
Roberto Baggio, Florence’s greatest ever talent, was kidnapped by Juve in the middle of the night in 1990 and hidden in the back of a taxi, sparking riots throughout Tuscany that left 50 people injured.
Similar outrage has erupted over the signings of Federico Bernardeschi and Federico Chiesa, and Vlahovic now faces the wrath of a purple storm.
According to reports in Italy, local police have begun a ‘active monitoring’ of the Serbs’ home, with a poster outside declaring, ‘Your guards won’t save your life.’ It’s over for you, Gypsy!’
