How Arsenal could line up with Dusan Vlahovic
Martin Macdonald
- 11 Jan 2022 13:45 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window, with new reports on Tuesday that the Gunners are preparing a package worth a sensational €180 million to sign the player.
The Serbian has been in brilliant form for the Viola over the last 12 months and his performances have generated interest from some of Europe's top clubs, including Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and of course Arsenal.
In the 2020/21 season he struck an impressive 21 goals 24 Serie A starts for Fiorentina, and he is on course to smash that tally in the current campaign as he already has 16 goals to his name in 2021/22.
TRENDING
Arsenal are looking for a new top-class striker to join their ranks now that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appears likely to leave the club after being stripped of the captaincy due to disciplinary issues.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also likely to depart as free agents in the summer.
FootballTransfers values Vlahovic at €39 million but it is believed that Fiorentina will only let him leave for a fee closer to €70m.
Rumours of a move to Arsenal gained traction this week after the news that the Italian side had an agreement in place to sign Krzysztof Piatek from Hertha, as the former Milan striker is viewed by some as a potential replace for Vlahovic.
So, if Vlahovic does make the move to the Emirates, how will the starting XI look?
Arsenal XI with Vlahovic
Aaron Ramsdale is the undisputed number one at Arsenal now following his marvellous performances since signing from Sheffield United.
Two other new arrivals have impressed in defence, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White forming a solid back four alongside Gabriel and Kieran Tierney.
The Gunners are still light in midfield and Arteta has revealed that the club plans to bring in another central midfielder in January.
But, for now, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka remain first choice.
Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have been the attacking midfield three of choice for Arteta recently, but in the long term, expect Emile Smith Rowe to reclaim his spot, probably ahead of Martinelli even though the Brazilian has been impressive.
Vlahovic will take up the centre-forward position.
