Arsenal and Man City on high alert as Fiorentina sign Vlahovic replacement

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 3 min read

Fiorentina seem to be edging closer to selling star striker Dusan Vlahovic and that should be music to the ears of Arsenal and Manchester City fans.

Both Premier League giants have been heavily linked with a move for the Serbian striker in January, following a start to the 2021/22 season that has already seen him score 16 goals in 18 games for the Viola.

Naturally, such performances have caught the eye of some major European clubs, and with Vlahovic's contract expiring in 2023, Fiorentina may need to cash in on their influential star this January or in the summer of 2022.

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And, to the delight of fans of the two English clubs, Fiorentina seem to be getting their house in order as they prepare to sell the striker.

On Saturday, Hertha Berlin confirmed that their own striker Krzysztof Piatek had made a move to the Serie A giants on loan, with an option to buy.

After a marvelous six months with Genoa in the 2018/19 campaign, Piatek earned a big money move to Milan only to fail to live up to expectations, which eventually led to a loan and then permanent transfer to Hertha Berlin.

The acquisition of Piatek, if it happens, suggests Fiorentina have now signed a long-term replacement for Vlahovic and would consider selling the striker in the coming weeks.

Who could sign Vlahovic?

A whole host of Europe’s biggest clubs are interested in signing Vlahovic. Last summer, two clubs made a bid for the Serbian. These were Atletico Madrid and Tottenham. Arsenal and Man City also made enquiries.

Tottenham and Arsenal’s interest has only increased since then and both could make official bids this month. Spurs see Vlahovic as not only a long-term successor to Harry Kane, but believe he can play alongside the Englishman also.

Arsenal also want Vlahovic to be their new number 9 given that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette should both leave this year.

Vlahovic is said to be interested in joining Tottenham as he believes that Antonio Conte is the perfect manager for him, but he is not keen on Arsenal.

Juventus also have Vlahovic on the top of their shortlist as they search for a new striker. But the Bianconeri can’t afford to pay a straight transfer fee, certainly not in January, which means they are left hoping that Vlahovic pushes to join them.

In the case of all three clubs, Vlahovic is only interested in joining a team who are playing Champions League football and that is not certain for any of the trio.

Man City are also keeping an eye on developments as they still wish to sign a natural number nine this year, despite their incredible form.