In the last 24 hours, a string of reports have suggested that Arsenal are very interested in signing Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
The youngster started like a house on fire this season and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Fiorentina have caught lightning in a bottle, and while some would like him to have more time to develop, the January transfer window is looming large.
Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Arsenal are willing to meet the €80 million fee required to bring Vlahovic to the Emirates. The report also suggests that his agent may wait to see what other offers are on the table. But, for the sake of this piece, we’re going to imagine how an Arsenal move could pan out.
Why do Arsenal like Dusan Vlahovic?
Two reasons – he’s 21 years old, and he scores bucket-loads of goals.
There’s a certain “inevitability” about Dusan Vlahovic whenever he gets on the pitch. His power on the ball is fantastic, his positional play is exemplary, and he has an excellent eye for goal. Some may argue that he’s just hitting a purple patch, pun not intended, but we don’t see it that way.
Regardless of what the score might be, he’s always on the hunt for chances. Vlahovic is hungry for goals, and as he gets older, he’s only going to get stronger and more battle-tested.
Arsenal need a striker next summer with Laca and Nketiah leaving and Auba turning 33. €80m for Vlahovic is ridiculous given his deal ends in 2023, but based off his form this year, style of play and potential, it could be a brilliant move. Let's see how this rumour develops.
— Dylan Walsh (@dylanwalsh_) November 5, 2021
Where would Dusan Vlahovic play at Arsenal?
The typical formation for Fiorentina this season has been 4-3-3. Vlahovic only has one assist in the league, but he’s willing to interlink with his fellow forwards and is remarkably selfless for a young forward.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are an open book. Mikel Arteta has experimented with 4-2-3-1, 4-4-1-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations across the last few weeks, with the central theme being the one forward up top.
Alexandre Lacazette tends to occupy the space just behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the pair being known for their ability to drop deep and assist others. Vlahovic, meanwhile, is as pure of a finisher as they come.
His average WhoScored match rating for this campaign of 7.26 stacks up well against Lacazette, at a devilish 6.66, and Aubemyang, at 7.01. They’ve played fewer games, of course, but the numbers still favour Vlahovic.
The truth is that there would have to be some restructuring if Dusan Vlahovic signed for Arsenal. He would be the primary focal point, with Arteta finding a way to slot him in alongside Aubameyang.
Featured image credit: Getty