The transfer pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic by Arsenal could be set to take a bitter blow, courtesy of none other than their former foe Luis Suarez.
When you think of Luis Suarez and Arsenal, many fans will immediately remember the Gunners’ pursuit of the-then Liverpool forward. In 2013, Arsenal were told that a bid of over £40 million would secure the Uruguayan’s signature. Arsene Wenger then put in a proposal of £40,000,001.
Ultimately, the clause never existed. Liverpool turned down the bid, and Suarez spent another season terrorising Premier League defences before moving to Barcelona in 2014.
Now, Arsenal are looking to add to their striking depth with the signing of Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina. But they could be denied by the subject of one of their most embarrassing transfer sagas of all time.
Vlahovic’s Arsenal move in doubt
As per Italian outlet OK Calciomercato, Mikel Arteta’s side have had a bid accepted for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker is one of the hottest properties in world football. His sheer height, coupled with monstrous strength and an exceptional eye for goal, has made him a feared man amongst defences. This season, the 21-year-old has struck 17 goals in 21 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina.
The Gunners need striking reinforcements. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to leave the club shortly. Meanwhile, the contracts of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah expire in the summer. Both players have rejected contract offers.
Read: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: The events that led to him losing his Arsenal captain role
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, however, Vlahovic would prefer a move to Juventus. The same report also states the Serbian has agreed to personal terms.
One sticking point, however, is the cost. Fiorentina reportedly want €70 million for their star striker. Juve, who are enduring financial difficulties, may struggle to raise funds.
How Suarez could influence Vlahovic move
One way Juventus could raise those funds is by selling first-team players. Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur has been in and out of the starting line-up this season.
A team-mate of Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez at the international level, the pair clearly have a good relationship.
As per The Telegraph, Juventus are currently in talks with Aston Villa over a potential deal for Bentancur. The Villans are managed by Steven Gerrard – a team-mate of Suarez at Liverpool.
Suarez has provided Gerrard with a “glowing reference” of the 24-year-old, which could play a key role in getting the deal over the line.
That could have a domino effect when it comes to Vlahovic. Tuttosport claims that the sale of Bentancur would have a big impact on Juve’s pursuit of the Serbian striker.
Arsenal fans will now be desperately hoping that their former foe hasn’t played an indirect role in costing them one of their top transfer targets.
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