Arsenal are 'in the strongest position' to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic

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Arsenal have been heavily linked with Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic
The Gunners are believed to be best placed to sign the Serbian international
The 21-year-old's deal in Italy expires in 2023 and he is not expected to renew
Arsenal face competition from Tottenham, Man United and Juventus for Vlahovic

Published: 04:36 EDT, 7 January 2022 | Updated: 05:22 EDT, 7 January 2022

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Arsenal are leading the race for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta is desperate for a new striker to lead the line as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future at the Emirates looks uncertain, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah's contracts are set to expire in summer.

The Gunners are pursuing Vlahovic with Tottenham, Manchester United and Juventus linked with the Serbian striker, who has scored 18 goals in 22 games this season.

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic (centre)

Earlier this week, reports claimed that the Gunners had tabled a player-plus-cash package for the Serbian, comprising £46million plus Lucas Torreira, who is on loan at Fiorentina this season.

And, despite interest from other elite clubs, Arsenal are believed to be in the strongest position to secure Vlahovic's signature, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Arsenal are thought to be best placed among the 21-year-old's suitors in terms of salary and fee.

The Premier League side could also use the option of turning Lucas Torreira’s loan with the Italians into a permanent transfer to their advantage.

Mikel Arteta's side are believed to be best placed to secure Vlahovic in terms of fee and salary

The Serb's contract in Florence is set to expire in 2023 and with him unlikely to renew, Fiorentina could look to cash in on the forward this month to avoid the risk of losing him for free.

However, there is a feeling at the Serie A side that Arsenal are not Vlahovic's preferred destination, with the striker believed to favour staying in Italy with a move to Juventus.

Fiorentina are reportedly close to securing Krzysztof Piatek from Hertha Berlin which would help facilitate Vlahovic's departure.

The Serbian international's contract with the Serie A side is set to expire in June 2023

If Arsenal fail to sign Vlahovic, Arteta is said to be considering alternative options in Alexander Isak and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Any January arrivals up front for Arsenal will be a summer signing sealed early as they look to reinforce their attack ahead of next season.

Aubameyang appears to no longer be in Arteta's plans as the Gabon international has not played since the beginning of December after being stripped of the captaincy.

Sweden international Alexander Isak (left) is said to be an alternative option for the Gunners

Meanwhile, Lacazette and Nketiah look set to depart as free agents. The Frenchman is said to want a longer term on his contract renewal than the club are willing to offer.

The Gunners boss has expressed a desire for Nketiah to stay but the 22-year-old has turned down fresh terms.

A recent bid from Borussia Monchengladbach to sign Nketiah permanently is thought to have been rejected and the Bundesliga side are now among overseas clubs looking to secure a pre-contract agreement with the English striker.