Arsenal: The Gunners remain in the race for Serie A striker

Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have identified a striker as the biggest priority this transfer window. If the price is right, they will act in the market.

Dusan Vlahovic is one of the most followed stories over the past couple of seasons; not only because of his relentless goalscoring form in Serie A but also the fact he is reaching the final 18 months of his contract with Fiorentina.

The story so far in this developing saga: Dusan Vlahovic, a couple of months back, ruled out a contract renewal and an extended stay at the Artemio Franchi — making the club hierarchy aware — a move away is the only option.

However, recent reports suggest the club and player could meet on terms later in the season, and for all we know, could sign a new long-term deal as they attempt to make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

It was also stated that Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, along with other top clubs in Europe, are ready to battle it out for the prolific Serbian. So far: Spurs have lodged a bid that was deemed below their evaluation of Vlahovic and subsequently rejected it.

The latest news that followed claimed the player is happy with his current employers and is content in staying put until the end of the season.

This is where the Gunners want to step in, prize him away from Italy, and beat their neighbouring rivals and Premier League enemies to the wanted forward’s signature.

Arsenal’s current striker situation is a worrying one with both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s futures at the club uncertain and leaning towards exits for both men — the latter alienated from the side completely with his last appearance coming in the loss against Everton back in December last year, nine games ago.

Arsenal search for a striker keeps them in the race

Due to Arsenal having little joy up front with who are supposed to be their top-two Gunners, the hunt for a striker is on — specifically a top-quality one. This is why they will still try and fight toe-to-toe with others around Europe to beat them to Vlahovic.

The Serbian has 16 goals and two assists in 20 Serie A games this season, keeping Fiorentina in the top 10. Arsenal’s pair, Lacazette and Aubameyang, have a combined total of seven goals and four assists between them — this does display the problems at the top end of the pitch for Arteta.

"Arsenal retain a strong interest in Dusan Vlahovic but will find it difficult to complete a deal this month due to the size of the transfer fee needed to sign the Fiorentina striker.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted there is a “cloud” hanging over Arsenal’s forward options, with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped for disciplinary reasons and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah into the final six months of their contracts.Arteta has said the Gunners are working hard on new arrivals and that they “are open” to making a big signing if it is financially viable. (Via: Sky Sports)"

The red side of North London have already seen youngster, Folarin Balogun, join Championship side Middlesbrough for the remainder of the campaign.

Arteta wants the young man to go and get the game time needed, as they look to deploy him in the near future.