‘The problem is’: Journalist shares real reason why Arsenal are struggling to sign ‘top striker’

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Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic in recent days, but it looks like the Serbian’s agents don’t fancy a move to the Emirates at all.

Vlahovic has been incredible since the start of last season. He scored 21 goals last campaign and has already netted 10 this term. He has impressed everybody, including Christian Vieri, who labelled him a ‘top striker‘ and claimed that he’s only behind Erling Haaland in world football now.

Arsenal are on the lookout for a new striker. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah could both leave the club in January, which will leave Mikel Arteta with just Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and youngsters Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli up top.

Di Marzio revealed a few days ago that Arsenal are very keen and have entered talks to sign Vlahovic. However, the Italian journalist has provided some more information now, and it’s bad news for the Gunners.

Di Marzio: Agents are not letting Vlahovic speak to Arsenal

Di Marzio spoke on Sky Sports Italia yesterday and the journalist has revealed that Vlahovic’s agents aren’t even answering Arsenal’s calls.

He said, as translated by Italy 24 News: “In January, it is an impossible operation because Fiorentina are asking for €80 million (£68.3m). In June, Juve are in the running as well as many teams.

“The team most interested in Vlahovic for January is Arsenal. The English club has established a dialogue more than positive with Fiorentina and would be willing to satisfy the requests of the Viola club to reach an agreement.

“The problem is that Arsenal are unable to speak to the player’s agents, they do not answer the phone. The Gunners want to talk to the boy to explain their project to him, but these lack of answers make it impossible to enter into a negotiation.”

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Vlahovic will be an excellent signing for the Gunners. He’s still only 21 which means he fits the profile Arteta and Edu are looking for, and his numbers since the start of last season show that he’s really special.

Vlahovic will enter the final 18 months of his contract in January and that would be the best time for Fiorentina to cash in on him. Arsenal look keen to take advantage of that situation, but the Serbian’s agents seem to have other ideas.

The longer Vlahovic stays at Fiorentina, the lesser will be his transfer fee. That means he’ll be able to command a huge signing on bonus and salary, which is also very beneficial to his agents.

That’s probably why they aren’t entertaining any offers at the moment, which is bad news for Arteta and Edu, as there will be plenty of other clubs keen on his services if he’s still at Fiorentina next summer.