Arsenal supporters are desperate to see Dusan Vlahovic in the famous red and white shirt before the January transfer window shuts.
football.london understands that the Gunners are pursuing a deal for the 21-year-old striker this summer, with the Fiorentina forward having just 18 months remaining on his contract in Florence and a fee of £66million reported.
Vlahovic has emerged as one of European football's finest young talents over the past year or so, with his goal scoring return in Serie A simply incredible.
Now, research from Betting Expert has shown Vlahovic's statistics this season so far when compared to some of European football's finest striking talents.
In 24 matches played, the Fiorentina forward has scored 20 times, with 0.88 goals per game in that time. His minutes per goal is a staggering 101.9, with 14.9 expected goals.
The closest in terms of stats to the Arsenal target is Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The France international has played three more matches than Vlahovic and has scored four more goals in that time.
Benzema's goal per 90 stands slightly higher than Vlahovic at 0.94 (compared to 0.88). Meanwhile, Benzema is slightly lower when it comes to minutes per goal, with 95.8 (compared to 101.9), with the Real Madrid star's expected goals - at 16.2 - higher than Vlahovic with 14.9.
To have stats like this, which are so similar to Benzema - who has been one of Europe's most prolific centre-forwards for some time now - is brilliant for Vlahovic, as well as Arsenal who hold a strong interest in the Serbia international.
When compared to Robert Lewandowski, Vlahovic's stats make for some interest reading. Lewandowski, right now, is probably the best centre-forward in world football, so these stats need to be taken in context of where both players are in their respective careers.
Lewandowski - games played: 27 (Vlahovic - 24), goals: 34 (20), goals per 90: 1.32 (0.88), minutes per goal: 68.4 (101.9), expected goals: 30.3 (14.9).
Meanwhile, in comparison to Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland, the stats are a tad closer.
Haaland - games played: 18 (Vlahovic - 20), goals: 21 (20), goals per 90: 1.29 (0.88), minutes per goal: 69.8 (101.9), expected goals: 17.3 (14.9).
What's been said about Vlahovic?
Vlahovic is now well admired around Europe, but not many know him as well as his former Partizan manager, Zarko Lazetic, who told Sky Sports about the Serbian's qualities and why he is right to be held in such high regard at such a young age.
Lazetic explained: "He has a very good left foot, he can score goals from free-kicks, from penalties, but the reason everything is possible for him is because he has a very, very strong character.
"Character is the most important thing for any young player because it is what gives them the opportunity to show their quality.
"A lot of players have the talent, but because of character, they don't always show it. Dusan had a good personality and a very good work ethic.
"Every day he wanted to get better and better in all aspects of football - physically, tactically, technically. That was the difference."
