Arsenal have been handed a possible blow in their pursuit to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this month.
The Gunners have made the 21-year-old forward their number one striker target as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options, with the futures of Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah all uncertain.
Vlahovic has 18 months remaining on his contract with Fiorentina, with some reports stating that he would prefer to wait until the summer transfer window before making a definitive decision over where his future lies.
Arsenal may have been hoping to have a clear run at the Serbia international, but that appears not to be the case.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Get Football News Italy, Juventus have offered €70million (£58m), as well as Dejan Kulusevski, for Vlahovic. Arsenal have also been linked loosely to Kulusevski, with Juve reportedly keen to offload the Sweden winger.
The report from Italy also claims that right now, Juventus is Vlahovic's preferred destination.
What's been said on Vlahovic's future?
Fiorentina chief Joe Barone admitted that "some English clubs" have made contact over a possible move for Vlahovic, but hinted that the striker does not want to move away from Florence this month.
Speaking to La Nazione newspaper, Barone said: "Some English clubs have made contact, but there is no agreement yet. We are open (to selling) but there cannot be a deal unless someone (Vlahovic) agrees."
Arteta's stance
Arteta, speaking earlier in the week, revealed that Arsenal are doing everything they can in order to improve his squad before the deadline at the end of the month.
The Gunners boss said: "The team are working extremely hard to get the players that we want and we have no news to give you.
"We have a plan to try to bring players in and try to get the players we want with the right qualities and improve the squad in the best possible way every single window."
Arteta also said recently that he believes Arsenal are still an attractive proposition for the world's finest talents.
He said: "Historically, this club has been targeting the best players in the world and the best players in the world were always interested to come here.
"I consider that the situation has not changed. That is one of our biggest powers. Every time I have spoken to any player they were so willing to come, I have not faced any other situation.
"Our capacity to get the attention of people to come to our club, is something that is a big advantage for us."
