Arsenal fans were left speculating with a great deal of hope after Dusan Vlahovic’s interesting goal celebration for Fiorentina on Monday evening.
The Serbian striker was on the scoresheet as his side came out rampant 6-0 winners against Genoa in Serie A.
His excellent goal was not the only big talking point of the match, however, as his decision to hug manager Vincenzo Italiano after he got on the scoresheet also raised some eyebrows.
His embracing of Italiano has created a split opinion on whether he was wishing a farewell to the manager and the fans, or he was simply apologising due to a penalty that he missed earlier in the first half.
However, the reason for his actions could also be down to the recent drama he has created in the media with his transfer situation, which has been spearheaded by his agent. Causing a lot of uncertainty and anger amongst the Fiorentina faithful.
Meanwhile, football.london reported earlier this month that Arsenal would like to wrap up a deal for Vlahovic before the transfer window shuts, if possible.
Despite this, the Daily Mail has stated that the club must be prepared to spend £150 million in order to complete a move. The Gunners have reportedly been quoted a £58 million transfer fee for the Serbian international, while the player himself will command £160,000-per-week after tax in wages over a five-year contract.
This is an extremely expensive amount for the young striker which has been made worse after Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed that Vlahovic’s agent is demanding £8.3 million in commission fees if Arsenal are to secure the deal.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding his future, and that could be the reason why he was apologising to Fiorentina, which also says a lot about his character and why he would be perfect under Arteta.
The Spaniard demands a sense of togetherness from his squad which also relates to selflessness, and Vlahovic apologising to the manager for the recent unrest he has caused certainly follows the idea that Arteta expects out of his players.
Arsenal are in desperate need of a striker who can help elevate the team to cement a spot in the Champions League qualification places, and Vlahovic’s performance alongside his attitude on Monday evening epitomised what Arteta’s side needs in order to reach the dream target.
The striker has scored 24 goals in 28 senior appearances for Fiorentina and Serbia this season, breaking the Serie A record for most goals in a calendar year in the process to prove just how prolific he can be.
A striker is the only position that Arsenal haven’t strengthened since Arteta joined the club as manager, and the acquisition of Vlahovic would certainly be a good start.
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