Fiorentina head coach Vincenzo Italiano has said “nothing has changed” with the situation around in-demand striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Arsenal are reportedly at the head of the queue for Vlahovic this month as they search for a forward to bolster their attacking options.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to land a new striker before the window closes on January 31, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future uncertain and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract this summer.
Vlahovic has scored 17 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season and emerged as their number one transfer target.
The Gunners have reportedly given Vlahovic a deadline of the middle of next week to respond to their interest, but the Serbia international is happy to bide his time.
Italiano has been forced to manage Fiorentina amid a backdrop of swirling rumours this month and he is remaining steadfast in his approach.
“We can’t wait for this transfer window to end. Playing in the middle of the transfer market is always very complicated,” he said ahead of Fiorentina’s clash with Cagliari on Sunday.
“How have I seen Dusan in these last few days? He produced a good performance against Genoa, despite the missed penalty, and immediately redeemed himself with the goal.
“I see the same Vlahovic, every single day. We’ve lots of rumours about his future, but nothing has changed for us.”
Vlahovic scored in La Viola’s 6-0 win over Genoa on Monday and is expected to feature again in their Serie A match at Cagliari tomorrow.
While he has continued to plunder the goals on the pitch, away from it there has been mounting speculation about his future.
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Arsenal have reportedly offered £66million for the Serbia international, while Juve are said to be preparing a £58m bid which includes Dejan Kulusevski.
It is a fast-moving picture, but one which is being held up by Vlahovic and his agents, according to Fiorentina sporting director Joe Barone.
“Some English clubs have made contact with Fiorentina, but there is no agreement,” he told La Nazione on Thursday.
“The English club want Vlahovic, but evidently he's got other ideas. We're ready to negotiate, but him and his agent won't talk.”
He added: “There have been zero openings from Vlahovic's agent. There has been zero communications [from Vlahovic's camp].
“I had asked for clarity [over the player's plans] and I had told his agent to be clear with us. But there's been no contact on that front.”
Vlahovic is under contract with Fiorentina until June 2023 and is understood to be in no rush to leave the Italian side this month.
However, he has so far refused to sign a new contract with the club he joined from FK Partizan in 2018 in order to keep his options open.
