Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano said star striker Dusan Vlahovic is “motivated and relaxed” despite strong interest from Arsenal.
The 21-year-old striker is hot property, having contributed a sensational 17 goals and four assists in 21 Serie A appearances this season.
His cold-blooded finishing appears to have seen him surge to the top of Mikel Arteta’s transfer wish-list for the January transfer window.
The North Londoners are wasting no time in trying to sign the Serbian, who they reportedly believe to be a long-term replacement for former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But despite the Gunners’ vociferous pursuit of Vlahovic, Italiano believes the striker has not been affected by the interest.
"At the moment we enjoy Dusan here at Fiorentina, he's with us,” Italiano said via Fabrizio Romano after Fiorentina’s dominant 6-0 win against Genoa.
“I don't know about the future. He scored a great goal today. I see him very motivated, he's relaxed".
Despite the fact he originally expressed a desire to remain at La Viola towards the end of the season, Arsenal’s aggressive interest in the 21-year-old suggests a move to the Emirates Stadium could come sooner rather than later.
Italian outlet Corriere della Sera understands Arsenal launched a huge £50million plus Lucas Torreira bid for Vlahovic.
This purported move represents a huge increase on their original bid, which allegedly saw the Gunners forward a £46m plus Torreira offer to bring Vlahovic to the Emirates Stadium.
Torreira is currently on loan at Fiorentina, but the Serie A giants are believed to be interested in signing the Uruguayan midfielder on a permanent basis at the start of next season.
However, Vlahovic appears to be the priority business for both sides, as Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone demanded the 21-year-old to “go public” and clarify his future immediately.
“There is talk about Dusan Vlahovic every day now,” Barona said to Sport Mediaset, via Football Italia on the 13 th January.
“We just want to talk about the squad. We’ve already said so much about him, we expect a response from him and his entourage on what the future holds. We have our plans and we are activating those immediately.”
“I had a long conversation with Dusan the other day and I told him we need to understand his path. If he wants to stay at Fiorentina, then sign the contract. If he wants to leave, then say so publicly.
“He can’t string an entire club, city and fanbase along waiting for him.
"From what I heard, he is not prepared to speak out, so we have to make our decision within the club.”
With Aubameyang still jettisoned from the club and the contracts of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to expire at the end of the season, Arsenal are in desperate need for a striker.
The north Londoners are currently in fifth position, but are only two points away from fourth placed West Ham.
However, they hold two games in hand over David Moyes’ side who suffered a frustrating 3-2 home loss to Leeds United during the last Premier League game-week.
