Arsenal’s pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic is dragging on - and Luis Suarez could now play a key role in preventing the move.
Ex-Liverpool star Suarez has provided his former team-mate Steven Gerrard, now manager of Aston Villa, with a glowing reference for Uruguay team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur.
It has led to the midfielder, 24, becoming Villa’s top January transfer target in the search for a new holding midfielder as they weigh-up a £16million bid, according to The Telegraph.
And reports in Italy claim the windfall Juventus land for Bentancur will allow them to fund a move for Fiorentina striker Vlahovic.
The Serbian is in-demand and there is already a big-money proposal from the Gunners believed to be on the table.
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But Vlahovic, who tested positive for Covid-19 this weekend, is said to be more keen on staying in Italy rather than heading to north London.
And Tuttosport say that developments with Bentancur mean Juventus are ready to ‘immediately’ launch a move for Vlahovic.
There is some hope for Arsenal, with Fiorentina not entirely keen on selling to Juventus - but with Vlahovic out of contract next summer, they may have little choice.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina director Joe Barone demanded “clarity” from Vlahovic and his representatives over the situation.
“We talk every day about this, we said a lot recently, Fiorentina have not received any offers,” Barone said.
“We have been very clear, we are open to anything, but we want clarity. We want clarity from the player and his entourage.
“Fiorentina have a future, which isn’t just today’s game, but also the future of a group, a fanbase, a city. We need to concentrate on that too.”
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Mikel Arteta confirmed a few days after that Arsenal are “working hard” on their January business.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool, the Spaniard 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.