Arsenal backed to seal Dusan Vlahovic transfer if they are ‘clever and quick’ despite Newcastle’s £85m interest
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ARSENAL legend Alan Smith has backed the club to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic if they are 'clever and quick' in January.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, who has banged in 17 goals in 19 games in all competitions this season.
Mikel Arteta's side are understood to face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham in the race to secure his services.
And Newcastle are claimed to be readying a whopping £85million bid to bring the Serbia international to St James' Park.
Arsenal could be in the market for a new centre-forward in the New Year with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang omitted from the last two matchday squads due to disciplinary issues.
After being stripped of his captaincy, Aubameyang will also be left out of the squad to face Leeds on Saturday in a sign he could be frozen out for an indefinite period of time.
Meanwhile Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have just six months left on their contracts in North London, which may force Arteta to bring in another striker.
Former Gunners star Smith believes that Vlahovic could be the answer, but insisted his old side need to act fast if they wish to sign him.
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He told : "Getting a proven Premier League striker is big bucks. Do Arsenal have that kind of cash?
"If they did fork out £60m or £70m it stops them from strengthening other areas of the team in the transfer market. They'd be putting all their eggs in one basket.
"I'd probably guess they'd go down the road of a younger player from Europe. Somebody like Dusan Vlahovic, who still won't be cheap, could fit the bill.
"I'm sure the analysis team at Arsenal are looking at all the stats to see who would be suitable and maybe a little bit cheaper as well.
"Like I said before, a lot of clubs are after that type of striker so let's hope Arsenal can be clever and quick in the transfer market. They'll need to be."
Fiorentina director Joe Barone recently declared that Vlahovic, tied down in Florence until 2023, has rejected a new contract offer.
He told : “We’ve offered Vlahovic the highest contract ever in the history of Fiorentina, several times.
“Both Dusan and his agent made us realise that they do not want to accept. Our bid is still on the table.”
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