Arsenal could seal ‘great’ Vlahovic signing after source’s update – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted an Arsenal deal for Dusan Vlahovic this month is “exactly what they need”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 21-year-old’s potential arrival could seal the exit of Eddie Nketiah or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
An Arsenal source told this site on Sunday (16 January) that the club are in the strongest position to sign Vlahovic, 21, and a deal this month remains possible.
The Serbia international is widely expected to depart Fiorentina after the Italian club released a statement confirming the striker would not sign a new contract with the club.
Whelan claimed the 21-year-old would be a “great buy” for Arsenal as manager Mikel Arteta “plans for the future”.
“I think he’s exactly what they need,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Arteta is obviously planning for the future. There’s going to be some really big earners coming off that wage bill very soon – whether that’s Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette, or both.
“There’s also going to be a big dent in the strike force, whether they leave at the end of the season or further down the line this month.
“They’ve got to cover that base, but they can’t let anyone go before they get Vlahovic in. If they can get this one over the line this month, then you might see Nketiah or Aubameyang move on.
“I think Lacazette will stick around until the end of the season. Vlahovic could be a great buy for Arsenal in the long-term.”
Lacazette and Nketiah are out of contract in June, while Aubameyang has been linked with an exit following his discipline breach last month.
Vlahovic has netted 17 goals in 21 Serie A games this term.
In other news, a pundit has predicted Arsenal to beat Premier League rivals to 25-year-old signing after £40m update.