DBasia.news – Arsenal are open to doing business in the transfer market this winter, it was confirmed by Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who also said the club needed a midfielder after releasing Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
“I think with the number of things and the way we want to develop the squad, we have to make the most of every transfer market in various ways and we are prepared,” Arteta said as quoted by Goal.
“Edu and his team worked really hard because we knew exactly what we needed to do. Whether we can achieve that in January or in the summer is a different question as it relates to other things.
“Again if it’s the right player and we can afford it and we can do what we want to do, we will discuss it and make the best decision possible. We are open.”
Arteta’s statement also indirectly opened up the opportunity for Arsenal to recruit Fiorentina striker, Dusan Vlahovic. Given the uncertain situation in Arsenal’s attack line, it is understandable if the club is looking for a new striker and reportedly they are at the forefront of recruiting Vlahovic.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was rumored to leave following indisciplinary issues and the removal of the captain’s armband (currently playing in the Africa Cup of Nations). Meanwhile, the contracts of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah expire at the end of the season. Vlahovic is also ideal for Arsenal.
The Impact Dusan Vlahovic can make
Vlahovic’s contract with Fiorentina is only 18 months away and the club through their board have confirmed the player does not want to sign a new contract.
In 2021 Vlahovic scored a total of 33 goals and broke the Serie A record in the name of Cristiano Ronaldo. So, the main impact he can have if he comes to Arsenal is definitely related to goals.
The 21-year-old striker is currently Fiorentina’s top scorer in Serie A with 16 goals from 19 matches. Vlahovic has averaged 0.60 goals non-penalty per 90 minutes in the last 365 days.
In comparison, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has averaged 0.64 goals per 90 minutes in the same period (even though Salah plays as a winger).
The Serbia international also has a reading comprehension of the game, with off-ball movement key for Fiorentina, so Vlahovic can contribute to goal involvement without kicking the ball.
That can’t be separated from his role of stepping back to help build attacks (like Karim Benzema at Real Madrid), providing options for Fiorentina for short-range passes. Plus Vlahovic is strong in aerial duels.
One of Vlahovic’s biggest weaknesses is his defensive contribution, as well as his passing which remains to be worked out with only 69.9%hy of his passes have been successful this season. Given that he is only 21 years old, any development can still occur.