Arsenal to ‘break bank’ with January transfer as duo set to depart

Arsenal have been linked with several names so far during the January transfer window, none more so than Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serbian international has been in fine form for Fiorentina, netting an impressive 18 goals in 22 appearances so far this season.

North London could be a potential destination for the 21-year-old if reports are to be believed, however, there is said to be mixed belief as to whether the forward wants to join the Gunners.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal are set to “break the bank” for Vlahovic’s signature this month, in order to prevent another club signing him.

AC Milan, Juventus, Liverpool and Newcastle are also rumoured to be after the Serbian, with the latter now the richest team in the world, the Gunners might well need to pay a high financial package for him.

This, added to Mikel Arteta being “open” to captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was stripped of the armband after a disciplinary breach in December, leaving this window, would mean the forward would be a priority signing.

However, in order to facilitate the move, money will need to be generated from player sales, as per the Mirror, who claim defensive duo Pablo Mari and Sead Kolasinac are set for the exit door at the Emirates Stadium.

Mari, who only joined Arsenal last summer from Flamengo, has struggled for game-time while in North London, with AC Milan linked with the Spaniard.

While Kolasinac could be on his way across the English channel to Ligue 1 side Marseille.

In addition, reports suggest that Vlahovic has no interest in leaving Fiorentina this month, with him preferring to depart the Italian club in the summer.

This news could cause Arteta to tweak his transfer targets during the January window as striker Alexandre Lacazette’s contract also expires at the end of the campaign.