According to reports in Italy, Arsenal are the favourites to sign Dusan Vlahovic with Juventus warned to watch out for the Gunners as they also chase the forward but all is not as it seems.

FLORENCE, ITALY - OCTOBER 31: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 31, 2021 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 31, 2021 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Arsenal have reportedly made a substantial proposal for Dusan Vlahovic, somewhere in the region of €80m. This week, Corriere Fiorentino even reported that Arsenal had upped their offer.

Just a few days ago, it was reported that an Arsenal move for Vlahovic looked to be totally off the table, with reports suggesting neither side was pursuing a move.

The Athletic reported that they understood Vlahovic may prefer to remain in Italy.

This followed Goal reporter Charles Watts writing that there have been no negotiations, and Vlahovic isn’t even a target for Arsenal. The club are seemingly looking for a striker ahead of next year, but not Vlahovic.

James Benge reported the same, tweeting that Arsenal are not actively targeting Vlahovic, and there are no negotiations currently ongoing with Fiorentina.

It was Di Marzio that claimed Arsenal had met with Fiorentina to talk about Vlahovic, informing them they were willing to pay the Serie A club’s asking price of €80m including bonuses.

But Fabrizio Romano denied this, reporting that Arsenal weren’t in talks with Fiorentina.

Unlike the English journalists, Romano added that Arsenal were one of many clubs following Vlahovic’s situation, but there was nothing advanced.

FLORENCE, ITALY - OCTOBER 31: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 31, 2021 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 31, 2021. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina want to settle Vlahovic’s situation quickly, so they can cash in and find a replacement. They know his contract expires in 2023 and he doesn’t plan to extend, so the sooner the better.

The Athletic suggest the Serie A club are hoping for a European-wide bidding war, so perhaps that’s why Arsenal’s name is being thrown into the mix.

Juventus have been warned by media in Italy to ‘watch out’ for Arsenal and, with all the reports of Arsenal’s interest coming from Italy, and all the denials coming from England, it seems like The Athletic has called it correctly.