Arsenal identify Lautaro Martinez transfer alternative who Tottenham also want to sign

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Arsenal could face competition from Tottenham and Atletico Madrid to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, with reports in Italy claiming the former are preparing to test their resolve by making an offer.

The Serbia international, who has been likened to Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski, enjoyed his finest goalscoring campaign in Serie A with 21 goals for the Viola.

His performances have attracted interest from several European clubs, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Inter Milan all linked with the striker this summer.

But Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Arsenal, along with Spanish champions Atletico, are heading the queue of clubs interested in signing Vlahovic.

It is claimed both clubs are willing to submit offers for the highly-rated striker this summer.

Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the situation should Harry Kane decide to leave for Manchester City.

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Spurs were thought to have agreed a £60m deal for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez but the Argentinian has reportedly rejected a move, with Arsenal also keen on the Argentine.

But Vlahovic, 21, who joined the Italian outfit from Partizan Belgrade in 2018 for a nominal fee after making his debut at just 16, has emerged as a potential alternative.

Fiorentina may be vulnerable to losing their prized asset this summer after failing to qualify for Europe and the report suggests the Italian outfit are likely to demand a fee in excess of €60 million (£53m) if they are to part ways with Vlahovic.

It is also stated they have already lined up his replacement in Gianluca Scamacca, having signed Argentinian striker Nicolas Gonzalez for £25m from Stuttgart earlier in June.

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Mikel Arteta has been active in the transfer market after making three summer signings as the Spaniard attempts to overhaul his squad this summer.

Arsenal have been disappointing in recent years and under Arteta, the north London side have finished eighth in the Premier League in successive campaigns.

The Gunners are making moves, however, clinching the signing of Ben White from Brighton for £50million in late July, making the England international the club’s third-most expensive signing in their history.

Additionally, Arteta has brought in Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht and Portuguese starlet Nuno Tavares from Benfica.

Despite spending £75m on new arrivals, Arteta could be set to increase his spending after the club accepted an offer of around £20m from Newcastle United for Joe Willock.

Arteta already has Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette available at his disposal.

But questions remain over the latter’s future, with Lacazette’s contract due to expire in 11 months’ time with no sign of a renewal.

The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to LaLiga champions Atletico over the past two years.

Los Rojiblancos were beaten to his signature in 2017 when he joined Arsenal from Lyon.

But Diego Simeone remains a fan of Lacazette’s talents after he scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season.

But with Aubameyang expected to lead the line and Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Vlahovic, Lacazette may be allowed to leave for around £15m.

Arteta said back in April Lacazette’s future would be decided this summer.

“The situation with Laca we will address in the summer, speak to him and just propose the future we want and that’s it,” he told reporters.

However, his pursuit of a striker with Vlahovic’s reputation would suggest he could be leaving in the near future.

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