Arsenal may have three cheaper options than Dusan Vlahovic as Edu weighs up £150m outlay

All you need to know about Premier League target Dusan Vlahovic

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Arsenal director Edu could be forced to shell out a significant financial package in order to land Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic before the end of the month. The 21-year-old is said to have been earmarked as a priority target by those in north London, with the Gunners in need of a new first-choice marksman ahead of next season.

The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are facing uncertain futures at the club and may need to be replaced between now and the summer.

Vlahovic would represent an exciting and prolific option for Mikel Arteta’s side, with the Fiorentina man having scored 39 goals in all competitions since the beginning of last season.

However, a move for the Serbia international would likely cost Arsenal in excess of £150million when his wage demands are taken into account, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners are said to be chasing Vlahovic’s signature in spite of the hefty financial commitment required to bring him to the Premier League, but there are still plenty of other top-class forwards on the market who could arrive for a fraction of the price.

With that in mind, Express Sport takes a look at three alternative signings that Arsenal could make if a move for Vlahovic proves to be a step too far this month.

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Ivan Toney

Arsenal were heavily linked with Brentford marksman Toney over the summer but ultimately decided against launching a formal approach for his services.

The former Peterborough United man emerged as a hugely prolific operator during his time in the Championship last season and has chipped in with four goals and two assists in the Premier League this time around.

Toney is not quite as esteemed as Vlahovic but would still be able to lead the charge for Arsenal, with his goal count likely to rise with better players around him.

His capture would also help to maintain the club’s homegrown quota, while the increased likelihood of an England call-up would be an attractive proposition for the 25-year-old.

Jonathan David

David, like Vlahovic, has emerged as one of Europe’s highest-rated young forwards in recent years and has earned links to a whole host of top clubs in the process.

The 21-year-old has scored 12 league goals for Lille this season and will not be expected to remain with the French champions for too much longer if he maintains his prolific form over the coming weeks and months.

Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest in David, who is valued at £45m by Transfermarkt and has plenty of potential to lead the line in north London for years to come.

However, it remains to be seen whether Lille would be prepared to sell their man before the end of this month, suggesting that a summer swoop would represent the most likely course of action for the Gunners.

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Edinson Cavani

Arsenal may also decide to try and tempt Cavani into joining their ranks ahead of next season, with the veteran forward set to become a free agent in the summer as things stand.

The Manchester United man has a keen eye for goal and would provide the Gunners with plenty of experience and skill in abundance if he is snapped up in the near future.

It seems unlikely that the Red Devils would be prepared to let Cavani leave this month, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick known to be a keen admirer of the Uruguayan forward’s talents.

He could represent a quality free option if Arsenal are willing to wait until the end of the season but would fail to provide the club with the longevity that is likely to be required of a new striker under the instruction of Arteta.

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