Arsenal’s attempts to sign highly-rated striker in vain as agent ‘refuses to answer phone calls’

Arsenal continued their remarkable run of form since a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Manchester City at the end of August on Sunday, as they beat Watford 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run to eight league matches. 

Emile Smith-Rowe continued his own fine personal form with the only goal of the game at The Emirates, as the Gunners moved up to fifth, just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

The youngster has been the standout performer for Mikel Arteta’s side during their run of good form, and the 21-year-old’s goal saved teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s blushes after the Gabon international missed a first-half penalty.

The penalty was awarded after Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette had been fouled, but the former Lyon man stepped aside to let his teammate take the penalty.

Speculation continues to build around Lacazette’s future, with it appearing increasingly likely that the 30-year-old will depart the North London side in the next 12 months.

The striker’s contract is due to expire next summer, and Arsenal may opt to sell the striker in January in order to avoid losing him for free in July.

Vlahovic has been in sensational form for Fiorentina of late

With that in mind, it appears that Arteta is already considering targets to replace Lacazette up front, although it is currently to no avail.

It has been widely reported that Arsenal have moved ahead of North London rivals Tottenham in the race to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The striker had been heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the summer, but the Lilywhites were reportedly deterred by the player’s £68 million price tag.

Now, it appears that Arsenal too are experiencing obstacles in their pursuit of the player.

As per Sky Italia via Violanews, Arsenal are struggling to maintain contact with the player’s representatives, who are apparently refusing to answer phone calls from the Gunners.

The Serbian’s current deal expires in 2023, and he has reportedly so far refused to agree to an extension to his deal with his current employers.

One possible reason for his refusal to talk to Arsenal is that he is rumoured to have already agreed a deal in principle to join fellow Italian side Juventus.

Vlahovic has scored 10 goals in 13 games so far this season, taking his tally for Fiorentina to 39 goals in 97 games since joining from Partizan Belgrade in 2018.