Serie A striker wanted by Spurs and Arsenal ‘has not accepted new contract offer’

The long running saga linking Harry Kane with Manchester City dominated much of the transfer talk this summer, despite a move never materialising. 

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both made sensational moves across Europe, Kane took to social media days before the window slammed shut to confirm that he was to stay with Tottenham Hotspur.

The news ended weeks of speculation linking the England captain with Pep Guardiola’s side, and triggered relief among Spurs supporters.

The 28-year-old has, however, endured a tricky start to the new campaign and is still without a Premier League goal after seven matches.

His only goals so far have been against Wolves in the League Cup and a hat-trick against NS Mura in the Europa Conference League.

Now, speculation is building over one of Spurs’ potential targets to replace Kane.

When talk of Kane departing was at its highest, the North London side were heavily linked with Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic as a replacement for the 2018 World Cup golden boot winner.

It has now been revealed that the Serbian has rejected contract offers from his current club, and is expected to leave in the next 12 months.

According to The Evening Standard, Liverpool were also interested in the player, who scored 21 times in 37 league games last season.

Vlahovic has scored four times in seven Serie A games so far this season

An official statement from Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso explained that, while an offer had been submitted that would have made Vlahovic the club’s highest paid player in history, nothing has been accepted.

The news will be welcomed by both Spurs and Arsenal, with Kane’s future still in doubt and Arsenal’s Piere-Emerick Aubameyang also failing to impress of late.

The Gabon international has scored just twice in six league games this season, but did net a hat-trick in the Gunners’ League Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Vlahovic was also reportedly targeted by Sevilla, AC Milan and Juventus over the summer, and this news will undoubtedly once again reignite talk of a move elsewhere.

The 21-year-old was one of Serie A’s standout players last term, but has less than two years remaining on his current deal and the Italian side could opt to cash in sooner to avoid losing him for free.