Fiorentina chief Joe Barone has demanded Dusan Vlahovic to publicly outline his stance on his future - as speculation linking the Serbian hotshot with a move to Arsenal intensifies.
Vlahovic has been in sizzling form the Italian outfit this year, notching an incredible 19 goals in just 23 games.
Unsurprisingly, that form has won the 21-year-old admirers all across Europe. A host of clubs, including Arsenal, are vying to try and prise Vlahovic away from Fiorentina this month.
Talk of Vlahovic trading Serie A for the Premier League has intensified this week, with reports suggesting that Arsenal are set to test Fiorentina's resolve by making a move for the star, who has just 18 months remaining on his contract, in January.
And Barone has now urged Vlahovic to make his intentions clear with a public statement.
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“There is talk about Dusan Vlahovic every day now. We just want to talk about the squad. We’ve already said so much about him, we expect a response from him and his entourage on what the future holds,” Barone told Sport Mediaset, via Football Italia.
“We have our plans and we are activating those immediately."
Reports have also emerged this week outlining some pretty hefty demands from Vlahovic's entourage
According to a recent report from the Financial Times , Vlahovic's agency, International Sports Office, want an €8m (£6.67m) fee just to renew the player’s contract with Fiorentina, as well as 10 per cent of any future transfer fee from both Fiorentina and a buying club.
But Barone chose not to dwell on Vlahovic's agency and instead reiterated his desire for the striker to speak on his future.
“I can only talk about what we discussed," Barone added. "Obviously, when last time Rocco Commisso was here, the figures were almost doubled, we couldn’t talk about it.
“I had a long conversation with Dusan the other day and I told him we need to understand his path. If he wants to stay at Fiorentina, then sign the contract. If he wants to leave, then say so publicly.
“He can’t string an entire club, city and fanbase along waiting for him. From what I heard, he is not prepared to speak out, so we have to make our decision within the club.”
Despite his strong stance, Barone admitted that the right offer could persuade Fiorentina to do business, admitting: “Of course, we are ready to evaluate anything that arrives. So far, no offers have arrived.”
Arsenal backed Mikel Arteta heavily in the summer, with the Gunners spending more than any other Premier League side.
Arteta has made the most of that financial backing by putting the Londoners into pole position to secure a top-four finish and bring Champions League football back to the Emirates after a five-year absence.
The Gunners hierarchy are prepared to spend big again this month to bolster their European bid, with Vlahovic their top target.
With the club keen to offload Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang after his public spat with Arteta and the long-term futures of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah still up in the air, the Spaniard is desperate to bolster his beleaguered front-line.
According to the Independent, Arsenal are ready to meet Fiorentina's £75m asking price to strike a deal for Vlahovic - although the Italian outfit are demanding the astronomical fee is paid as a lump sum rather than installments, which the Gunners would prefer.
