Dusan Vlahovic has emerged from seemingly nowhere to become of the hottest properties in European football.
The 21-year-old has shot to stardom with Fiorentina and put himself on Arsenal's transfer radar, with manager Mikel Arteta looking to sign a striker who can lead the line at the Emirates for years to come.
Now that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been stripped of the captaincy and Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract in six month's time, the Gunners' immediate focus appears to be on finding a new No.9.
And Arsenal could look to end their search for a striker this month, especially as youngster Folarin Balogun is set to join Championship side Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.
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One of their top targets is believed to be Vlahovic, who has followed up a stunning breakout season last term by scoring 16 goals in 20 Serie A appearances this campaign.
But according multiple reports, the Gunners face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and La Liga giants Barcelona.
With the Serbian's contract expiring in June 2023, his agent is busy speaking to a number clubs in order to accelerate a move in January which would undoubtedly command a bigger price tag than a summer switch.
Arsenal, though, have secret weapon in the form of Lucas Torreira, who is currently Vlahovic's teammate in Italy.
CBS Sports claim that Arteta and co have already made an offer for the striker, who recently equalled Cristiano Ronaldo 's record for Serie A goals in a calendar year by netting 33 across 2021.
And the bid from north London, said to be close to £45million, includes making Torreira's transfer permanent, having left the Emirates on loan in August.
The Uruguayan has featured in all but three of Fiorentina's league matches this season, even registering one goal and one assist to complement his defensive duties.
That means the bustling midfielder is likely to be someone who boss Vincenzo Italiano will want to keep with La Viola.
A fee of £12.5million was agreed between the two clubs last summer if Fiorentina wanted to make the transfer permanent this coming June, but the Italian outfit could now save money on him.
One thing is clear, though, Vlahovic will be leaving his current club soon time soon, with Juventus unsurprisingly also sniffing around for his signature.
Joe Barone, chief executive at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, told Repubblica : "We've offered Vlahovic the highest contract ever in the history of Fiorentina, several times.
"Both Dusan and his agent made us realise that they do not want to accept. Our bid is still on the table."
But Arsenal's player-plus-cash proposal could tempt Fiorentina into a sale which benefits them in more ways than simply receiving an eye-watering sum.
The Gunners' striking search could run on for many months yet but their first move may well prove wise.
