Reported Arsenal transfer target Dusan Vlahovic has told his representatives that he wants to be competing for the Champions League next season.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs in the upcoming transfer window, due to his dwindling contract at Fiorentina.
His current deal runs until 2023, with the player already turning down a new deal in favour of a move away from the club with apparent ambitions of competing in the top competitions.
The Gunners are one side who are said to be interested in the Serbia international, with Mikel Arteta in need of a potential rebuild up front.
Arsenal are set to lose both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in the summer, with their contracts at the Emirates expiring.
This leaves Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the only senior first-team striker left, though he only has one-year left on his deal at the end of the season and it is believed his future is unclear following the loss of the captaincy at the club.
These events have led the side to be linked with a number of potential forwards in the future, with Vlahovic believed to be one target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, despite his dwindling contract, Fiorentina have set an asking price of €100million (£85million) to let the youngster leave the club.
Vlahovic’s goal scoring record speaks for itself and may well justify such a large valuation, with his 15 goals in 17 Serie A games this season proving his ability at such a young age.
However, the key to the Gunners landing him could be through how this season ends. According to Eurosport, the forward is hoping to compete for the Champions League at his next club.
With Arteta ’s side not qualifying for Europe last season, it was seen as necessary to do so this season and they have put themselves into a great position to challenge for qualification.
The Spaniard has guided his side to fourth in the league so far, the final Champions League place, showing improvement on how the previous season developed.
Ending the season strong over their rivals for the top four may be the biggest factor in landing Vlahovic for the future, as it seems clear that he wants to be involved in the biggest competitions and the biggest stages possible.
