Dusan Vlahovic's phenomenal goalscoring numbers over the past season-and-a-half mean it is hard not to be disappointed that Arsenal look likely to miss out on his services.
The 21-year-old has 18 months left on his current deal, and clubs across Europe, reportedly including Arsenal, were put on red alert after Fiorentina's owner Rocco Commisso announced Vlahovic had rejected all offers of an extension.
It wasn't just his contract situation that ramped up the interest, however, as the Serbian has managed to bag 15 goals in 17 appearances so far this season, meaning he is very likely to beat his record of 21 goals last term with ease.
As the links with us got stronger, so did the excitement. Unfortunately, it now appears that Edu is set to miss out on one of football's most in-form players.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said: "Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal is complicated as the player has zero interest in joining the club." This comes after Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio claimed Vlahovic's agent wasn't even picking up the Gunner's phone calls.
With all of the signals so far suggesting that this move is unlikely, Edu must now start to look elsewhere to avoid further disappointment. Failing to sign Vlahovic may be seen as a shame to many, but he isn't the only top-quality striker out there.
Here are two other options Mikel Arteta should put on his transfer shopping list.
Jonathan David
Previously linked with Arsenal, the young Canadian international continues to make a name for himself after completing his move to Lille last year and staring in the French side's unlikely 2020/21 title triumph.
The 21-year-old has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances so far this season and has been one of the Ligue 1 side's standout players.
A hardworking and strong finisher who has blistering pace in addition to the huge potential he still possesses at a young age means David deserves to be considered by the Arsenal hierarchy.
He is one of the most suitable options to replace Alexandre Lacazette who currently looks set to depart the Emirates.
Negotiations with Lille should also prove to be relatively straightforward, following the signings of Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Recent reports have suggested the striker would be available for a fee in the region of £47million.
Youssef En-Nesyri
The 24-year-old Morocco international has sparked into life over the past couple of seasons and his impressive performances for Spanish side CD Leganes earned him a move to Sevilla in January 2020.
This is where the player has really kicked on, scoring 25 goals during the 2021/22 campaign before scoring three times in nine appearances so far this season.
En-Nesyri possesses similar qualities to David in terms of his finishing and speed, although he is also quite strong in the air and reads the game well when without the ball.
In addition, he can also operate on either wing which would be a bonus for Arteta should he need to shuffle the squad about.
The only slight concern is his current absence due to a serious hamstring injury that has ruled him out for at least two months.
If Arsenal were to consider a move for the player, assurances that the problem would not flare up again in the future would most certainly be needed.
I'm sure Arteta and Edu drew up plans for the striker department a while back, so I'm relatively confident about what we can get done. But with the futures of both Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah uncertain, the possibility of Arsenal needing not one, but two number nines cannot be ruled out.
This is backed up even more when you consider Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is 33 next year.
Arsenal's growing striker dilemma means the 2022 summer transfer window will be one where the club simply cannot afford to miss.
Which striker would you like to see the club sign? Follow our Arsenal Fan Brands Writer Chris Davison on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
