January 23, (THEWILL) –Â After testing positive for Covid-19, Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic was taken out of Fiorentina’s matchday squad for this weekend’s Serie A meeting with Cagliari.
Vlahovic was first left out of the matchday squad without explanation. This caused rumours to begin to circulate on Twitter and Arsenal fans were understandably ecstatic.
However, La Viola confirmed shortly after releasing the team that two players had contracted coronavirus and would be unavailable for selection. Vlahovic and Riccardo Saponara were the two players in question.
With barely one week left in the transfer window, the forward’s positive test might jeopardise any prospective January move.
Arsenal and the player have hit a “stalemate” according to transfer details, with talks no farther forward than they were a week ago.
Arsenal are willing to meet Fiorentina’s £66 million asking price for the coveted frontman, but the player has stated that he does not want to be forced into a decision and would prefer a summer move.
Vlahovic’s future was recently discussed by Fiorentina director Joe Barone, who stated that the Serb has not agreed to leave in January.
“Some English clubs have made contact, but there is no agreement yet,” Barone said. “We are open [to selling] but there can’t be a deal unless someone [Vlahovic] agrees.
“I haven’t heard anything from them [Vlahovic’s representatives]. I had asked Vlahovic’s agent to be clear, but I haven’t heard anything, no contact at all.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
