Arsenal make surprise player-plus-cash offer for long term Spurs target

Despite their strong run of form of late, it was a familiar story for Arsenal as they hosted Manchester City on Saturday. 

Having gone ahead early on through youngster Bukayo Saka, things looked promising for Mikel Arteta’s side as they dominated the league leaders.

However, the sending off of Gabriel in the second half changed the game, and the visitors ultimately ended up winners thanks to an injury time winner from Rodri.

The result was the Gunners’ 11th defeat in 12 games against City, who extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to ten points.

Former club captain was once again omitted from Arteta’s match day squad following his disciplinary breach last month, while Alexandre Lacazette’s future remains uncertain with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season.

With that in mind, Arsenal have tabled a surprise offer for a long-term target of rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

The report claims that the Gunners have offer Fiorentina £46 million plus Lucas Torreira, for Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Uruguayan midfielder is currently on loan with the Serie A side and has made 17 appearances so far this term, so it could be a persuading factor in Fiorentina’s decision.

Vlahovic has been heavily linked with Spurs in recent windows, although Arsenal have also been credited with an interest over the past 12 months.

The striker has been one of Europe’s most prolific in the past two seasons, scoring 36 goals in his last 45 Serie A matches.

The bid from Arsenal reportedly values Torreira, who has not played for the club since 2020, at around £12.5 million, meaning that the total value of the offer is £58.5 million.

It is understood that Fiorentina are currently considering the offer for Vlahovic, who moved to Tuscany from his native Serbia in 2018.