Juventus have bid €22m for Arsenal target Stevan Jovetic, hoping to convince the Montenegrin to join the Serie A side for a challenge on two fronts next season.
It’s believed his national team-mate Mirko Vucinic is attempting to convince him to join the Bianconeri.
There have been numerous reports that the forward was set to join Arsenal, but it appears it’s still anyone’s chance to capture the player.
Price tag
The bid of €22m does not match Fiorentina’s valuation of the player, with Arsenal expected to pay around £20m for his signature. The Italian side have told their rivals they want €30m (around £25m) for Jovetic, though this is mainly to detract Italian suitors. La Viola are desperate to sell Jovetic abroad if it comes to it, with Arsenal or Manchester City the most likely destination.
However, if Juventus activate his release clause and he wants to go there, there is very little that can be done. Juventus appear to be challenging Arsenal for their two main attacking targets; Jovetic and Higuain, so it could be a long summer.
Recap
For those who are new to the Jovetic story, here’s the low-down:
Arsenal have been watching him for eighteen months, seeing him as a long-term replacement for Robin Van Persie. In that time he’s attracted the attention of Manchester City and Juventus, sides who could likely present a more attractive offer to the player.
Arsenal were negotiating with Fiorentina late in January, but could not sign him then because a replacement could not be found. Since then, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the player, though his agent has suggested the same has occurred with Manchester City. Reports vary, with some claiming Arsenal have as good as signed Jovetic, with others saying he’s headed to Manchester or Turin. Last week the story was that he wanted to stay and win the Scudetto with Fiorentina before leaving, though that sounds like agent talk to me.
Jovetic has expressed an interest in playing for Arsenal, complimenting them whenever the interest is brought up. It’s all down to whether Arsenal have Champions League football and the determination to seal the deal.
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