The potential transfer of Stevan Jovetic appears to have hit a snag over the transfer fee. Arsenal do not value the forward at his €30m release clause and are aiming to complete the deal for around £20-22m.

This represents a difference of around £3m in the valuation of the player.

Options

Arsenal are therefore scouting out the possibility of signing a different striker instead of the Montenegrin, who is apparently also keen on moving to Juventus, as he would prefer to remain in Italy.

However, Fiorentina are unlikely to allow it and would accept a lower offer to see him leave the country.

Arsenal are looking at Gonzalo Higuain and Wayne Rooney as potential alternatives, but both would be harder to secure than Jovetic, with Rooney playing for a national rival and Higuain being chased by Juventus as well.

Arsenal’s frugality in this situation is irritating, although all negotiations start with differences, and we’re talking about the Arsenal that managed to sign Santi Cazorla for £16m, two thirds the asking price.

Of course, they do need to be careful they aren’t blown out of the water.

Juventus

La Gazzeta Dello Sport, an Italian newspaper, reported today that Fiorentina are negotiating with Juventus a transfer involving Jovetic moving one way, with cash and two Juventus players (one being Fabio Quagliarella) along with cash going the other way.

This seems like an attractive deal for La Viola, though it is unknown if the offer meets their asking price.

Arsenal have the financial muscle to pay the asking price for Jovetic, though it seems they still do not want to be forced to pay more than they think the player is worth. An admirable sentiment, but one that could cost them.

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