Mikel Arteta's job this season at Arsenal could not be any clearer: qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners have not been in Europe's most prestigious competition since the 2016/17 season but are fighting to reach the tournament once again.
However, the likes of West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are all battling it out to finish in the top four this season, but Arsenal should be confident.
Of course, without Champions League football to boast, the ability to attract world-class talent can be affected and that could indeed be the case with Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic.
football.london understands that the Gunners are pursuing the possible signing of the immensely talented 21-year-old striker, but other reports suggest that he wants to wait until the summer before making a definitive decision on where his future lies.
Vlahovic, who is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe right now, is said to be desperate to play Champions League football next season and Arsenal need to secure just that in order to lure the Serbian to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are not going to have a clear run on Vlahovic, though, with Juventus and Manchester City said to also be interested in the Fiorentina frontman.
There could be another team about to enter the fray, as well, with Manchester United reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
ESPN are reporting that Man United are focusing on other attacking options after discovering that Haaland has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
There are of course other options to Vlahovic that United could pursue, but the Serbian is an incredible talent that any club in Europe would be interested in acquiring, so Arsenal need to be aware and alert should their Premier League rivals join the race for his signature.
Man United of course are one of the teams fighting for a spot in next season's Champions League and it could be one of them or Arsenal to secure fourth-place in the Premier League.
It may seem unrealistic that whoever does get fourth also lands the signing of Vlahovic, but it definitely could be a determining factor in the pursuit.
If Man City's speculated interest does prove to be true, then the runaway Premier League leaders could blow both United and Arsenal out of the water with an offer for Vlahovic.
