Arsenal believe they now have sufficient processes in place to stop the kind of leaks that ultimately derailed their pursuit for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian emerged as the Gunners’ top transfer priority during the January window, with hopes he would become a direct replacement for the departing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Their attempts to sign the Fiorentina striker were well publicised with the protracted saga seeing him wind up with Italian giants Juventus.
And while there was little Emirates bosses could have done to persuade Vlahovic, who has since made it clear his heart was set on a move to Turin, it was a bruising affair for those involved.
That entire saga was conducted in contrast to their business in the previous window, which saw targets identified and recruited swiftly, regardless of outside noise. It’s also a pattern which has continued into their most recent transfer dealings, particularly in the case of Fabio Vieira.
The former FC Porto midfielder was one of the few names not to be heavily linked with a move to north London prior to reports emerging that a deal had been struck with the Portuguese giants. Vieira was then on the next flight to the capital, with medicals completed and a deal announced in the space of just a few days.
It was a move which took many outside of the confines of London Colney by surprise, but Football.London reports that is now set to be the way for Arsenal moving forward. The report claims that while Mikel Arteta is in charge of the Gunners, they will continue to operate in a manner which doesn’t attract too much attention - and thus risk losing out on deals to rivals.
There is now a confidence that fresh from the failed Vlahovic chase, the correct strategies are now in place to ensure leaks do not emerge from the club. There will then perhaps be some concern regarding bids for Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha becoming public knowledge, attracting interest from Tottenham in both cases.
Arteta’s admiration for Jesus has been difficult to mask, after the Manchester City forward emerged as their top striker target for the summer window. But the rejected Rapinha bid has opened up the possibility of Leeds United conducting an auction to bring the Brazilian’s fee above market value.
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Regardless, technical director Edu remains optimistic that work is being done to ensure supporters will be more than content with Arsenal’s business by the time window closes at the start of September.
Speaking after the acquisition of Vieira, he said: “We’re so pleased to have completed the signing of Fabio from FC Porto. Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch.
“We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal. We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly as possible.”
