Arsenal tried to secure the services of their primary striker target this January, however, were struck with the damning news that they have near-impossible odds now of pulling it off.
Dusan Vlahovic’s representatives have ignored the Arsenal proposals and the Serbian looks set to join Juventus this winter. This has left both the Gunners and Fiorentina pondering what to do without the 21-year-old.
Interestingly, it could now see the pair go head-to-head as both sides search to find an alternative, in the case of Arsenal, and a replacement for La Viola.
Krzysztof Piatek has already arrived from Hertha Berlin, however, the Florence-based club is expected to go into the market again for another forward with their influx of earnings.
Yet the player that they have seemingly identified is another that Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted that La Viola have lodged a combined €16 million (£13.4m) offer including fee and bonuses for Basel striker Arthur Cabral.
The Brazilian has already received a call-up for the senior national side thanks to his excellent goalscoring record in Switzerland where in 2021 he has scored 27 goals in 31 games across all competitions.
Considering the low figure, it would be amiss of Arsenal not to consider looking at the striker.
His characteristics appear to fit exactly with what Mikel Arteta has been asking for from the forwards the club has been linked to.
An element of aerial threat that Cabral certainly does not lack thanks to his 6’1 frame. Unlike some taller strikers, Cabral has the added physicality too to hold off opposition players, leading there to be no surprise to learn his link-up play is strong.
His strike rate speaks for itself and with Arsenal needing a quick upturn in goal output, it seems almost a tailor-made solution for the team at a very accessible price.
There are, however, concerns over a work permit issue that prevented Leeds United from signing the striker in 2020 according to TeamTalk.
Although having received a senior international call-up from Brazil, there could be a case for a permit to be granted, but this could prove difficult with so little time remaining in the window. An obstacle that Fiorentina do not face.
Where Arsenal will turn remains difficult to judge with a number of options being considered and the clock ticking, the only certainty is failure to sign anyone in the role leaves the club perilously under-armed in the attack.
Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way! The Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews. You can follow Tom Canton from the TAW team to keep up to date with his work.
