Fiorentina chief executive Joe Barone has launched a scathing attack on Dusan Vlahovic for wasting Arsenal's time, branding his representatives "liars."
The Serbian left the Florence club to join Juventus as he rejected Arsenal who courted him throughout the month of January.
Fiorentina wanted to keep Vlahovic for longer but as talks over a contract extension stalled, they looked to cash in on their prized asset with 18 months left on his deal.
Barone believes Vlahovic led them on by giving off the impression he was going to pen an extension back in November before insisting on improved terms with higher wages and agent fees - something which was a huge surprise to the club.
The Fiorentina chief has called the striker's agents "liars" for their dishonesty, as well as going behind their back to strike an agreement with Juventus, potentially as a free agent, so the Italians would get nothing in return for Vlahovic.
He told Commisso said, as cited by Calciomercato : “It was all very complicated. One day Dusan was messing with the fans. At the end of November, I tried to close the renewal, but his agents were dishonest and liars.
“We discussed, the meeting was also good, then I was waiting for answers. The next day we gave him the appointment to close. But instead of getting closer to negotiation, they brought us another huge surprise: the contract of €4/5m net a year was no longer enough.
“Dusan wanted €8m net a year. Agent also raised the commission figure: they wanted 10 percent on future resale and exclusivity.”
Arsenal were one of the other teams interested in signing Valhovic and were able to meet Fiorentina's £60million valuation.
But Mikel Arteta's men didn't get any further than that as Barone also hit out at Valhovic's agents for dismissing their client's other suitors as Fiorentina sent people from their camp over to England to negotiate a deal.
Barone reckons that Valhovic's representatives already had an agreement in place with Juve without his knowledge and the player was initially planning to see out his contract at Fiorentina meaning he would leave for free.
Barone added: "My managers went to England to deal with foreign clubs, but they [Vlahović’s camp] always said no. They probably already had an agreement with Juventus and perhaps even as a free agent.
“His agents had the intention of expiring and ruining Fiorentina as is often happening now. They wanted to make themselves rich on our skin.”
Vlahovic confirmed it was a simple choice to sign for Juventus, adding salt into Arsenal's wounds.
He said: “There were many rumours about foreign clubs, but the choice was easy because the club and I have a similar DNA. Fight and suffer when needed.
“I think it’s part of my mentality as well, so the choice was not difficult.
“I am thrilled and proud to have signed with Juventus. A glorious club.
“I am ready to give my best for the team and obtain great results. I want to thank the Juventus president and all the people that brought me here.”
