Arsenal are ready to do battle with north London rivals Tottenham in the race for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to reports.
The Serbian enjoyed an excellent campaign for Fiorentina last season, netting 21 times in 37 Serie A matches, and his fine form has seen him attract interest from a host of clubs across Europe.
Tottenham have been eyeing a move for Vlahovic as a potential replacement for talisman Harry Kane, who could still be on his way out his this summer with Manchester City in hot pursuit of the wantaway England captain.
But now according to Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio, 21-year-old Vlahovic is also on Arsenal's radar - and they may even swoop in for him for ahead of their rivals with Kane's future no closer to being sorted.
However, both sides would have to stump up at least €60million (£50.8m) to convince Fiorentina to part ways with Vlahovic, who they are keen to tie down to a new deal.
The Gunners are looking for a new striker, with Eddie Nketiah potentially on his way out this summer while Alexandre Lacazette is in the final year of his contract at the Emirates.
And with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having just turned 32, Mikel Arteta is eyeing a young striker in the transfer market.
But Arsenal's reported interest could make Tottenham speed up in their pursuit of the Serbian youngster - with the club keen on landing a new striker regardless of whether Kane stays.
The arrival of Fabio Paratici as the club's director of football has seen Spurs turn to Italy, an area of expertise for him, in their attempts to add to their squad ahead of the new season.
Former Juventus transfer chief Paratici holds Vlahovic in high regard, and reportedly believes that the in-demand star would be able to adapt to the Premier League in good time.
Vlahovic was brought by Fiorentina at the beginning of 2018 from Serbian outfit Partizan Belgrade.
He would go onto make his debut for Fiorentina in September 2018 in the club's Serie A defeat against Inter Milan.
And following his breakthrough season with Fiorentina last term, Vlahovic has bagged 29 goals and created four assists in 84 matches for the club.
