Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano was unable to confirm whether Dusan Vlahovic would be staying after their 6-0 victory over Genoa, but said the striker remained ‘very motivated’ and ‘relaxed’.
Salvatore Sirigu saved Vlahovic’s attempted Panenka in the 11th minute, but Alvaro Odriozola, Bonaventura and Cristiano Biraghi all netted to give Fiorentina a three-goal lead at the halfway stage.
Eyebrows were raised as Vlahovic came out for the second half with his arms raised in the direction of Fiorentina’s home support and he repeated the gesture after he extended their lead with a dinked finish in the 51st minute.
Biraghi added his second of the game and Lucas Torreira made it six to cap off a good win – moving Fiorentina up to sixth in Serie A – but Vlahovic’s unusual behaviour was the big topic of conversation after the game, with many Arsenal supporters convinced he was saying his goodbyes.
It comes amid huge speculation liking Vlahovic with a big-money move to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen up front before the January transfer deadline.
The latest reports emanating from Italy claim Arsenal have offered £50m plus Torreira for Vlahovic as they look to plan for the future without Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Asked for an update on the situation after Fiorentina’s win, head coach Italiano told reporters: ‘At the moment we enjoy Dusan here at Fiorentina, he’s with us – I don’t know about the future.
‘He scored a great goal today. I see him very motivated and relaxed.’
It’s believed Vlahovic is Arsenal’s number one attacking target this month, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak have also been linked in recent weeks.
The Serbia international has entered into the last 18 months of his current contract and Fiorentina are resigned to losing their prized possession, though hope to keep hold of him until the summer.
