Arsene Wenger is preparing a summer raid on Italian side Fiorentina for their Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic. Talksport reports that the Italians are willing to let the player go for around £28m and Arsenal are ready to match that amount.
Jovetic has scored 12 goals in 24 Serie A matches this season and was part of the Montenegro side that held England to a 1-1 draw last night.
It would be the biggest transfer fee Arsenal have ever paid for a player, but the club’s directors have accepted that spending big money this summer is the best way forward. Arsene Wenger will need three or four genuine world class players added to his squad to seriously contend with the big clubs in England and Europe.
Expect several marquee signings at the Emirates
With no chance of ending their eight year trophy drought until next season, Wenger and his board are ready to change their long time approach of investing in youth.
Several marquee signings will be on the way to the Emirates when the transfer window opens and the club want to identify their targets early to get a step ahead of their rivals.
However, they may face a fight for Jovetic from Man City. After the departure of Mario Balotelli in January, and the possible exit of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko in summer, Mancini could be left without any senior strikers so will be keen to start rebuilding his frontline as soon as possible.
Roberto Mancini has admitted he admires Jovatic, but it is likely City would only join the race if they fail in landing either of their prime targets of Edinson Cavani or Rademel Falcao.