Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all hope to sign Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, who has spoken of his affection for the Premier League.
Arsenal are back in the race to sign Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, having struggled to agree deals for either Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid or Luis Suarez.
The north London side also failed altogether to sign David Villa from FC Barcelona, with the Spain record international goalscorer electing to transfer to fellow La Liga club Atletico de Madrid for a remarkably low fee.
Montenegro international star Jovetic represents an intriguing option up front for the Gunners, as well as Liverpool, who are looking to replace the wantaway Suarez.
Jovetic’s career has followed a similar trajectory to former Arsenal star Robin Van Persie.
Like the Dutchman before him, the 23 year-old is more second striker than leader of the line at this stage, but there is hope that he could grow into a reliable source of goals as his development continues.
Jovetic scored 13 goals and provided five assists for his team-mates last season, and his impressive build up play, creativity, passing and movement make him a prime candidate to play the roles of both creator and finisher.
Dropping deep to let midfield runners sprint past him, Jovetic would be a good fit for either Liverpool’s quick wide forwards including Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling, as well as Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lukas Podolski and Santiago Cazorla, and the Montenegrin’s ability to move wide himself and drop into channels could also open up space.
“They must give us €30million or nothing,” said Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle, to the London Evening Standard, whilst Jovetic has also given a clear hint he would give consideration to either Arsenal or Liverpool – or indeed Chelsea or Manchester City, who have also been linked.
“I’ve been at Fiorentina since 2008, five very intense seasons,” Jovetic told Gazzetta dello Sport as translated by the Standard.
“I really feel like I’ve given everything. I’m young and ambitious and it is normal to feel the need to test myself elsewhere. I do not think there’s anything wrong with desire.
“I’ve played in Europe with Fiorentina, now I want to win in Europe.”
“For a year (Juventus) have said they want me,” continued Jovetic.
“I come before (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, (Carlos) Tevez and (Gonzalo) Higuain on their list. Who would not be flattered?
“But the Premier League is also a fantastic championship, as is La Liga. I have some opportunities so we’ll see.”
Juventus have of course completed deals for Manchester City striker Tevez, as well as Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao, and it appears that Jovetic’s options are now limited to the Premier League.
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