Arsenal and Manchester City may have summer battle for signature of Montenegro international.
Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic has hinted that he would love to test himself in the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly keen.
“It sure is nice when you are interesting big clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City.
“It feels good because the English game currently has probably the strongest league in the world.
“I’m very comfortable in Italy but the Premier League is at the top of the football world – and perhaps the best.
“We will see what happens in the future.”
Arsenal and Manchester City have long been linked with the signing of Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic for the last few months, with the Gunners the stronger linked of the two sides.
Last month, the Daily Mirror reported that Jovetic was Arsene Wenger’s top transfer target for the summer, and having sold Robin Van Persie last summer, there is a bit of a void in the Gunners’ squad up front.
Still, many fans of both Manchester City and Arsenal will not have seen him in action very often.
Here’s our scouting report.
Strengths:
Like Robin Van Persie, and Theo Walcott at Arsenal, Jovetic began his career on the wing, but has since brought goals to his game and gradually earned his chance up front.
This season, his 12 goals from 24 appearances account for 22% of Fiorentina’s 53 Serie A goals so far, and his scoring prowess is a big reason that I Viola are in contention for the UEFA Champions League qualification places next season.
He is a creative player too, with four assists so far, and the 23 year-old has plenty of time to continue to improve his game.
Jovetic is a very clever player, and tricky in possession, and his skills enable to him to glide past opponents and find the space for a shot or pass.
With only three yellow cards this season, disciplinary issues would be unlikely to be an issue for a future club, whilst as Fiorentina vice-captain he has displayed admirable leadership potential – something that Arsenal are regularly criticised for lacking.
Weaknesses:
Jovetic has struggled with injury throughout his career, and had four enforced absences last season.
He missed practically the entire 2010-11 season after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament, and more recent muscular injuries will be a concern for any buying club.
Jovetic hasn’t played much recent European football recently – Fiorentina last took part in the UEFA Champions League in the 2009-10 season, with their Montenegro international scoring four goals in his five appearances.
Finally, whilst he has excelled in Serie A, there is no guarantee that he would adapt well to the more physical football of the English Premier League.
Here’s a video of Jovetic in action:
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