Arteta quizzed about Aubameyang as Arsenal defeat West Ham
Arsenal must sell themselves to Dusan Vlahovic by ensuring him a move to one of Europe's elite clubs now would be too early in his career. That is the opinion of European football expert Julien Laurens, who says the Gunners must do what they can to sign Vlahovic if he is their preferred striker target.
Arsenal are likely to be in need of at least one striker in the summer.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future at the club is in severe doubt as he continues to be frozen out by Mikel Arteta after being stripped of the captaincy.
Vlahovic has been linked with a move to the Emirates after a stunning year for Fiorentina.
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"I'm not saying that it is, I'm not saying that Arsenal are telling his people that it is. He might not fancy it and that's fine.
"If we wants a Champions League club, no problem. If he wants to go straight into a City, a Liverpool, a Bayern Munich or wherever he wants to go, no problem.
"But I think it would be crazy for Arsenal not to try.
"If he is really the guy that they like, go for it. If he says no, he says no and you move on to someone else.
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Arsenal transfer news: Dusan Vlahovic would attract a hefty fee (Image: EXPRESS)
"If he says yes, then you have a chance and go for it as well."
Vlahovic does not turn 22 until next month and Laurens reckons he may not be ready to sign for Europe's top clubs.
He therefore believes Arsenal should use that as a tool to persuade the Serbia international.
Laurens added: "But it would be crazy for a club like Arsenal not to try someone who's 21, who can give a platform, a step up from Fiorentina, but not the top, top clubs in Europe where he could go a bit too early maybe.
"I think that is how you should pitch it to him. And if he doesn't like it, no problem. But you'd be crazy not to try it."