Arsenal are expected to complete the transfer of Dusan Vlahovic.

Arsenal are expected to complete the transfer of Dusan Vlahovic if they are ‘clever and quick,’ despite Newcastle’s £85 million interest.

Mikel Arteta’s side are thought to be up against Manchester United and Tottenham in the race for his services.

Newcastle is reportedly preparing an £85 million bid to bring the Serbia international to St James’ Park.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang omitted from the last two matchday squads due to disciplinary issues, Arsenal could be in the market for a new centre-forward in the New Year.

After being stripped of his captaincy, Aubameyang will be left out of the squad for Saturday’s match against Leeds, indicating that he may be frozen out indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah’s contracts in North London expire in six months, forcing Arteta to bring in another striker.

Smith, a former Arsenal player, believes Vlahovic could be the answer, but believes his former club must act quickly if they want to sign him.

Sky Sports quoted him as saying: “A proven Premier League striker costs a lot of money. Is Arsenal capable of spending that much money?

“If they pay £60 million or £70 million, they will be unable to strengthen other areas of the team through the transfer market. All of their eggs would be in one basket.

“I’m guessing they’ll go with a younger European player. Someone like Dusan Vlahovic, who will still be expensive, might be a good fit.

“I’m sure Arsenal’s analysis team is sifting through all of the data to see who would be a good fit and possibly a little less expensive.

“As I previously stated, many clubs are interested in that type of striker, so let’s hope Arsenal can be as astute and quick in the transfer market as possible. They’ll be required to be.”

Vlahovic, who is contracted to Fiorentina until 2023, has just rejected a new contract offer, according to Fiorentina director Joe Barone.

“We’ve given Vlahovic the richest contract ever in Fiorentina’s history, multiple times,” he told La Repubblica.

“Both Dusan and his agency made it clear that they are unwilling to accept.” “Our offer remains on the table.”