Arsenal Take Lead in Jovetic Transfer Race as Juventus Reveal Details
The Montenegro international striker is valued at £25m
Juventus has revealed they are yet to make an approach for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic.
The Bianconieri's general manager, Giuseppe Marotta, claims the Serie A champions have begun to "sound out some options" but he denied holding negotiations with the Viola for the Montenegro international.
"Jovetic is a very good player but we have not moved for him. We have not contacted anyone at Fiorentina and I am convinced that relations with the club and the Viola are good," the Italian said.
"We have begun to sound out some options, but it is not yet the right time to make any announcements. Our goal is to complete the squad for the July training camp and we are still following a few different players," Marotta added.
Jovetic remain heavily linked to Arsenal since mid-season and has been touted as Arsene Wenger's top summer target. But recent reports suggested Juventus are leading the race for the 23-year-old and would be willing to meet their domestic rival's asking price for the player as well. A player-cash deal was also seen as a possibility, with £6m, striker Fabio Quagliarella and a 50% share in Luca Marrone on offer.
However, Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has now played down rumours that the club had entered into negotiations with the Viola for Jovetic and insisted they are only exploring their options at the moment, giving Arsenal an edge in the race.
Fiorentina recently confirmed they were prepared to sell Jovetic this summer, as the player wished to explore new challenges.
"Jovetic wants a new experience and we'll try to make him happy, but only if a suitable offer comes in," the club's general manager, Sandro Mencucci, explained.
It is understood Fiorentina are not keen on selling Jovetic to Juventus and would prefer to do business with an overseas club, if the suitor is ready to meet their asking price.
Jovetic, who can operate anywhere across the forward line and also in the playmaker role, is valued at around £25m. Chelsea and Manchester City are also understood to be interested in snapping up the player this summer
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