Arsenal Open Transfer Talks with £25m Striker Target - Report

Arsenal have opened talks with Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic over a £25m summer move, according to the Mail, with Arsene Wenger believing that the Montenegrin international has a similar technique to former striker Robin van Persie.

The Gunners reportedly have £70m to spend on transfers at the end of the season, and the Serie A club value Jovetic at £25m. However, true to form, Wenger is unwilling to pay that amount and is negotiating for a lower fee.

And that will possibly worry Arsenal fans, given both Juventus and Manchester City are reportedly interested, and the latter club is one of the richest in Europe.

Jovetic has had a good season with the Viola, scoring 12 times in 26 league games and his potential arrival - as a genuine marquee signing - at the Emirates could help paper over the mental cracks left by van Persie's departure.

However, any move for the Montenegrin could depend on Arsenal playing in the Champions League next season. The Gunners are third at the moment, with narrow leads over Chelsea in fourth and Tottenham in fifth.

However, their London rivals have a game in hand and play, theoretically, weaker opponents this weekend; Wenger's team must host Premier League champions Manchester United.

Nacho Monreal on Van Persie

Meanwhile, Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal has warned his team mates to not be distracted by the return of van Persie.

The 29-year-old striker will play against his former club on Sunday and will travel to London as a league champion, less than 12 months after leaving Arsenal.

"Teams like Manchester United don't just have gifted wingers, they have a squad with a lot of depth. Their players are of the highest level, you can't just focus on one player. We must be on our guard and be aware of certain key players, like Robin," the Spanish left-back told Arsenal.com.