Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Why Chelsea Has Upper Hand for Stevan Jovetic

Negotiations between Arsenal and Fiorentina for Stevan Jovetic have been rocky as it is.

Now, Chelsea has entered the race for the 23-year-old forward, according to the Daily Express.

"A source close to the club" reportedly told the Daily Express, "Jovetic is a definite option for Chelsea. (Edinson) Cavani at the moment is too expensive."

As Metro noted, The Gunners' pursuit of Jovetic could be wrecked by the Italian club's £25 million asking price, and Chelsea's reported interest could see that rise further.  

The threat from Chelsea is legit. The Blues finished third in the Premier League this season, one place higher than Arsenal. They've also been known to spend a lot of money. You may remember that Chelsea acquired former Lille forward Eden Hazard in the summer of 2012 for £32 million.

Fiorentina's asking price for Jovetic—the same asking price that has frustrated Arsenal—is reportedly £25 million.

While Chelsea and Arsenal both finished in the top three in the EPL in goals scored this season, that doesn't mean they couldn't add some more scoring punch, especially with first-place Manchester United notching 86 goals.

Jovetic posted 13 goals and five assists in Serie A competition this past season. Known for his artful footwork with the ball, finishing ability and toughness, he's a star in the making who could potentially flourish in the Premier League. At a young age, he's already shown he has the chops to perform at a high level against supreme competition.

A combination of Hazard and Jovetic could be a nightmare in the coming years for Chelsea's EPL foes. Arsene Wenger has told the Daily Mail he's willing to spend this summer—this may be the greatest test of how much he's willing to spend. Is he going to go after a coveted player, or is he going to retreat to his ways of yore, preferring to develop young players within the club's control?

One thing's for sure: The pressure coming from Chelsea is very real.