Arsenal: Arteta tells Berta to sign ‘frightening’ 6ft 3in striker as ‘contact made’
Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta to bring Italian striker Pio Esposito to north London, according to a report, with previous speculation leading to the Gunners and Manchester United making “monstrous offers”.
Arsenal finally captured the centre-forward they craved last summer when they paid Sporting CP £64million for Viktor Gyokeres. So far, Arsenal’s new number 9 has managed 15 goals and two assists in 37 matches.
Gyokeres is a deadly striker who has the physicality to intimidate opposing defenders. However, he is not as technically gifted as other elite goalscorers such as Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak, leading to some criticism.
Reports suggest Arsenal could re-enter the market to sign top competition for Gyokeres ahead of next season.
According to the latest news from the Italian newspaper Gazzetta du SportInter Milan ace Esposito is a strongly considered option.
Arteta was both “fascinated and frightened” when Esposito came off the bench to wreak havoc during their Champions League clash in January.
Esposito may have come out on the losing side, but he made a big impression on Arteta by giving Arsenal’s defense serious problems. The 20-year-old’s success even forced Arteta to bring regular starter Gabriel off the bench.
It is claimed that after the match Arsenal won 3-1, Arteta “immediately spoke to Berta” to discuss the potential capture of Esposito.
Berta “had already anticipated the signing” and “quickly contacted” his Inter counterpart, Piero Ausilio, to find out if a deal was possible.
However, Berta received a resounding ‘no’ as Inter view Esposito as the future of their attack.
The 6ft 3in star’s game is improving rapidly and he has seven goals and six assists in 36 appearances so far this season.
Arsenal were first linked with Esposito on February 14. There was then an update on February 26, with Calciomercato claiming that Arsenal and Man Utd have both held initial discussions to try and hammer out a move.
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Arsenal fans would rather sign Julian Alvarez
There was even talk in Italy of a “monstrous offer” arriving from Arsenal or United.
However, Inter intend to rebuff all offers this summer. They are protected by Esposito’s contract, which lasts another four years.
Julian Alvarez would be the best striker signing for Arsenal anyway, as he is already established at the elite level.
The Gunners have held positive discussions with Alvarez’s camp as he plots his route away from Atletico Madrid. We revealed on February 22 that Arsenal were receiving weekly updates on the Argentine’s situation.
Arsenal: “Offer” for the Brazilian; advantage over Spurs
Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly ‘made an offer’ for a Brazilian right-back as they prepare for Ben White’s departure.
The Gunners have leapfrogged fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the quest for an elite midfielder.
Additionally, a report claims that Arsenal and Liverpool are both looking for a ‘high-profile signing’ from Italy.
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