Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito.
The Gunners have Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino all capable of playing up front, so there is no immediate need for a new centre-forward.
However, Jesus could leave in the summer when he enters the final year of his contract, while Havertz and Merino could be dropped back to midfield permanently.
For those reasons, Arsenal’s links to Esposito made sense, but a move will not be easy.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
How Pio Esposito has privately reacted to interest from Arsenal
Esposito is destined to become a superstar in the coming years.
The Italian has all the characteristics you would want from a target man, and his numbers for Inter Milan this season, despite only being 20, are incredible.
Esposito has six goals and six assists in under 1300 minutes of football this season, averaging a direct goal contribution every 108 minutes.
That is why many clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, want to sign Esposito, but the player’s head has not been turned.
According to L’Interista, the young forward is ‘deeply grateful’ to Inter for giving him ‘confidence and opportunity’ at his age.
Furthermore, the reason why he hasn’t privately reacted with any excitement towards Arsenal’s interest is that his connection with Inter, the club that has ‘nurtured’ him, is ‘unbreakable’ by any club in the Premier League.
The report concludes by saying Esposito is happy at Inter, and the club don’t want to sell him either in the summer transfer window.
For that reason, it will be very hard for Andrea Berta to sign him.
Pio Esposito to Arsenal – yes or no?
Mikel Arteta’s magic could change Pio Esposito’s mind
Many Arsenal players have claimed that if you speak to Mikel Arteta, you will walk out of the meeting fully convinced.
Martin Odegaard said it when he signed for Arsenal, as did Martin Zubimendi after rejecting several other top clubs across Europe.
So, if the Arsenal manager can get on a call with Esposito, explain his plans for him and his role in the side for the present and future, Esposito could well be convinced.
However, convincing Inter could prove to be a lot more difficult as they have no interest in selling, and the fact that the player is contracted until 2030 puts them in a strong negotiating position.
If Arteta and Berta can pull this off, it could prove to be one of their best buys yet.
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