Meeting scheduled – Attempt to block 20-year-old’s transfer to Arsenal

Earlier this week, Sport Witness looked at the situation of Francesco Pio Esposito, who was attracting interest from Arsenal.

Despite that, Inter Milan were quite confident of keeping the Italian. L’Interista spoke of a bond between the two, with the player keen on repaying the Nerazzurri’s faith with consistent goals in the future.

This was giving hope to Inter of keeping Arsenal away, with the striker finding the net against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Serie A league leaders lost the game but it reinforced the 20-year-old’s importance to the team. More on Gunners’ interest is now emerging.

Arsenal leading race for Esposito

Calciomercato IT report on the youngster, making it clear that Inter have no intention of selling the player.

Arsenal are leading the race, however a deal is considered unlikely. Beppe Marotta is aiming to hand Pio Esposito a new contract, with work ongoing to iron out an agreement.

Inter are willing to almost triple the striker’s current wage, with a renewal until 2031 now on the table.

To push things further, a meeting has been scheduled with Pio Esposito’s agent Mario Giuffredi. The two parties have an excellent relationship and this can prove key to ‘reach a definitive agreement’.

There is confidence that Inter will swat away Arsenal’s interest, with other English clubs also in the race.

Gunners have multiple striker options

Last summer, Mikel Arteta’s side spent big on Viktor Gyokeres. Kai Havertz is also in the squad and is back in the first-team after injury. Gabriel Jesus too is also part of the Spaniard’s plans, with Leandro Trossard capable of playing at centre-forward.

That is why Arsenal probably don’t need a striker anyway. Beyond that, they wouldn’t want to spend a significant amount for that position too, unless someone such as Gabriel Jesus leaves.