Arsenal - Emanuele Rao
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners to sign 19-year-old Italian winger Emanuele Rao, following the bankruptcy of his former club SPAL. According to respected Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, the Gunners are currently the Premier League side “working most actively” to secure Rao’s signature, ahead of several European rivals including AC Milan.
Rao, who is now a free agent after SPAL failed to register for the upcoming Serie C season, is attracting widespread interest from top clubs across Europe. Arsenal’s interest aligns with manager Mikel Arteta’s long-term strategy of investing in young, high-potential talents to strengthen squad depth and secure the club’s future competitiveness.
Born in Rovereto on March 28, 2006, Rao impressed in Italy’s third tier last season, featuring in 38 matches, scoring five goals, and registering two assists. His standout performances earned him recognition as one of the youngest scorers in Serie C, catching the eye of Italian giants Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli, and now Premier League suitors Arsenal.
REAL MORE: Thomas Partey makes final decision on Arsenal future
With SPAL’s professional status dissolved, Rao is free to negotiate a move without a transfer fee, an attractive prospect for Arsenal, whose scouting team has been closely monitoring his progress. The club is said to be impressed by his pace, dribbling ability, and tactical versatility on the left flank.
Arsenal - Emanuele Rao
Emanuele Rao (Image credit: Getty Images)
The move comes at a time when Arsenal are seeking to bolster their attacking options. Uncertainty around the futures of several wide players, coupled with injury concerns affecting star winger Bukayo Saka last season, has heightened the club’s urgency to reinforce their flank positions.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
AC Milan remain a strong competitor in the race, with their interest tied to the Milan Futuro project, an initiative aimed at developing young talent within their Serie D second team. However, Arsenal’s proactive approach and the appeal of Premier League football could give them the edge in securing Rao’s signature.
Fiorentina and Roma are also reportedly monitoring the situation, but are considered behind Arsenal and Milan in terms of negotiations.
Under the leadership of Arteta and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal continue to focus on building a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours while maintaining sustainable growth. Securing Rao would represent a low-risk, high-upside addition as the Gunners gear up for a third consecutive Champions League campaign.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal take first steps toward signing world-class player this summer