Arsenal had a representative in the stands when Inter Milan faced Juventus last weekend, according to reports in the Italian media.
Tuttosport claim that the Gunners were there to keep a close eye on Pio Esposito, and their presence at a game demonstrates their “growing” interest in the striker.
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The 20-year-old was on the scoresheet during the 3-2 win over Juve, and he has begun to turn heads following a series of other impressive displays over the course of the season.
Esposito has made 33 appearances so far this campaign, scoring 7 goals and providing 6 assists. Those numbers are all the more impressive considering that the Italian has only started 12 games.
Why are Arsenal looking to bring in another forward?
Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave the Emirates this summer. The Brazilian is closing in on the final year of his contract and it doesn’t appear as if the club will offer him a new deal.
While Esposito could replace Jesus in the squad, he would also undoubtedly pose a major threat to Viktor Gyokeres’s position as first choice.
The Swede has struggled somewhat during his first season at the Emirates, and Esposito may be seen as an upgrade. They both have similar attributes, but the Italian international is seven years younger and possesses greater potential.
Inter won’t let Esposito go without a fight
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The forward only signed a five-year contract with the Nerazzuri in April last year, but Tuttosport claim he is on a relatively “weak” salary, and that has led to clubs like Arsenal believing that they may have a chance of securing his signature.
CEO Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio are said to be working on another new deal, on improved terms, to ward off potential suitors ahead of the summer transfer window.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here