Scouts watched Pio Esposito closely in Perth as Arsenal push ahead of Manchester United for the £73m striker.
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As per the latest transfer news, Pio Esposito has emerged as a genuine summer target, with Arsenal currently ahead of Manchester United in the race for the Inter Milan striker. Neither club has rushed to make a firm move just yet.
Scouts Watch Pio Esposito Closely in Perth
As reported by The Sun, Arsenal and Manchester United sent scouts to watch Pio Esposito during a pre-season derby. Inter Milan faced AC Milan in Perth, and the Gunners came away impressed. Arteta reportedly got a full report soon after the game. The 21-year-old is valued at around £73 million.
Standing 6ft 3in, he stood out with his size and strength. As a result, his profile has risen sharply among clubs that are searching for a new striker this summer. Meanwhile, people close to the player say he remains open to a move to England if either club steps forward.
He has no plans to force an exit from Inter Milan just yet. Still, interest from England continues to build behind the scenes. Over the past season, the minutes given to Pio Esposito in Serie A increased steadily, and he built a reputation as a hard-working forward who links play well. That growth explains the interest from bigger clubs.
Pio Esposito for Inter Milan in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Starts Goals Assists
Serie A 35 15 7 3
Coppa Italia 4 2 1 0
UCL 9 5 2 2
Why Arsenal see him as a natural fit
The appeal becomes clearer once the bigger picture is considered. Gabriel Jesus looks set to leave for Italy, and neither Viktor Gyokeres nor Kai Havertz has scored with consistent regularity. Therefore, a gap remains at the top of the pitch. Pio Esposito fits that gap well. He brings strength, hold-up play, and a willingness to press, qualities suited to the pace of English football.
Missing out on Vinicius Junior earlier in the window, after the winger extended his stay at Real Madrid, only added to the urgency. As reported by TEAMtalk, the coaching staff have been watching Pio Esposito for several months already. Consequently, he is seen as a long-term option up front. However, nothing is close to finalised, and Inter are in no hurry to sell.
From a broader perspective, this looks like a smart pattern for the Gunners’ recruitment. Investing in a young, powerful number nine fits the model that worked with Gyokeres last year. If the move happens, it would add real depth up front.
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Manchester United Track Pio Esposito but Hold Off for Now
Manchester United remain closely involved too, and they continue to track Pio Esposito and his progress in Milan this summer. As reported by ESPN, United have kept close notes on the Italy international for months. Yet they see no reason to rush, given how early the window still is.
The Red Devils may let Joshua Zirkzee go, and they still need more support up front for Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, Inter have called the forward untouchable in public. Even so, word suggests a private valuation near £73 million has already been floated.
For now, both Premier League clubs seem happy to wait and watch how things unfold over the coming weeks. The player is reportedly open to a move to England, but he is not pushing for one. Ultimately, Inter Milan still control most of what happens next in this transfer story.
Overall, the numbers involved suggest this will not move quickly. A fee near £73 million is a big outlay for a striker with limited senior experience. Both clubs will likely negotiate with care before making a move. Patience, rather than urgency, looks set to define this transfer race.
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