Inter Milan value Arsenal target Pio Esposito at £85 million after his new long-term contract, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 4).
The 21-year-old is one of the best upcoming strikers in European football, and he was on the radar of Arsenal at the start of the year.
The Gunners made an enquiry for the young centre-forward, but the Nerazzurri were quite clear that their graduate was not for sale.
Gazzetta dello Sport today claim that Inter are looking at the long term with the Italian star, having extended his deal until June 2032.
The Serie A champions believe he is worth £85m, given the huge transfer fees paid for young strikers such as Benjamin Sesko last year.
Arsenal unlikely to sign Esposito
The 21-year-old had his breakout season with the Nerazzurri last term. He registered 10 goals and six assists in just over 2,200 minutes.
Esposito featured as a substitute against Arsenal in the Champions League and gave Cristhian Mosquera a tough time with his physical presence.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ entry nullified the Italian’s impact in the closing stages, but the youngster showed his immense potential in a short cameo.
This season, Esposito has made three goal contributions for club and country apiece, and he has already had a more meaningful role at Inter.
He has evolved into a regular starter alongside captain Lautaro Martinez upfront. Marcus Thuram now appears as the rotational player in the squad.
In our view, Arsenal are unlikely to get their hands on Esposito anytime soon. His latest contract renewal has put an end to their prospects of landing him.
Inter consider him the club’s future. Arsenal could persuade them with a £100m-plus offer, but the hierarchy are unlikely to make such a huge outlay for an emerging striker.
Ideally, the Gunners may want a more affordable solution with huge potential. Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane could emerge as a top target next summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com