Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito, with the Italian club valuing the 21-year-old at around £73 million.
According to The Sun, both Premier League clubs had scouts present at Inter’s pre-season derby against AC Milan in Perth to assess the Italy international.
Esposito is understood to have impressed Arsenal’s recruitment staff, with the Gunners having monitored him for several months. Mikel Arteta is keen to add another attacking option behind Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, particularly with Gabriel Jesus attracting interest from clubs in Italy.
Arsenal’s pursuit of another forward has also intensified after they missed out on Vinicius Junior, who has agreed new terms with Real Madrid.
Arsenal join Man Utd in race for Inter striker Esposito
The Sun reports that Esposito’s physical profile and work rate have appealed to Arsenal, who see the 6ft 3in striker as a potential focal point for their attack.
Manchester United have also been tracking the forward and have compiled a dossier on him, although the club are not currently planning to make an immediate offer.
Also read – Arsenal eye World Cup winner as Vinicius alternative
United are prepared to sanction Joshua Zirkzee’s departure and want another striker to provide competition for Benjamin Sesko, but they are reportedly willing to wait before deciding whether to pursue Esposito.
Inter have publicly described the youngster as “untouchable” but are understood to have privately indicated through intermediaries that they would consider a fee of around £73m.
Esposito is reportedly not pushing to leave Inter but is said to be open to a move to the Premier League should either Arsenal or Manchester United make a serious approach.
The 21-year-old is therefore emerging as another potential attacking target for two Premier League clubs as they continue to assess their options before the transfer window closes.