Arsenal have contacted to sign £43m striker after Mikel Arteta's request - report

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told sporting director Andrea Berta to enquire about Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 4).

The 20-year-old has had a brilliant breakthrough campaign with the Nerazzurri this term, following a successful loan spell with Spezia in Serie B last season.

He has largely played second fiddle to Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez upfront for Inter, but has still caught the eye with his performances under manager Cristian Chivu.

Gazzetta dello Sport today claim that Arteta was hugely impressed by the young striker after his performance in the Champions League against the Gunners.

The Spanish tactician asked Berta to enquire about the player’s availability, and a phone call was made to Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio to gather more information.

However, the Serie A leaders made it quite clear that Esposito is not for sale. He is a key part of the club’s future, and they won’t entertain any fee for his summer departure.

Arsenal likely to continue to monitor Esposito

The young marksman has made a big impression for the Nerazzurri after a superb season-long loan spell at Spezia, where he scored 19 goals across all competitions.

Esposito has averaged 44 minutes per game across 36 appearances this campaign, but he has still made his mark with seven goals and six assists for his boyhood club.

The Italian was only a late substitute in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal in the league phase of the Champions League, but he caused plenty of problems for centre-back Cristian Mosquera.

Arteta was eventually forced to bring in Gabriel Magalhaes, who handled Esposito with ease.

Esposito is still a striker with raw potential, but has shown he could become an elite forward through his goalscoring and ability to create chances through his quality link-up play.

He has also excelled with his physical presence and hold-up play too.

Inter have no plans of parting ways with their prized asset this summer, but Arsenal may continue to monitor him with a view to a future approach for his signature.

The Nerazzurri turned down an offer worth £43 million for Esposito last summer, and it won’t be easy to prise the Italian away from the San Siro giants in the coming years.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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