Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne next summer.
The Gunners have shown signs of life in recent weeks with three Premier League wins and a draw against high-flying Brighton on the spin after a catastrophic opening few weeks of the new season. They seem to have found a rhythm going forward, with players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard combining very well amongst them, especially in the 3-1 win over arch-rivals Tottenham in the north London derby.
According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport (h/t The Express), Arsenal are ahead of others in the queue for Lorenzo Insigne as they dream of signing him on a free transfer next summer if he fails to agree on a new deal with Napoli. With less than 12 months left to run on his contract, he can start speaking to foreign clubs in January and even sign a pre-contract agreement.
Napoli born and bred, Lorenzo Insigne, 30, has spent his entire career in Naples, netting 111 goals and registering 88 assists in 405 games across all competitions. He has started the new Serie A campaign well under new manager Luciano Spalletti, racking up two goals and three assists in seven games so far.
The report adds that the Italian international is open to extending his stay with Napoli, but until that happens, many clubs including Arsenal remain hopeful of acquiring his services as a free agent in 2022.
Lorenzo Insigne to Arsenal—The right option for Mikel Arteta?
Mikel Arteta adopted a policy of investing in young talent during the summer transfer window, spending £149m spread over six players to bolster his Arsenal squad that missed out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years last term.
However, the Gunners boss must also spend to tackle the immediate problems, and with Alexandre Lacazette having entered the final year of his contract, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not getting any younger and Nicolas Pepe yet to live up to his hefty price tag, he must prioritise bringing in attacking reinforcements next year.
To that end, Lorenzo Insigne would be a smart fit at the Emirates Stadium. An inverted left-winger, Insigne likes to cut inside onto his right foot often and go for the spectacular or create opportunities for his teammates with his vision and passing ability. He can also play off the right or as a secondary striker, with the 30-year-old’s pace and dribbling ability allowing him to glide past defenders.
The twinkle-toed winger, who was an integral part of the Italy squad that won the Euro 2020, can easily switch positions with the likes of Aubameyang, Odegaard and Saka and make defending more complicated for any opposition. Adding an experienced player with great leadership skills and winning mentality like Insigne to the list of Aubameyang, Saka, Odegaard and Smith Rowe will only excite the Arsenal fans.
Even though he is 30, Lorenzo Insigne on a potential free transfer next summer looks to be a great deal on paper for the Gunners.