Arsenal have reportedly placed Torino’s Andrea Belotti on their radar, with a view to making a move for the prolific striker next summer.
According to Calciomercato, Belotti’s refusal to sign a new contract with Torino has put several clubs on alert, including AC Milan and Arsenal.
The 27-year-old Italy international has been in sensational form for Torino since arriving from Palermo in 2015. Belotti has netted 100 goals and provided 26 assists in 254 appearances for the Serie A club in all competitions. His displays also earned him a spot in Italy’s Euro 2020 squad this past summer.
The former AlbinoLeffe attacker has just one year left on his current deal and reportedly has no interest in signing an extension.
“For the moment he hasn’t signed, I don’t think he wants to sign. I made an offer that went beyond my means, I can’t force him to do anything,” Torino president Urbano Cairo revealed.
If Belotti does not sign a new contract, he will be available on a free transfer next summer. Torino, however, will not want to part with their prized asset for free and could offload him for around £30 million in January.
Why Arsenal must go all out to sign Andrea Belotti
Mikel Arteta has fortified Arsenal’s defence ever since taking charge of the club, but it’s come at the cost of creativity and goals. The Gunners’ attacking woes are well-documented; they managed just 55 goals in the Premier League last season, the fewest among teams that finished in the top nine.
It’s been a similar story this season as well, with the north London club netting just 12 times in their first 10 league games.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled to display the kind of form he showed during his first couple of seasons at the Emirates, while Alexandre Lacazette is not an out-and-out goal-scorer. Moreover, the Frenchman’s contract expires next summer and he could be shipped out.
Thus, Arsenal are in dire need of attacking reinforcements as they look to challenge for a top-four spot and secure Champions League football once again.
A move for Belotti, in that regard, is a no-brainer. The Italian is a prolific striker, who will add goals, strength and energy to the Arsenal attack.
His strength and physicality allow him to shield the ball effectively and create space for his teammates to run into. He is also fantastic in the air, which would hold him in good stead at Arsenal, who have relied heavily on crosses under Arteta. Last season, he won 2.4 aerial duels per game.
Belotti also has a great engine and can lead Arsenal’s press, which is another attribute that will serve him well under Arteta.
His arrival will undoubtedly add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack and boost their bid for a top-four spot.