CORNERFLICK
Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring Inter striker Pio Esposito, with both clubs assessing the 21-year-old closely ahead of a possible move.
Scouts watched him in Perth
According to The Sun, scouts from both clubs were in attendance for Inter’s pre-season meeting with Milan in Perth to watch Esposito first-hand. The 193cm forward reportedly impressed in that game, and positive reports have reached Mikel Arteta and Michael Carrick.
Arsenal and United have different plans
Arsenal have tracked Esposito for months and Arteta wants a powerful, physical striker who offers something different alongside Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz. Gabriel Jesus’s possible departure has also strengthened their interest.
United have also built a full file on the Italy youth international and would like to add him alongside Benjamin Šeško if the situation changes. For now, though, they are not rushing to make a formal bid and are waiting to see whether Inter soften their stance.
Inter publicly regard Esposito as not for sale, but The Sun reports that club executives have privately set a price of around £73m.
Esposito is not pushing for a move, although people close to him believe the Premier League holds strong appeal and he would consider a transfer to England if Arsenal or United came forward with the right offer.