Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly set his sights on the next big thing in Italian football, but the Gunners have been met with a brick wall in their opening pursuit of Inter Milan sensation Francesco Pio Esposito.
According to a sensational report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Arteta has been “fascinated” by the 20-year-old striker ever since witnessing his talent up close during the Champions League clash between the two sides earlier this year.
The Night Pio Esposito ‘Frightened’ Mikel Arteta
The seeds of this transfer saga were sown in January, when Arsenal faced Inter at the San Siro.
While the Gunners may have left with a result, it was the second-half cameo of Pio Esposito that left a lasting impression on the Arsenal boss.
Coming off the bench for Lautaro Martinez, the young Italian international reportedly “frightened and fascinated” Arteta in equal measure.
His blend of physical dominance, hold-up play, and technical maturity at just 20 years old convinced Arteta that Esposito is the “perfect” modern striker to add to the Emirates ranks.
Arsenal Sporting Director Contacts Inter Milan Over Summer Deal
Following Arteta’s glowing assessment, Arsenal’s recruitment team — led by sporting director Andrea Berta — reportedly made formal contact with Inter Milan to gauge the player’s availability.
The enquiry was direct: Is Pio Esposito for sale, and what would it take to bring him to North London?
However, the response from Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio was immediate and uncompromising.
The Nerazzurri reportedly told Berta that there is “no chance” of a deal, viewing the striker as the untouchable future of their frontline.
Inter President Marotta Issues Firm ‘Hands-Off’ Warning
Reinforcing the club’s stance, Inter President Beppe Marotta addressed the Arsenal links ahead of their recent Coppa Italia fixture.
His message to the Premier League leaders was loud and clear.
“Arsenal did not ask for Pio Esposito, despite the reports,” Marotta told Mediaset. “Inter is not a selling club; we don’t make player trading our primary activity. Pio is a product of our youth academy and we treasure him. A transfer will only be discussed in the very distant future.”
Despite the public denial, sources in Italy suggest that Arsenal remain undeterred, with some reports even mentioning a staggering €100m (£83m) price tag required to even get Inter to the negotiating table. The Gunners have also been linked with Alessandro Bastoni and the summer could see them move for a double raid.
A New Number Nine for the Gunners?
It is no secret that Arsenal are in the market for a long-term successor to Gabriel Jesus.
Having already brought in Viktor Gyökeres last summer, Arteta is clearly looking to build a strike force capable of dominating both the Premier League and Europe.
Pio Esposito, who has already netted seven goals this season despite many appearances coming from the bench, fits the profile of the “target man” mould that has become fashionable again in elite football.
While Inter have closed the door for now, expect Arsenal to keep a very close watch on the “Italian Treasure” as the summer window approaches.
