Arsenal enter £30m Andrea Belotti transfer chase

Arsenal look like breaking new records this summer without even lifting a finger as the number of players they’ve been linked with this window is working its way up to triple figures. While there are always rumours galore, Andre Belotti joins the ever-growing fantasy list.

The reason Arsenal have been linked with an outrageous number of players is directly attributed to the volume of work that needs undertaking. On the hunt for key additions this window, they’re also preparing for an unprecedented amount of departures.

A midfield exodus is due while across the squad there are exits expected in close to every department.

All the while a defender and midfielder continue to tip-toe their way over the finish line.

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Arsenal enter £30m Andrea Belotti transfer chase from Torino as Arteta supposedly fancies Italian striker in summer transfer window

In the centre-forward role there have been very few developments. Alexandre Lacazette’s future has gone cold with the Frenchman no closer to having his future confirmed – at least from an external perspective – while Eddie Nketiah has rejected a contract extension in north London, as per The Athletic, and will now be sold.

Dream targets such as Alexander Isak have been mentioned on occasion but there is nothing concrete in such a move and any deal would be financially troublesome.

But what about Italian strikers? There has yet to be one linked with the Gunners this summer, so fortunately the bingo cards can be filled in with the latest of a string of rather ridiculous suggestions.

Next up on the conveyor belt is Andrea Belotti.

Is it perhaps because his introduction against Austria helped swing the momentum of Italy’s last 16 tie in favour of Roberto Mancini’s side? Possibly, since he earned himself the flavour of the hour tag with a cameo in which he won duels, unsettled the Austrian back four and looked sharp.

Turin-based Tuttosport have decided to join in with the speculative fun by stating Arsenal are eyeing a move for the 27-year-old to pounce on his current contract situation. With just a year left to run on his deal with Torino, the club captain will be made available for sale for a fee worth €34m (£29m), one the Gunners are considering.

Are they really, though?

Almost certainly not, no. Even by Arsenal standards it would be unlike them to splash that much money on a striker with 12 months left on his deal off the back of a 13-goal Serie A season.

Belotti averages 0.46 goals for per game at Torino for a near one-in-two record, strong numbers for a side who have not been anywhere near the European places in recent seasons and finished just one place above the relegation zone last season.

The Italian is a brutal finisher, has a shot with both feet like a traction engine and holds the ball up well. He is, by all accounts, a top drawer Serie A striker: Belotti carries the ball in great volume, scores in the 99th percentile for two out of four shot-creating actions and has a track record of scoring regularly at the top level.

This link, however, screams ‘nonsense’ coming out of a few questionable Italian sources. All the rave in 2017, here in 2021 this has no legs at all. Would he fit in at Arsenal? A false nine style striker who is strong in the air would always suit, it’s just not going to happen. It’s a lot of money to then wait and see how he slots into the Premier League. Another one to add to a pile that will continue to grow.

Who is next, then?