Arsenal target Inter Milan forward Pio Esposito but Marotta insists he is not for sale
Arsenal's search for a long-term striker option has led them to Inter Milan, where 20-year-old forward Pio Esposito has caught the attention of Mikel Arteta. According to reports from multiple Italian outlets, Arteta was impressed by Esposito during a Champions League meeting in January and has since asked sporting director Andrea Berta to gather information on the player.
Inter shut the door
Inter are having none of it. Club president Beppe Marotta addressed the speculation directly, denying that Arsenal had made an official approach and making it clear that Esposito is central to the club's plans. Esposito is a product of Inter's academy, and Marotta described him as a key part of their future. The 20-year-old recently signed a contract extension keeping him at San Siro until 2030, with improved wages to match his growing importance to the squad.
That has not stopped Arsenal from circling. With the summer transfer window not opening until June 15, there is time for the situation to develop, though Inter's stance would need to shift considerably before any deal becomes realistic.
Chelsea lead the way on confirmed deals
Arsenal are not the only Premier League club laying groundwork for the summer. Chelsea have been the busiest side in terms of confirmed agreements, with deals already in place for Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda in a reported 40 million pound move, along with agreements for Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha.
Liverpool have moved to shore up their defence by signing centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, while Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race for Fulham's Harry Wilson, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Carrick confirms United want a winger
At Old Trafford, interim head coach Michael Carrick confirmed that Manchester United are likely to target a new winger during the summer. Carrick's impressive start, six wins and a draw in his first seven league games, has given the club momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Recruitment plans for the summer window are already taking shape.
With Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League on 67 points, Arteta is looking to add the kind of centre-forward who can sustain a title challenge over multiple seasons. Esposito, with his youth and ability, fits that profile. Whether Inter can be persuaded to sell is another matter altogether.
