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Arsenal must act fast if they are to secure a bargain striker deal in 2022 after Fiorentina formulated a clear swap plan for the marksman in question.
The Gunners’ forward ranks are likely to see sweeping changes over the coming transfer windows. Both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are expected to leave as free agents – unless a cut-price January sale is sanctioned first.
And with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now 32, Arsenal have begun turning their attention to striker targets in the market.
A recent report revealed Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin will likely be installed as their No 1 target. But prising the Toffees talisman away from Goodison Park won’t be a task for the faint of heart.
One player linked with Arsenal who will be easier to secure is Andrea Belotti.
The Italy frontman, 27, is in the final year of his deal with Torino. The club’s president, Urbano Cairo, recently admitted that it’s unlikely Belotti will pen an extension.
Cairo told reporters in Italy: “He hasn’t signed and he probably doesn’t want to sign. I made an offer that went beyond my capabilities, but I can’t force him to do anything. I don’t think he wants to sign.”
Arsenal could either look to secure a transfer on the cheap in January, or run the gauntlet and attempt to sign him for free next summer.
But per Goal (citing Italian outlet Calciomercato). stiff competition from Italy is present.
Firstly, both AC and Inter Milan are deemed potential suitors, though they are more content to chance their arm in free agency. The strongest competition, therefore, could come from Fiorentina.
La Viola have reportedly drawn up a plan that involves swapping midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. While it is not expressly stated in the report, the assumption is that potential move would be in January.
Therefore, it seems Arsenal may have to take action in January if Belotti is to join the Gunners in 2022.
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Ex-West Ham ace baffled by Arsenal decision
Meanwhile, former West Ham playmaker, Dimitri Payet, has revealed he simply can’t understand why Mikel Arteta continues to snub a talented Arsenal star.
Payet currently plies his trade with Marseille, the current destination of Arsenal loanee William Saliba.
The Frenchman, 20, has been on Arsenal’s books since 2019. But despite being highly thought of in his home country, he hasn’t yet made a single senior appearance for Arsenal.
Saliba was loaned out to Nice last January and produced a series of imposing performances. Clearly not in Arteta’s immediate plans following the signings of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, Saliba was again loaned out this summer to Marseille.
And after impressing Payet so far this season, the ex-Hammer told French outlet L’Equipe that he simply can’t “understand why he hasn’t played more for Arsenal”.
Payet said: “The new ones have all brought something different. After that, I am closer to younger players.
“So, the one that impresses me the most is “Willie” (William Saliba). Considering what he’s been doing since the start of the season, I don’t understand why he hasn’t played more for Arsenal.”
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