<\/p>\n
Mikel Arteta<\/a> is pushing Arsenal<\/a> to sign highly rated Italian international centre-forward Pio Esposito from Inter Milan, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n After joining the academy in 2014, Esposito had long been viewed as a future star for the Nerazzurri, and a loan spell with Spezia Calcio in Serie B proved pivotal in his development.<\/p>\n His return of 17 league goals almost propelled Spezia back to the top flight last season, just two years after their relegation from Serie A.<\/p>\n That form earned him a place back in Inter\u2019s senior squad over the summer, and the 6ft 3in centre-forward has continued his upward trajectory, registering seven goals and six assists for his boyhood club during an impressive campaign.<\/p>\n On the international stage, his performances earned him a first call-up to Gennaro Gattuso\u2019s Italy squad last September, and he has since netted three goals in his five appearances for the Gli Azzurri.<\/p>\n According to La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/em>, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was \u2018fascinated\u2019 by Esposito\u2019s displays in his side\u2019s clash against Inter in January, where he caused problems, prompting the manager to sub on Gabriel Magalhaes to neutralise his threat.<\/p>\n In the aftermath of the match, the report adds that Arteta reached out to the club\u2019s sporting director, Andrea Berta, to discuss the five-time Italian international centre-forward.<\/p>\n Following discussions with the Gunners\u2019 manager, Berta contacted Inter\u2019s sporting director, Piero Ausilio,\u00a0to understand the cost and potential availability of the prolific forward in the summer, according to the report.<\/p>\n However, Arsenal\u2019s enquiry was immediately rebuffed by the Serie A table toppers, according to the Italian outlet, and it remains to be seen if the North Londoners will revive their interest in signing him when the summer transfer<\/a> window opens.<\/p>\n Despite having three centre-forward options, Mikel Arteta\u00a0appears keen to add more cutting edge in the final third.\u00a0Kai Havertz<\/a>\u00a0has struggled with recurring fitness problems over the past 18 months, while\u00a0Gabriel Jesus<\/a> faces an uncertain long-term future at the Emirates, with Esposito now eyed as a possible replacement.<\/p>\n Inter\u2019s boss Cristian Chivu has described the 20-year-old as a centre-forward who \u2018can do a bit of everything\u2019, and it\u2019s no surprise Arteta discussed him, as his qualities align with his system.<\/p>\n With a contract at San Siro running until 2030, Arsenal will need to submit a convincing offer well above his \u00a330m Transfermarkt<\/a> valuation to test Inter\u2019s resolve.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Rememore](\"https:\/\/football-talk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FootballTalk_New_Chapter-rememore.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\nArteta \u2018fascinated\u2019 by Esposito<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/football-talk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/new-logo.png\"\/){kind=logo}