Arsenal have entered the fray for Lorenzo Insigne but could face competition from some of the best teams in Europe.
According to Italian publication Calcio Mercato, Arsenal have entered the fray for Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne.
The 30-year-old’s contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium expires in 2022, and so far, there does not appear to be any rush to extend it. This had led to several clubs seeking to take advantage of the situation.
Meetings between the player’s agent and Napoli officials have failed to make much headway so far, and it would appear that a parting is in the works. The Italians, however, are seeking between €25 million – €30 million for Insigne’s services this summer. Given that he is free to join another club in one year, Napoli are clearly wishing for the moon.
While Arsenal remains keen on the player, they will face competition from Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan for his signature. Insigne’s role in Italy’s European Championship success would not have gone unnoticed, possibly paving the way for more clubs to enter the race.
The crux of Insigne’s beef with Napoli appears to be the wages that he has demanded. The Italians are ready to offer him €3.5 million per year, which pales significantly given that he is seeking €5 million per year.
The Gunners have several promising young talents at their disposal. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe are all talented youngsters with a bright future in the game. Add to it the likes of Kieran Tierney and Ben White, and the Londoners have the tools at their disposal to form a solid core for the squad.
Adding Insigne would give them an experienced head and one who matches his ability on the ball with his work ethic. The same cannot be said of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette. A left-winger who can also play as a second striker, Insigne is someone who can both create and score. His ability to dribble and move into the middle of the park while holding onto the ball could prove to be vital for Arsenal.
For all their ability, the Gunners lack cutting edge in the final third and in Insigne, they have a player who is as adept at laying off chances as he is scoring it himself. Add to it his prowess on the dead ball, and he could be the ace up Mikel Arteta’s sleeve. Insigne scored more goals than the Gunners trio of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe last season. He also made more assists than the three players combined.
Securing Insigne would be an excellent piece of business by an Arsenal side desperately in need of inspiration. The Gunners have fallen way behind their rivals and do not appear to be making up lost ground. The opening day loss to Brentford on Friday night highlighted the work needed to be done at the Emirates to awaken the sleeping giant.
