Arsenal are set to open talks with Napoli star Lorenzo Isigne
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira, Arsenal have been scouting the forward for a while and their scouts were present once more as Napoli defeated Chievo last night, a match in which he put in a man-of-the-match performance with a goal and an assist.
#Arsenal is set to open talks with Napoli for Lorenzo #Insigne. Gunners scouts have watched him yesterday against Chievo #transfers#AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) February 20, 2017
Insigne is a product of Napoli’s youth academy, but was sold to Foggia in a co-ownership deal. He then spent a year on loan with Pescara and was hugely impressive, prompting Napoli to bring him back in a permanent deal.
He has since gone on to become one of the most important players in their side and has been one of their stand-out performers this season. He has picked up 9 goals and 8 assists in 33 appearances for Napoli this season.
A fast, technically gifted winger, Insigne is one of Napoli’s most creative and explosive players. He can operate anywhere across the positions behind the striker,but has primarily been used as a left-winger this season.
His direct style is one of Napoli’s most potent threats and this season the Italian international has been registering an average of 1.84 key passes, 2.14 chances created and 1.34 successful take ons per 90 minutes, according to Squawka.
In Alex Iwobi, Lucas Perez, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal have plenty of players who can operate in the positions Insigne excels at, and Wenger has previously said he feels his squad does not need to many additions.
However, given the uncertain future of both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez,who are both still holding out on signing a new contract, it seems likely that Arsenal have already started looking at potential replacements and will be looking to ensure they are not beaten to their targets.
Even Lucas Perez’s future was thrown into doubt yesterday when his agent claimed the Spaniard wanted to “leave at all costs” after he has failed to nail down a first team position at the Emirates, but he has since said that Perez is focused on fighting for a spot at Arsenal.
Should things continue the way they are, Perez could well be on his way out in the summer and Arsenal could definitely use reinforcements in that area. 25-year old Insigne would also be a straight upgrade on both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Given his importance to the team, Napoli are unlikely to let Insigne go on the cheap despite the fact that his current contract only runs until 2019. However, Arsenal should be able to match their asking fee and Insigne is definitely a player who would fit in at the Emirates.
