Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their chase for Lorenzo Insigne but could face competition from Liverpool and AC Milan for the Napoli star.
Italian publication Calciomercato have reported that Arsenal have been given a boost in their pursuit of Lorenzo Inisgne as negotiations for a contract renewal have stalled. The report also adds that the Gunners are set to be joined by Liverpool and AC Milan in the chase for the Napoli attacker.
Insigne has established himself as a key figure for Napoli ever since impressing during his loan spells at Foggia and Pescara. With Napoli challenging for the Serie A in recent years, Insigne has been a fundamental part of their title challenge.
The 2016/17 season has seen the 25-year-old come into his own, with Insigne being one of the stand out performers in Maurizio Sarri’s side. He has netted nine goals and as many assists in 35 appearances in all competitions, and has been a menace for opposition defences with his creativity and directness from the left wing.
His stellar performances for Napoli are finally starting to get noticed, and clubs are beginning to circle around the player. Arsenal are one such club, and the Gunners have had their scouts sent to watch Insigne on several occasions this season.
Arsene Wenger has plenty of options to consider in attack, with Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott, Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck all capable of taking up the positions on the two wings. However, Welbeck has only recently returned from a long-term knee injury while Perez has been linked with a move away from the Emirates.
Meanwhile, the influential duo of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have their futures at the North London club mired in uncertainty as they are said to be embroiled in a contract standoff with Arsenal. That’s why Wenger has had to enter the market to sign an attacker should any player leave in the summer.
They have now been handed a huge boost in their chase for Insigne as the Italian international is yet to agree on a new deal with the Partenopei despite being in negotiations with the club for several months. While Insigne wants to stay in Napoli, he also wants a significant pay rise, and if the two sides fail to reach an agreement, he could be on his way out of San Paolo.
However, Arsenal might not be the only side lying in wait to sign him should that happen, with Liverpool and AC Milan also reviving their interest in Insigne, having been long time admirers of the player’s talents.
Liverpool are said to be in the market for at least one attacking reinforcement in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp keen to beef up his thin squad. The Reds boss is eager to avoid the repeats of January and February’s disasters and has already earmarked several players for a potential transfer.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are in the midst of a takeover from a wealthy group of Chinese investors who want the club to scale the heights of Italian and European football once again. Thus, the Rossoneri are eyeing top quality additions in different departments with attack being a top priority.
So, this could turn into a three-way battle to secure the services of Insigne in the summer, with Arsenal, Liverpool and AC Milan all interested in signing the 25-year-old if he fails to agree on a new deal with Napoli any time soon.
