Arsenal and Chelsea will reportedly battle it out as both clubs are keen on signing £85 million-rated Andrea Belotti from Torino.
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal and Chelsea are front runners in the race to sign Italian striker Andrea Belotti in an £85 million deal. The centre-forward who was earlier linked to Manchester United, is now being pursued by the Gunners and Chelsea.
Belotti has had a truly remarkable career so far. The youngster was turned down by Atalanta as a teenager following which he joined Serie-D club AlbinoLeffe, making his debut for the club as an 18-year-old.
He moved to Torino in 2015 but was dubbed a failure since he could not score in his first ten games for the side. However, one goal against Bologna during November of that year sparked a miraculous turn in events for the Italian.
Belotti has caught the eye of several big clubs with 27 goals during a stunning campaign this season.
The 23-year-old has a contract with Torino until 2021, but with with offers from Chelsea and Arsenal, the coveted forward is likely to make a move to the Premier League this summer.
Irrespective of whether he joins Arsenal or Chelsea, one area he will need to work is his skills while taking penalties. He missed three penalties from the spot this season in the Serie-A.
With Alexis Sanchez’s uncertain future seeming like a problem area for Arsene Wenger, signing Belotti can be the ideal move. He is fast and has excellent stamina which will serve Arsenal’s counter-attacking really well.
Belotti is also a good aerial player and the Gunners could use a forward who is adept in air. With Perez also expected to leave Arsenal, Wenger will need a quality forward who is also a good finisher.
However, Belotti’s high price and the fact that Arsenal won’t be able to offer him a chance to play in the Champions League next season, might come as a bit of a dampener.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will have an empty spot up front as rumours emerge of Diego Costa leaving the club this summer. In fact when compared to Arsenal, Chelsea will be more suited for an attacking and creative forward like Belotti.
If Diego Costa does leave, there wouldn’t be as much competition for the Italian and he will get more chances at featuring in the starting XI. Also, Conte will require reinforcements as the Premier League champions get ready to take on the rigours of the upcoming season.
