Torino have slapped a price tag of €35 million on Torino striker and club captain Andrea Belotti, who is a transfer target for Arsenal this summer.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Italy striker Andrea Belotti as Torino have decided to put him up for sale this summer, with a valuation of €35 million slapped on their club captain.
Belotti has been one of the more consistent centre-forwards in Serie A in recent years. Since joining Torino in 2015 from Palermo, Il Gallo or ‘The Rooster’ has racked up 228 appearances in which he has produced an impressive tally of 105 goals and 26 assists. The 2020/21 campaign, however, was a level below his best, as the 27-year-old managed to find the back of the net on 13 occasions in 36 appearances in all competitions.
And as the summer transfer window starts clicking into gear, Belotti finds himself staring at an uncertain future at Torino. The Italian international is in the final year of his contract and has seemingly set his sights on a new challenge. However, club president Urbano Cairo was not willing to consider the prospect of selling his captain this summer.
But that seems to have changed now, with recent comments from manager Ivan Juric hinting at the possibility of an exit for Belotti, while Cairo himself is now said to be ready to part ways with the 27-year-old. This is certain to come as good news for Premier League bigwigs Arsenal, who have been linked with a move for the striker.
Arsenal find themselves in yet another summer of transition as Mikel Arteta looks to restructure his squad following a disastrous 2020/21 season during which they missed out on qualification for European football. While defence and midfield are set to be the primary focus for the Gunners, the centre-forward position is also something of a concern.
Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang endured his most underwhelming campaign in Arsenal colours last time out. While Alexandre Lacazette did finish as top scorer for the club, he too lacked consistency. Furthermore, there is a chance that the Frenchman could be on his way out this summer with his contract expiring in 2022, as is the case with fellow forward Eddie Nketiah.
So, while academy prospect Folarin Balogun may have signed a new contract, Arsenal need to bring in another established centre-forward this summer, making Belotti a viable target. And, it has now emerged that Torino will demand a transfer fee in the range of €35 million for the 38-time capped Italian international, which should not be a problem for the north London giants.
However, Arsenal might have to face competition from Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma, who are also keen on signing Il Gallo this summer. Torino is currently away on international duty with Italy at the UEFA Euro 2020, post which a clearer picture of his future should emerge. As things stand, Arsenal now know how much they would have to shell out in order to land the 27-year-old.
