Arsenal have been handed a major blow in pursuit of Andrea Belotti, with the 27-year-old reportedly favouring a move to AC Milan.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan are touted to be the favourites to secure the services of Andrea Belotti on a free transfer in next summer’s transfer window. Inter Milan and Arsenal are also keen on signing the 27-year-old Torino striker.
Andrea Belotti has blossomed into one of the best strikers in Serie A since joining Torino from Palermo in the summer of 2015. In the last six years, he has become a pivotal figure for Torino, established himself as a regular feature for the Italian national side, and was a member of the UEFA Euro 2020 winning squad earlier this year.
The club captain for Torino since 2017, the 27-year-old has garnered 107 goals and 27 assists in 235 appearances for the Granata. However, Belotti’s spell at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino appears to be winding down, with his contract running out next summer. The Italian international, though, has no shortage of suitors, with Arsenal among those interested in signing him.
The interest from Arsenal makes sense, considering Alexandre Lacazette is in a situation not too dissimilar to Belotti. With the French striker set to call it quits at the Emirates, the Gunners are being forced to scour the transfer market for a potential replacement.
An in-house successor does not seem to be an option that could be executed either, with Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun also facing uncertain futures at Arsenal. Hence, Belotti is a viable target for Arsenal, although they have now been handed a major blow in pursuit of the 27-year-old.
The UEFA Euro 2020 winner prefers a move to AC Milan, the club he has supported all his life. The Rossoneri, linked with several strikers, including Luka Jovic, Julian Alvarez and the aforementioned Arsenal contract rebel Lacazette, could well do with strengthening their attacking unit, seeing as Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are in the twilight of their respective careers.
So, it appears as if Arsenal are facing a losing battle in pursuit of Belotti, who is touted to snub them and Inter Milan in favour of joining AC Milan. It will be interesting to see who Arsenal turn towards, with the 27-year-old Torino captain unlikely to arrive at the Emirates next summer.
