Arsenal Join Race For £20 Million Italian Forward

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race for Hellas Verona striker Giovanni Simeone. The player could be available for as little as £20 million this summer.

It is no secret that Arsenal are in the market to bolster their attack this summer. With the return of former captain Alex Lacazette to Lyon, Arsenal are left with only Eddie Nketiah as a senior striker. 

There are a number of players the Gunners are reported to be interested in. Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus appears to be the top transfer target, but Arsenal have also expressed an interest in Tammy Abraham, Victor Osimhen and Gianluca Scamacca. However, reports in Italy are suggesting that Arsenal are in the race for Hellas Verona striker Giovanni Simeone.

Tutto Mercato are reporting that Arsenal are set to compete with Juventus to sign the striker. 

Simeone, who is the son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, scored 17 goals in 35 games in the Serie A last season. The striker is currently on loan from Cagliari to Verona, but reports suggest the club intend to activate a purchase clause in the agreement for €10 million. 

They could then sell the player straight away, with a potential fee rumoured to be in the region of £20 million. Should Arsenal want the 26 year old they will have to compete with Italian giants Juventus.

In previous seasons Arsenal have not had much success competing against Juventus for players. They have lost out on both Manuel Locatelli and Dušan Vlahović, players who Arsenal were reportedly desperate to sign. 

Although it is unlikely Arsenal will sign Simeone, they could be tempted by the cheaper deal, compared with the fees they may have to pay to sign their choice targets.