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Arsenal are ahead of Manchester United in the chase for 21-year-old Inter star Francesco Pio Esposito. The Italian club unofficially values him at £73 million, but the player has verbally agreed to extend his contract with the Nerazzurri.

Arsenal have taken the lead in the battle for 21-year-old Italian striker Francesco Pio Esposito from Inter.

Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for a central forward to enhance his attacking options, which already include Victor Djuric and Kai Havertz, particularly with Gabriel Jesus attracting interest from Italy.

Details of a potential transfer

  • Scouting and assessment: According to The Sun, Arsenal scouts have been monitoring the forward for several months and were present at the pre-season derby against Milan in Perth. Publicly, Inter consider their youth product untouchable but have indicated a price tag of around £73 million through intermediaries.
  • United's stance: Manchester United have also compiled a detailed dossier on the Italian international forward, but the Manchester club is biding its time and has yet to make an official offer, which gives the Gunners an advantage.
  • Major hurdle - new contract: According to GOAL, Esposito has verbally agreed on terms for a new long-term deal with Inter and leans towards furthering his development in Milan.

Standing at 191 cm tall, Esposito's physical strength and pressing volume make him an attractive target for Arsenal's coaching staff. However, the Gunners are not keen on paying £73 million for a rotational player without a strong desire from the player to switch clubs and will look to negotiate the price down.