Arsenal transfer news: Edu told how he can secure Gianluca Scamacca signing with opening bid just £8.2m short
Arsenal have been given belief they can secure the signing of Gianluca Scamacca after learning their opening offer for the striker was not too far short of Sassuolo’s valuation.
The Gunners are desperate to bring in at least one new centre forward this summer. Mikel Arteta’s troops look light in attack with Alexandre Lacazette’s return to Lyon on a free transfer confirmed on Thursday morning. And the club still await a decision from Eddie Nketiah after offering the homegrown star a new deal.
What we do know for certain though is that the Gunners are looking to add a new No 9 to their ranks this summer. Finding the right candidate though is proving a tough task, with a host of big names being linked.
However, with Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin seemingly no longer on the agenda, the Gunners now have just two men in their sights in Gabriel Jesus and Scamacca.
Indeed, Arsenal are reported to have launched offers for both men. Efforts to land Gabriel Jesus, however, look complicated by way of the competition for the departing Manchester City star. Furthermore, Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football may also prove a stumbling block.
However, it seems a fresh offer has done the trick amid claims just one hurdle is left for them to clear.
Quite what that means for Scamacca remains to be seen. And much may well depend on whatever decision Nketiah comes to on his future.
Scamacca bid falls narrowly short
All the same, the Gunners do appear keen on the 23-year-old.
Much has been written of their interest this past week with Sassuolo’s president especially vocal on the striker’s future.
Now il Gazzetta dello Sport claims Arsenal have seen an opening offer for the five-times Italy striker fall just short.
As per the Italian paper, the Gunners offered Sassuolo £27m (€32m) with a further £6.8m (€8m) made up in bonuses. However, that £33.8m (€40m) offer has fallen just short of their valuation of the player.
Indeed, as per il Gazzetta, Arsenal technical director Edu has been informed that the Serie A side are seeking nearer £42m (€50m).
That is just £8.2m short of Arsenal’s initial offer, meaning a deal may be reached with a little more negotiating.
Arsenal are now considering their next move for Scamacca, with the paper suggesting PSG are lurking in the background.
Striker fits the bill for Arsenal
While Arsenal’s first priority will be the capture of Gabriel Jesus, they will certainly keep a watching brief over Scamacca.
At 23, the striker fits the profile of player that Arteta and Edu want to attract to Arsenal.
And with 16 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season, he looks to have finally established himself in Serie A.
Indeed, Scamacca has had something of a nomadic existence, taking in loans at a variety of clubs.
Now settled at the Neroverdi, he has proved himself a handful for some of the Italian game’s best defenders.
Whether that earns him a transfer to Arsenal or not will depend on both Jesus and of course Nketiah.
The record England U21 goalscorer is not short of offers himself. As such, he is seemingly biding his time before deciding on his next move.
