Arsenal will need to fork out more than £40million if they want to sign Gianluca Scamacca, with Sassuolo rejecting an opening bid for their prized asset.
The Gunners desperately need to add a striker this summer after a recent exodus in the final third. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was allowed to quit the club back in January and Alexandre Lacazette has followed him out the exit door after his contract expired.
Mikel Arteta is, as a result, seeking to add more firepower to go alongside Eddie Nketiah. Gabriel Jesus is thought to be their top target with Arteta previously working alongside the Brazilian during his time at Manchester City. Now Scamacca has emerged as the latest man on their shopping list.
The Sassuolo forward has been the subject of a £35m bid from the north Londoners, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, but the Italian side have rejected it. They are demanding £45m before they will entertain selling the 23-year-old.
Last term Scamacca scored 16 times in Serie A which has earned him international recognition. He's played four times for his country and appeared for them in their Finalissima defeat to Argentina at Wembley.
The forward has said previously on his future: “I think my priority now is to make my mark in Italy. Having said that, the transfer market is somewhat unpredictable. When the time comes to make a decision, I’ll try to make the best one. Serie A is of a very high level and my priority is to continue here. Others will then evaluate and we’ll see what happens.”
Arsenal are reportedly confident of landing Jesus and will resume talks with the Brazilian once he returns from international duty. Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also thought to be on their radar having proven himself in recent years at Goodison Park.
The club will be trying to attract players without the lure of Champions League football having missed out late in the season to neighbours Tottenham, meaning they will play in next season's Europa League.
Following confirmation he will leave the club this summer, Arteta has paid tribute to Lacazette, who has been at the Gunners for the past five seasons. The Frenchman scored 71 goals in 206 outings and has been praised for his influence at the Emirates. "Laca has been a fantastic player for us," said the Gunners boss.
"He’s been a real leader on and off the pitch and has been a very important influence to our younger players. His commitment with us has been exceptional and we wish him and his family success and happiness."
