Arsenal needs to strengthen in the forward department ahead of next season. It seems that Gabriel Jesus is the main target for Edu in the summer transfer window to enhance Mikel Arteta’s firepower.
However, a deal is yet to reach an advanced stage and it is for that reason that the Gunners have started to look at other targets. Another potential striker signing is Gianluca Scamacca as 90min have reported that Edu has been left impressed with the performances of the Italian international throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
The Gunners have been given the perfect audition for him as he is set to face England in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening at the Molyneaux stadium. This will allow Arsenal scouts to see how he competes with players in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Arsenal Gabriel Jesus pursuit must reach final stage amid £50m demand for Edu alternative target
The 23-year-old netted 16 Serie A goals and it is claimed that Arsenal are now preparing to make an official offer to the Neroverdi. Despite, an impressive scoring record there are still doubts about his signing.
The Athletic reported that individuals within the club have not been sold on the possibility of signing someone of Scamacca’s profile. The 6’5 forward is considerably different from priority target Jesus, and his traits may not be suited to the way Arsenal currently play.
A deal will not be cheap to complete, which was emphasised by super agent Robert De Fanti. He said via CaughtOffside: “ “It is rumoured throughout the industry that Arsenal made a £25million offer to Sassuolo for Scamacca in the last couple of days. "The fee needed, I believe, will be about £50m. Sassuolo has already pushed back offers from clubs in the Premier League – Arsenal, of course, and Newcastle United.”
Despite the Gunners' interest in Scamacca, Jesus has always reportedly been Arsenal’s number one target. But so far a deal has been slow in its progression.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are preparing the opening bid for Jesus. Manchester City want around £50million to sell the forward, even if his current deal won’t be extended. Romano went on to claim that Arsenal already discussed a transfer with Jesus’ agent. "We like the project," Marcelo Pettinati told Romano.
However, a deal is under threat as according to Spanish news outlet AS, Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Jesus in the summer transfer window after being offered a chance to land him. Real Madrid and Tottenham have also been offered an opportunity, according to the report.
With Jesus not a guaranteed transfer, the Arsenal scouts have the perfect opportunity to scout the Brazilian’s alternative in Scamacca ahead of Italy’s match against England on Saturday evening. An impressive display could speed up the process of a potential deal.
