Inter demand more than £84m for Arsenal target Pio Esposito

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Arsenal have reportedly been told that even a bid of £84.7million would not be enough to prise Pio Esposito away from Inter Milan, as Mikel Arteta continues to weigh up options to strengthen his attack.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal made contact with Inter during the summer to enquire about the 21-year-old forward, who impressed in last season's Champions League meeting between the two sides. Inter chief executive Beppe Marotta is said to have made clear that an offer of €100million (£84.7million) would fall short of the club's valuation.

Esposito's price has reportedly risen further since he signed a new contract in September that ties him to Inter until 2032. Whether Arsenal choose to test that valuation again in January or next summer remains to be seen.

Where does this leave Gyokeres?

The interest in Esposito comes with Viktor Gyokeres currently operating as back-up to Kai Havertz for Arsenal's biggest matches. The Swede scored 14 goals last season as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, but has not commanded a guaranteed starting spot under Arteta so far this campaign.

Esposito would arrive as a direct rival for that central striker role, and his arrival could push Gyokeres further down the pecking order, potentially opening the door to a future departure. Arsenal have also been linked with other forward options in recent months, including Eli Junior Kroupi and Julian Alvarez, as Arteta assesses how to reshape his attacking department.

A possible windfall from Balogun

Separately, Arsenal could be set for a significant financial boost if former academy striker Folarin Balogun completes a January move to Juventus. The 25-year-old was expected to join Everton for £38.5million in the summer, but withdrew from the move following his deadline-day medical and returned to Monaco instead.

Balogun has featured just once for the Ligue 1 club this season. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are now considering him as one of three options to address their forward issues, with on-loan Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade said to have scored only once in four appearances since arriving at the club, leaving the Serie A side 'concerned'.

Should Juventus press ahead with a move for Balogun, Arsenal stand to benefit significantly. The striker left Arsenal in 2023 after 15 years at the club, and his £34.3million transfer to Monaco included a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause that would hand Arsenal a cut of any future sale.

Arsenal return to Premier League action this afternoon against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat at Brighton last month before Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Lille.