wicked.football

Arsenal could be set for a showdown with former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho as both parties await a decision from a striker potentially on the move.

The Gunners are seemingly going to have a busy summer as Mikel Arteta looks to freshen up his squad for next season. However, they are yet to complete any signings thus far. It looks like their first acquisition isn’t too far away, though, with Brighton defender Ben White nearing closer and closer to the Emirates by the day.

The England centre-back has been the north London club’s priority in recent weeks. A deal is now not far off being completed.

Once White is secured, attention can be turned elsewhere. Potentially, this could be to the other end of the pitch.

An attacking player they’ve been linked with is Torino striker Andrea Belotti. The 27-year-old has reportedly been allowed to leave the club as he has just one-year remaining on his contract.

A recent report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) has confirmed this is the stance the club have taken.

They’ve added that the ball is in Belotti’s court with regards to a new deal. He can either opt to sign another contract or be sold this summer.

The Italian international is said to have ‘many suitors abroad’, but it is ‘Arsenal above all’. That would seemingly place the Gunners in pole position if Belotti is available.

However, an old enemy could be set to disrupt this. That’s because Jose Mourinho is also reported to be a big fan of the forward.

Mourinho has recently linked-up with his new side Roma. As pre-season gets underway, he is assessing the current squad at his disposal.

Both he and Arsenal will now have to wait and see what Belotti decides when he returns to Torino after Euro 2020.

He will currently be part of his country’s preparations for Sunday’s final against England. Throughout the tournament so far he has featured as back-up to first choice striker Ciro Immobile.

Belotti fee hefty for Newcastle 

The report adds that Torino’s owner, Urbano Cairo, has fixed Belotti’s price at €35 should he want to leave.

This could be too much for one of Arsenal’s Premier League counterparts, Newcastle United.

According to the Chronicle, Newcastle possess a long-term interest in Belotti. It is claimed that the club have been monitoring him for “a few years”. They considered a move before the pandemic.

However, Steve Bruce will be working on a tight budget this summer. Pursuing Belotti would use up most of his funds. Therefore, it would likely be Arsenal versus Mourinho in the fight.

READ MORE: Arteta names ‘particular’ dream quality as Arsenal confirm Nuno Tavares transfer

The post Arsenal set for Jose Mourinho showdown as price is set for striker appeared first on TEAMtalk.