Arsenal & Chelsea Step-up Interest In 21-Goal Hitman Ahead Of Summer Bids

The January transfer window is now closed but we can still look at deals that failed to get across the line and those being lined-up for the summer. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea step-up their interest in Andrea Belotti….

Arsenal and Chelsea stepped-up their interest in Andre Belotti last night as they prepare to launch summer bids for the £85m-rated Torino striker, according to a report in the Daily Star.

Belotti has forged a reputation as one of the hottest strikers in European football since joining Torino from fellow Serie A outfit Palermo in the summer of 2015.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from the Premier League this season with Torino’s sporting director Gianluca Petrachi quoted by Sky Sports News as saying last month that they had rejected a €65m (£56m) offer from Arsenal – something the Gunners quickly denied.

The Mirror carried a report earlier this month that suggested Chelsea had also joined Arsenal in the chase along with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

However, it looks as though the London duo have now stepped-up their interest as the Daily Star claim that Arsenal and Chelsea had scouts in the stands to watch Belotti score twice during Torino’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina last night.

The Italian international also missed a penalty but the scouts would have still been impressed with his brace which took his tally to 21 goals in his 26 appearances so far this season.

Arsenal could certainly do with that kind of goal-threat in their squad, especially if they are forced to cash-in on Alexis Sanchez this summer with the Chilean international’s contract approaching it’s final year and no sign of an extension being signed.

Chelsea could also be in the market for another top class hitman this summer as Diego Costa is still being tipped to leave Stamford Bridge after being targetted by Chinese clubs back in January.

Belotti would be a superb addition for either club and the Daily Star suggest both London powerhouses are lining-up offers for the Italian striker this summer.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

However, there is still a long way to go before Belotti will be packing his bags for the capital as the newspaper says that neither club is willing to meet Torino’s £85m asking price so the Serie A outfit are going to have to lower their demands if a deal is to be struck.