Last summer, Arsenal and Chelsea were the two Premier League clubs heavily linked with a move for Roma’s highly skilful striker Mattia Destro. At the time, Roma rejected any transfer move for the €25m-rated-Italian, it seems like they may soften their stance in a months’ time.
Italian website TMW claim in their ‘Exclusive’ report that Destro’s agent has been in talks with the Roma hierarchy over a possible move in January. They mention Arsenal and AC Milan are the two clubs vying for his signature.
The 23-year-old striker has been underused by Rudi Garcia this season, with the manager continues to stick with Totti in his favoured 4-3-3 formation, using Destro most of the time from the bench.
The player himself said recently that he is flattered by the interest shown by top Premier League clubs.
“I heard about the interest from Arsenal,” he said on Radio Roma. “It’s always nice to see such clubs interested in you because that means I’m on the right track and that my work pays. However, I still have so many things to improve and I think I still have work to show what I’m really capable.”
Roma’s DOF Walter Sabatini said last month that Destro won’t be sold in the January transfer window, but with Destro becoming increasingly frustrated and disillusioned with his role at Roma, the Gialorrossi might opt for selling him.
The question is – do Arsenal need him at all? Matt Hughes of The Times wrote last month that Arsene Wenger feels that he has an avalanche of forward options at disposal and could be looking to offload players as well – with the likes of Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski and Joel Campbell are all heading for exit, temporary or permanent.
In such a scenario, why would Arsenal spend big money on signing a striker? Therefore, despite media hubbub, we are bit skeptical whether Arsenal would make a move for him.
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