Arsenal set price to sign Gianluca Scamacca after opening bid was rejected | Soccer

Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer after transferring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January and authorizing the departure of Alexandre Lacazette.

On Friday Arsenal confirmed Lacazette had left the Emirates to return to French club Lyon.

With Arteta looking to replace Aubameyang and Lacazette, Arsenal have been linked with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Now a new name has emerged: Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim Arsenal have made a £35million offer for Sassuolo striker Scamacca.

The 23-year-old is becoming a consistent Serie A goalscorer after scoring 16 goals in Italy’s top flight last season.

Scamacca has also won four caps for Italy and featured in the recent Finalissima defeat by Argentina at Wembley Stadium.

A number of Italian clubs have expressed interest in signing the striker this summer and Arsenal have reportedly joined the race, although they must return with an improved offer after a £35million bid was repulsed.

It is claimed that Sassuolo, who finished 11th in Serie A last season, is asking for a £45million fee to part ways with Scamacca.

Meanwhile, Arteta has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal striker Lacazette, who scored 71 goals in 206 appearances for Arsenal and helped the club win the 2020 FA Cup.

“Laca was a fantastic player for us,” said the Gunners coach. “He was a real leader on and off the pitch and had a very important influence on our younger players.

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