"I'm told..." - Romano claims Serie A star won't be joining Arsenal despite reports

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a Serie A star will likely not be joining Arsenal this summer, despite the player being linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal completed business in the top division of Italian football in January, with defender Jakub Kiwior joining the club from Spezia.

The Poland international is yet to make his debut for Mikel Arteta's side, featuring on the bench in five games for the club since his arrival in north London.

The Gunners, meanwhile, have been linked with another foray into the Italian market, with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund on their radar.

Italian outlet La Republicca claimed earlier this week that Real Madrid and Arsenal were tracking the forward, and were said to be preparing 'monstrous' offers to sign him.

Eddie Nketiah is currently Arsenal's only fit natural striker, although Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a return.

Next season, Folarin Balogun could also return to north London from his loan spell at Ligue 1 side Reims, where he is currently the division's joint-top scorer with 15 goals. When compared to Premier League strikers, only Erling Haaland (26) and Harry Kane (17) have scored more.

And Romano has claimed a move is unlikely for a player dubbed 'the next Haaland'.

Romano claims Serie A star is not joining Arsenal

Speaking on his Daily Briefing Substack, Romano believes that the Gunners' striking options for the 2023/24 season mean they will not pursue a move to sign Hojlund - and claims that he will likely stay at Atalanta anyway.

The 20-year-old has scored six goals in 19 Serie A appearances for Atalanta this season, in his first full campaign since joining from Austrian giants Sturm Graz.

Romano explained: "Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to Arsenal by various outlets.

"I'm not sure he's going to leave Atalanta in 2023. I don't see Arsenal as an option for Hojlund. They have Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.

"For sure, Hojlund wants to play, not be on the bench. I'm told he could stay at Atalanta for one more year."