Arsenal embroiled in transfer battle with Man Utd as £73m Vini Jr alternative identified

Arsenal have reportedly turned their focus to a new target after Vinicius Junior signed a new six-year contract at Real Madrid – and now they face a battle with Manchester United.

Despite being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, Vini Jr will be playing for Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid next term, with the 26-year-old penning a lucrative six-year deal with Los Blancos and, in doing so, ending Mikel Arteta’s hopes of signing him.

However, Andrea Berta and Arteta have wasted no time in the transfer window, with the Premier League side already sending scouts to Perth, Australia, to monitor a sought-after striker’s progress in pre-season.

As reported by The Sun, the Gunners are prepared to compete with Man United for Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito.

The 21-year-old target man, who represents Italy at international level, has reportedly been the subject of glowing reports from Arsenal and United’s scouts, with the north Londoners thought to have been monitoring his progress for several months as they look to add competition for current forwards Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz.

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Esposito reportedly fits the profile Arsenal and Arteta are looking for, with the youngster standing at six feet three inches tall while also being known for his relentless work rate.

United, meanwhile, will not rush into making an offer, with their activity in the transfer market depending on Joshua Zirkzee’s potential exit.

Inter see the Italian as “untouchable”, but The Sun reports that the Serie A giants may be willing to sell the striker for around £73 million.

The player is unlikely to hand in a transfer request or force an exit, although he is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League in the future.

Despite interest from England, Esposito, who netted 11 times in 50 appearances last term, is expected to renew his contract at the San Siro this summer, which will likely drive his price tag up.

Esposito ‘happy’ despite Premier League interest

Speaking to Sky Italia on August 3, the forward maintained that he was happy at the San Siro.

"Last year we exceeded expectations," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I came from Serie B, and I'm happy with how my first season at Inter went.

"I'm very calm [about the renewal], I'm happy here at Inter, it's something that my agent will speak about with the club without any issues.

"The objective is to never settle, to not stop and to always try to improve both in terms of statistics and as a footballer in general."