According to him, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Atalanta star Marco Palestra Caught offside.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Cagliari, where he has impressed with three assists from 15 appearances. He mainly operated from the right full-back position for Serie A.
His form has attracted the attention of top Italian clubs such as Inter, AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli, but he is also being closely watched by Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea.
His valuation has already risen to £31-35 million, but Atalanta appear to be in no rush to part with the 20-year-old.
Future signing
The Gunners currently have Jurrien Timber as their regular right-back, with Ben White as his immediate deputy. White recently got a regular run of starts for Arsenal as Timber played in central defense due to an injury crisis, but the Englishman is now on the sidelines with a fresh hamstring injury.
Injuries have hampered White’s development over the past 18 months and there is a chance the Gunners will consider his departure next summer when he begins the final two years of his Arsenal contract. This could pave the way for a quality replacement.
Palestra, who has eight caps with the Italian under-21 team, would be a good candidate to succeed White. The 20-year-old is an attacking right-back and has played as a full-back for Cagliari. He has completed 84% of his passeswhile winning an impressive 6.7 matches per match for the Serie A outfit.
He has also made 3.5 recoveries, 1.7 tackles and 1.4 clearances per appearance, and has provided 3 assists. Palestra has the makings of a modern right-back and he would be a good competitor for Timber if the Gunners were to part ways with White this summer.
Meanwhile, Atalanta are not an easy club to negotiate with, and Arsenal may have to match their valuation to sign the youngster away from Bergamo. There is also competition from several Serie A clubs and Chelsea. The Gunners will not face an easy challenge to sign him.
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