In a recent report, TuttoMercatoWeb has revealed that Arsenal are eyeing a move for Empoli youngster Samuele Ricci but are facing competition in the form of Leicester City in pursuit of him. It is believed that both the Gunners and the Foxes have initiated talks with the Italian midfielder’s agent, Federico Pastorello, over a future move for his client (via TuttoMercatoWeb).
Ricci’s Recent Rise In Italian Football
Ricci has given a good account of himself with his performances in Serie B this season and is currently considered as one of Italian football’s brightest young players because of his recent emergence at the Carlo Castellani Stadium. The Italian whizkid has registered two goals and four assists in 32 matches for Empoli this term across all competitions.
The way the 19-year-old has been playing during this campaign, it is no wonder that Mikel Arteta’s side have launched an inquiry over a potential move for the player in the future. Ricci has the potential to become a class act in midfield if he can continue to improve his all-round game over the next few seasons.
The talented teenager is currently under contract at Empoli until the end of next season, so the Gunners will fancy their chances of recruiting him on a cut-price fee as Alessio Dionisi will have no option but to cash in on him this summer or else risk losing him as a free agent next year.
Is Ricci The Right Choice For Arsenal?
Ricci is a moderately paced midfielder who can make some clever runs with the ball in the opposition half. At such a young age, he has already begun to show that he can create some promising chances for others around him and is a decent striker of the ball from long range. Hence, the Italian starlet won’t have any trouble fitting into Mikel Arteta’s brand of football at the Emirates Stadium.
The Empoli prospect is a hard-working presence on the field and has got good defensive awareness that helps him shield his teammates at the back which makes him an excellent choice for the Gunners to consider during this summer transfer period.
At 19, Ricci has still got plenty of time in his hands to develop himself into a future star in European football. All in all, the Italian will be a great long-term signing for Arteta if he can find a way to convince the youngster to seal a move to North London before the start of the new campaign.
