If a report from the Italian outlet TuttoSport is believed to be true, Arsenal are weighing up a summer swoop for Moise Kean. But they are not alone in the race with their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also keeping close eyes on the former Everton striking ace.
Despite injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, the Gunners opted not to bolster them high up the pitch. Mikel Arteta has deployed Kai Havertz as a ‘number 9’, but the versatile Germany international has lacked conviction and productivity in the attacking third. While the chase is on for the Premier League silverware, Arsenal are expected to splash the cash in the summer to strengthen multiple areas.
Kean spent his youth years with Asti and Torino before joining Juventus. There he made significant strides through their academy ranks and eventually broke into their senior side in 2016 at the age of 16 years, 265 days. He spent the 2017-18 season out on loan at Hellas Verona for regular minutes and the spell helped him impress next year in Turin despite limited gametime. The Toffees roped him in for €27.5m (plus €2.5m in add-ons) in the summer of 2019, however, the young attacker failed to attune to the grind and demands of English football.
A loan spell at Paris St-Germain helped him rediscover his scoring form and Juventus, therefore, signed him back a year later. Although the move did not work out due to form and fitness concerns, Kean has been back in business since August following a €13m move to Fiorentina. With 19 goals in 28 appearances across competitions, his stakes are high once again amid interest from Premier League heavyweights.
Why Arsenal Should Keep Close Eyes On The Serie A Star
At 24, the Azzurri international has yet to reach his full potential. He has a release clause of €52m in his contract – a fee well within the spending limit of top-tier English clubs. Arsenal attempted to bring in Ollie Watkins last month. But a £45m bid was rejected by Aston Villa as they already lost Jhon Duran to Al Nassr for £70m. 21-year-old RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko is also a target for £60m, but they might find it difficult to snap up Alexander Isak from Newcastle United considering his valuation of more than £150m.
The Gunners have already committed a fee of around £52m for Martin Zubimendi upon the completion of the current campaign. Kean might not be the first choice among the rumoured targets, but he could be a quality alternative if they fail to land the preferred names.
