@awinehouse1
Arsenal have managed another top four finish, and could even win a trophy before the season is out, managing something they have not since 2005. That said, their collapse in the second half of the season should worry fans, and recruitment is clearly paramount.
With this in mind, here are some talents Arsenal should be looking at. Italy is a relatively under exploited hinterland for Premier League sides, and all of the names featured below would probably be undervalued should Arsenal make a move for them in the summer.
Domenico Berardi
Berardi began his career at Sassuolo and is currently on loan there from Juventus. 19 years of age, the talented Italian is comfortable operating anywhere along the front line, but generally plays as a right winger, an area where Arsenal lack genuine options apart from Theo Walcott. His record of 16 goals in 27 games this season doesn’t tell the whole story.
He has the ability to utterly define a game. Last night, for example, he scored a first half hat trick against Fiorentina before setting up a fourth. He also scored four against AC Milan earlier this season. This is not all; Berardi’s immense record comes at a side who have struggled hugely this season. With youth on his side, an investment of around £10m could capture a player with bags of potential. Juventus, however, may be reluctant to sell.
Mauro Icardi
Icardi runs the risk of becoming more famous for his relationship than his on the field talent, but do not disregard that talent. The Argentinian is a natural goalscorer, the sort of player Arsenal have missed in recent years. He’s also a complete alternative to Giroud, blessed with a touch of pace.
Inter Milan seem keen to sign a star like Edin Dzeko or Fernando Torres this summer, and so Icardi could be sold for far less than his actual value. At 21-years-old, Icardi is definitely worth the minimal risk required to bring him in.
Lorenzo Insigne
His brace in the Coppa Italia at the weekend quite simply showed what this talented player can do. After the departure of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Insigne has filled the hole with aplomb. Pacey and with an eye for goal, Insigne is exactly the sort of direct player Arsenal have lacked, able to change a game in a moment.
Insigne would give Arsenal another option in an area they’ve lacked them, a quality left sided inside forward. Given that he is not yet a fully established star, this summer may be be last time he can be bought before his value skyrockets.
