Francesco Pio Esposito is on the verge of signing a new contract with Inter Milan, with the two parties reaching a verbal agreement on a renewal.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Francesco Pio Esposito. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their offensive units by signing a striker in the ongoing transfer window, and they have set their sights on the 21-year-old Inter Milan centre-forward.

However, Arsenal and Manchester United must now look elsewhere for a striker, as Esposito is on the verge of signing a new contract Inter Milan. Per Caught Offside, the youngster is “now formalising his new contract”, with the deal set to run until June 30, 2031.

Francesco Pio Esposito and his soaring stock

Francesco Pio Esposito is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. The 21-year-old rose through Inter Milan’s academy before a loan spell at Spezia Calcio. Since returning to San Siro, he has impressed, particularly at last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Since returning to Inter Milan, Esposito has an impressive tally of 11 goals and six assists in 50 appearances, having accumulated less than 3,000 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, Esposito’s exploits have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, particularly from the Premier League. Arsenal and Manchester United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League adventure on the horizon?

Arsenal’s interest in Francesco Pio Esposito is strategic. Mikel Arteta wants more firepower in the final third despite having three strikers in his squad. Gabriel Jesus faces an uncertain future at the Emirates amid his emerging links with Napoli, while Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz have not been consistent scorers.

As for Manchester United, the Red Devils have a more pressing need for a striker. While Benjamin Sesko has been impressive after a slow start to life at Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after becoming a peripheral figure under Michael Carrick. So, Esposito is an option worth considering for Manchester United.

While both Arsenal and Manchester United are chasing a summer move for Esposito, sealing a deal is impossible, as the latest update has corroborated claims from recent reports, which suggested that Inter Milan will attempt to tie him to a new contract. With the Italian international committed to the Nerazzurri, a move to the Premier League will not materialise anytime soon.