Why Arsenal should continue in their pursuit of Andrea Petagna

As per Calciomercato (h/t Football.london), Arsenal are interested in signing Napoli forward Andrea Petagna in a bid to bolster their attack next season.

The report suggests that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has identified the Italian ahead of the next season and could make a swoop for him. He impressed on his loan spell with SPAL last season but Arsenal could face competition to land him as Napoli are looking to retain his service.

Profile

Born in Italy, Petagna started his journey with Domio and Donatello Udine before joining AC Milan’s youth system. However, he spent the majority of his Milan career on loan spells. After making just 5 appearances for the Rossoneri, he was signed by Atalanta in 2016.

In 75 appearances for Atalanta, he managed to score just 11 goals and was sent on a loan spell to SPAL initially. He impressed with the club and was signed by Napoli but stayed back with SPAL on loan. But couldn’t help his side secure top-flight as they got relegated to Serie B. However, Petagna was impressive, scoring more than 10 league goals in each of the last two campaigns.

Petagna could provide depth to Arsenal’s attack

Despite enduring a disappointing campaign, the Gunners managed to lift the FA Cup title and look set under Arteta. However, the manager needs to bring in reinforcements if they are to do better in the new season.

At the moment, Arsenal have a plethora of attacking talents in their ranks, led by club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, they could lose Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette, who has been linked with a move elsewhere. His departure could leave them with limited options in the centre-forward position. Thus, the Gunners should consider signing a striker this summer.

In that regard, making a move for Petagna seems to be sensible. The Italian struggled earlier in his career with a lack of goals. But he has managed to put in decent performances in the last couple of years. After scoring 17 goals in the 2017/18 season, he continued with the fine form the following campaign too, with 12 goals in 36 league games.

The 25-year-old could be a replacement for Lacazette. He has made over 260 career appearances at the top level and his experience should help him settle to the conditions of the Premier League. His inclusion would definitely add depth to their attacking unit.

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Verdict

With Lacazette attracting interest from elsewhere, Arsenal would be short of experienced strikers up front if the Frenchman leaves. And it is clear that they are in dire need of forwards to bolster their attack. Petagna could provide them with some much-needed goals, whilst also adding depth to their attack. Thus, they should manage to lure the former AC Milan man to the Emirates this summer.