Arsenal are interested in signing Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi, according to Calciomercato, but we think that they should focus on other targets.
The Italian outlet claim that the Gunners have observed the 25-year old winger in recent weeks, and that in the near future, they could make their move to sign the Italy international.
However, the Gunners should think twice about pursuing the Serie A star, despite his impressive goalscoring record this season – he’s scored nine goals and assisted a further five in 19 league games.
Apart from two games as a second striker, Berardi has played exclusively on the right side for Sassuolo this season, and that begs the question – where would he fit in at the Emirates?
Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe, a natural right-sided winger, for £72million in the summer, and Berardi wouldn’t likely be signed to play in a different position than on his natural right-side.
Mikel Arteta revealed in January that the Gunners want to sign a central midfielder, while with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future being unclear, a more central forward would be more relatable area to target.
Berardi is unmistakably an impressive player, but he isn’t someone who Arsenal should be focusing their attention on when there are other positions in need of more focus.
Berardi also signed a new long-term contract with Sassuolo recently, and with the wide man contracted to play in Emilia-Romagna until 2024, Arteta would need to put together a sizeable offer to sign the winger.
That wouldn’t be an appropriate use of resources to increased depth in an already well-stocked position, so Arsenal should look elsewhere.
