Arsenal and Man Utd have bargain striker option as once most-wanted star is now free agent

Arsenal and Manchester United could be locked in a battle to sign Italy striker Andrea Belotti for free this summer. The 28-year-old is now a free agent after leaving Serie A side Torino following the expiration of his contract.

Belotti hit the headlines last spring when he was tipped to make a big-money move to the Premier League. The Gunners and the Red Devils were among the clubs who were linked with the ace, while the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham were also rumoured to be interested in him.

But he stayed at Torino for one final season, during which he scored eight goals in 23 games amid a series of injury problems.

Torino were keen to keep the ace and reportedly made several attempts to tie him down to a new deal. But he instead opted to call time on his career at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and search for a new club.

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Belotti has featured 44 times for Italy throughout his career and has bagged 12 goals in those games. He played in all but one match at last summer’s Euro 2020 as his country defeated England in the final to be crowned European champions. And he now looks certain to land a big contract.

Earlier this year, it was reported that West Ham had made a move for the ace and had offered him a three-year deal to move to east London. The Hammers finished seventh in the Premier League last season and are keen to land a new frontman to provide competition for Michail Antonio.

Meanwhile, AC Milan, Atalanta and Atletico Madrid were all said to be chasing the Italian, who racked-up 113 goals and 28 assists during his seven-year spell at Torino. So Arsenal and United could be left disappointed if they don’t act fast.