Arsenal ‘weighing up shock transfer for Giovanni Simeone with £12m-rated Cagliari star backed to replace Lacazette’

ARSENAL are reportedly battling Juventus in the race to prise Giovanni Simeone away from Cagliari. The 26-year-old, who spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Hellas Verona, seems set to depart Cagliari after they were relegated to Serie B. Simeone chipped in with 17 goals and six assists in 35 Italian top-flight matches for Verona […]

ARSENAL are reportedly battling Juventus in the race to prise Giovanni Simeone away from Cagliari.

The 26-year-old, who spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Hellas Verona, seems set to depart Cagliari after they were relegated to Serie B.

EPA

Giovanni Simeone shined on loan at Hellas Verona from Cagliari during the 2021-22 season[/caption]

Simeone chipped in with 17 goals and six assists in 35 Italian top-flight matches for Verona as he helped them finish ninth in the table.

The Yellow and Blues have an option to sign the Argentina international – son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego – for £12.8million.

But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Fiorentina centre-forward has emerged as a target for both the Gunners and the Old Lady.

Juve beat Arsenal in their quest to land Dusan Vlahovic in January, and they are now aiming to bring in a deputy for the super Serbian.

It has been claimed that Massimiliano Allegri’s side have identified Simeone as the perfect understudy for Vlahovic.

Juve are in the market for reinforcements up top with Paulo Dybala to leave as a free agent.

And Moise Kean has struggled since his return to Turin from Everton, while Alvaro Morata is likely to go back to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell.

Mikel Arteta is also desperate to bolster his attack with Alexandre Lacazette poised to link up with Lyon after his contract expires.

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Though it remains to be seen whether Simeone is a serious target for Arsenal.

It’s not the first time that Simeone has been linked with a switch to England with West Ham said to be keen.

The Hammers were claimed to be keeping tabs on the player in November ahead of a possible move in the winter transfer window.

And Tottenham have also been linked in the past, along with Merseyside outfit Everton.