Josip Brekalo is on the cusp of joining Torino on loan with an option to buy, according to Sky Germany, despite Mikel Arteta urging Arsenal to sign the Wolfsburg star this summer.
Negotiations between the Bundesliga and Serie A sides are on the verge of reaching a total agreement. Brekalo will spend 2021/22 on loan with Torino, who will hold a €13m (£11m) option to buy him next year.
Wolfsburg gave Torino permission to pursue Brekalo after hiring Dodi Lukebakio on loan from rivals Hertha Berlin on Monday. Gianluca Di Marzio also reports Il Toro are close to a deal for Brekalo, as Ivan Juric’s side outbid Lazio.
Torino ramped up their pursuit whilst Lazio eyed Brekalo as they consider the Croatian to be ideal for Juric’s left-wing. The 27-cap forward is also flexible across the frontline and is only 23-years-old, but has considerable international and domestic experience.
Arsenal also showed an interest in Brekalo, before Torino forged successful negotiations with Wolfsburg, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Italian publication notes Arteta was urging the Gunners hierarchy to beat Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Roma at all costs.
But Arteta will miss out on his dream target, it seems, despite the potential for a deal after Brekalo told Wolfsburg he would not renew his contract. The £32,000-per-week dynamo has two-years remaining on his existing terms at Volkswagen Arena.
Brekalo’s renowned ability to cut inside and shoot from range also attracted interest from Everton and Leeds, per the Express. Both Premier League sides scouted the forward regularly last season as he scored seven and assisted four across all competitions.
Arsenal to rue not signing tricky Wolfsburg winger Brekalo before Torino deal?
Arsenal may rue not handing Arteta his ideal wide target before Torino agreed terms with Wolfsburg for Brekalo. The Croatian is a tricky customer who can cause defences a raft of problems, and offer a goal threat.
He already has one goal and one assist this season, too, despite only playing 64 minutes over two appearances. Brekalo laid on Die Wolfe’s winner away to Hertha earlier this month in his sole Bundesliga outing this term.
Brekalo will likely now explode in Serie A with Torino rather than the Premier League with Arsenal this season. And fulfil former Wolfsburg manager Oliver Glasner’s expectations.
“I see huge potential in Josip,” Glasner – now in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt – said, via Bundesliga.com. “He continues to show that he wants to be here, and will only get better.”
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