Roma are refusing to match Torino’s demands for the summer transfer of Euro 2020 winner with Italy and Arsenal target Andrea Belotti, according to Sky Sport Italia.
Jose Mourinho’s Stadio Olimpico natives have so far shown the most interest in a summer transfer for Belotti. But the Giallorossi hierarchy have dealt their manager a setback by refusing to meet Torino’s asking price of €30m (£25.5m).
Arsenal have also informed Torino of their interest in a deal for Belotti this summer, per Tuttosport. But the Daily Mail claimed Tottenham Hotspur were offered the chance to sign the centre-forward in May amid question marks over Harry Kane’s future in north London.
Spurs may retain an interest in Belotti as a backup plan should Kane leave this summer. Yet waiting around risks their former manager, or Arsenal, nipping in with a deal for the striker.
Arsenal and Tottenham still have windows to sign Belotti from Torino with Roma only willing to pay €15-18m (£13-£15.5m). That will not be enough to tempt Il Toro President Urbano Cairo to sell, despite the 27-year-old now being in the final year of his current contract.
Torino will sit down and speak with Belotti regarding his future at the Olympic Grande Torino Stadium once he returns from his Euro 2020 commitments. Cairo and manager Ivan Juric would like to see the Toro captain stay, and intend to discuss new terms.
Belotti refusing to extend his £68,000-per-week deal will likely see him leave Torino and seek a new challenge this summer. The 39-cap international has been with Il Toro since 2015, and scored 13 goals and seven assists in 35 Serie A appearances last season.
Roma hand Arsenal boost in bid to rival Mourinho for Torino star Belotti
Roma have handed Arsenal a boost in their bid to rival Mourinho for the summer transfer of Torino striker Belotti. The £10m difference in the Giallorossi’s and Toro’s valuations makes it highly unlikely a deal will be agreed anytime soon.
Tottenham are less likely to pose a threat, in reality, as well, with Chairman Daniel Levy keen to keep Kane. The real challenge Mikel Arteta and Technical Director Edu face to sign Belotti now is in meeting Torino’s valuation themselves.
Despite Belotti being in the final year of his contract, Cairo will likely hold firm at his £25.5m asking price. The striker strengthened his stock by winning Euro 2020, even if he failed to score or provide an assist.
He has been il Toro’s top scorer in five of the last six Serie A seasons, as well. His efforts also helped the Olympic Grande Torino Stadium side avoid relegation last term by four points.
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