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Report suggests Liverpool and Arsenal set to battle it out for Italian striker

Italy's Andrea Belotti looks dejected (Reuters)
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Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested in signing Torino’s exciting young striker.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the press conferenceArsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Arsenal and Liverpool are set to battle it out for the signature of Torino hitman Andrea Belotti, according to the Sun.

The 22-year-old Italian has already been called up to the national team squad, after beginning his Serie A campaign in fine fashion, scoring four goals in two league outings.

The Sun claim that the former Palermo man could be available for as little as £12.5 million, and suggest that the Gunners see him as an ideal alternative to Olivier Giroud, despite already having splashed out £17 million on Lucas Perez during the summer.

Hull City's Curtis Davies in action with Torino's Andrea BelottiHull City’s Curtis Davies in action with Torino’s Andrea Belotti

Liverpool’s interest, however, is based around Jürgen Klopp’s desire to add pace and mobility to his attacking options, according to the Sun.

Following his move to Turin in the summer of 2015, Belotti has gone on to score 16 goals in 37 league outings, and his performances have not gone unnoticed.

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud reactsCould Belotti be the ideal alternative to Olivier Giroud?

The newspaper claims hat it was the Italian’s hat-trick against Empoli at the end of August, and his subsequent call-up to the Italian national team, which heightened the two Premier League club’s interest in signing him.

If Belotti continues his early season form, a January move cannot be ruled out, but next summer would seem to be a more realistic time for any kind of potential deal to come to fruition.

Liverpool manager Juergen KloppLiverpool manager Jürgen Klopp