Inter Milan rebuffs Arsenal interest in young striker Pio Esposito following Champions League impression

Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta reportedly saw their interest in Pio Esposito rejected by Inter Milan after a standout Champions League performance.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 3:42 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

Arteta Impressed by Young Italian Talent

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito as a significant prospect following a direct encounter in the Champions League. During Arsenal's three to one victory against Inter at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in January 2026, the young forward entered the match as a second half substitute. Despite the result, his physical presence and tactical movement inside the penalty area left a lasting impression on the Arsenal coaching staff.

Tactical Reaction and Scout Assessment

Reports from Italy indicate that Esposito's introduction in the sixty third minute forced an immediate tactical adjustment from Arteta. The manager was described as being both fascinated and concerned by the striker's ability to challenge defenders and create scoring opportunities. In response to the threat posed by the substitute, Arteta reportedly introduced Gabriel Magalhaes to the pitch specifically to neutralize the young international's impact.

Internal Discussions and Transfer Inquiry

Following the European fixture, Arteta is said to have requested that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta investigate the player's availability for the upcoming summer transfer window. Berta subsequently made contact with Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio to gauge the feasibility of a deal. The North London club sought to establish both the potential cost and the willingness of the Italian giants to negotiate a sale for the academy graduate.