Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca has reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old was in prolific form for the Neroverdi during the most recent Serie A season, netting 16 goals in 36 top-flight appearances during a breakthrough campaign.
Only five players struck more Italian top-flight goals than Scamacca in 2021-22, with the striker's form also helping him break into the Italy setup and earn four caps for his country so far.
The 6ft 4in forward played 45 minutes of Wednesday's Finalissima defeat to Argentina and has caught the eye of several potential suitors across Europe, but Sassuolo are in a strong negotiating position.
Scamacca only extended his contract with the Neroverdi two months ago, and his current terms are not due to expire until the end of the 2025-26 season.
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Arsenal were believed to have been strongly interested in signing the former Lazio, Roma and PSV youngster this summer, allegedly tabling a £35m bid for his services.
However, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla - via the Daily Mail - claims that Scamacca has turned down the Gunners' advances and has no interest in a move to the Premier League.
Pedulla adds that Scamacca would rather sign for one of the top clubs in his homeland, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere in their striker search after Dusan Vlahovic followed a similar path in January.
Arsenal were considered one of the frontrunners to sign Vlahovic from Fiorentina, but the Serbian instead rebuffed interest from the North London club to remain in Serie A with Juventus.
Mikel Arteta's side therefore failed to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, and the club also confirmed on Friday that Alexandre Lacazette would leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.
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Lacazette leaves the Emirates having struck 71 goals and set up 36 more in 206 appearances for the club since 2017, although he only scored two goals from open play in the Premier League last season.
Eddie Nketiah would also be due to leave as a free agent at the end of the month, but the 23-year-old has supposedly agreed to remain at his boyhood club for another five years.
Arsenal are still expected to bring in at least one new striker despite Nketiah's renewal, while Khayon Edwards, Folarin Balogun and Mika Biereth will all be pining for opportunities in the Europa League.
Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus is still regarded as a leading target for Arteta, although the Gunners' failure to secure Champions League football has presented an added roadblock in negotiations.
Moves for Roma's Tammy Abraham, Brentford's Ivan Toney and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been mooted for Arsenal ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Ben Knapton
