There have been recent claims in the Italian media that Arsenal tried signing Torino’s Andrea Belotti for €35m in the summer, but came in very late in the transfer window, too late for the Italian club to consider a sale.
Belotti has been in sensational form for his club and country, with 10 goals and 4 assists for Torino, and 3 goals for Italy this season. Torino reportedly want to renew the player’s contract, after interest from several clubs, and there were claims of a €50m release clause in his new contract for foreign clubs.
However, Torino’s president Urban Cairo has confirmed to Gazzetta that the release clause in Belotti’s new contract will be similar to Gonzalo Higuain’s contract at Napoli.
He said: “We’re speaking to extend his contract and give him an award, there may be a provision for foreign clubs.
“But I didn’t call anybody and we do not even think of selling him. But how much is he worth? For me that is a very high provision, like that of Higuain. I don’t know if there will be some clubs that will get him.”
Gazzetta say Torino have an agreement in principle with Belotti’s representatives to extend his contract until 2021 with a release clause of €94m, and the player will earn €1.5m/season.
Belotti’s agent, Sergio Lancini, is expected in Torino this week to finalise the details, and an announcement could be made after that.
Gazzetta reiterate claims that Arsenal tried signing him in the summer, but it remains to be seen if they’d revive their interest in Belotti in the future, especially with such a high release clause in his contract.
Arsene Wenger offering €35m for Belotti may be believable, him then deciding something more than double that was a good deal, simply wouldn’t be.
