Manager and club president both ‘rejected’ Arsenal’s interest in valued player last window

Arsenal showed interest in Napoli striker Andrea Petagna in the summer, according to Calciomercato.

The Serie A side signed the 25-year-old from SPAL in January 2020 and allowed him to remain there for the second half of last season on loan.

He’s been restricted to four substitute appearances in all competitions at Napoli so far and in his last outing, the attacker scored the winner in his side’s 2-1 victory over Benevento.

Despite the restricted playing time at the Naples club so far, the website explains Gennaro Gattuso values his compatriot, which is why he asked his employer to sign the player at the start of this year.

Mikel Arteta was looking to bring in a new centre forward with similar characteristics to Petagna in the last window. However, the Italian club didn’t want to hear anything about the Gunners wanting the frontman.

The report adds Gattuso and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis together ‘rejected’ the north London club’s interest in Petagna.

Arsenal finished the summer transfer window without bringing in a new striker, but they strengthened their attacking division by signing Willian on a free transfer.