The episode that caught Arsenal's attention came in January, when Esposito came off the bench to face the Gunners in a Champions League clash. Despite Inter's 3-1 defeat, the centre-forward impressed with his intensity, ability to occupy the box and aggression in physical duels. Manager Mikel Arteta, known for his appreciation of young talent, is said to have been particularly struck by the striker's impact on the match.
From that point, internal discussions took place at Arsenal to assess whether a move was feasible. The club sought information on the player's valuation and contractual situation, but Inter's response was categorical: Esposito is viewed as a key part of their future, is tied to a long-term contract and will not be sold regardless of the offer.
Why Inter have no intention of selling Esposito
Inter's firm stance is no accident. The club had already been anticipating Esposito's rise since last season, when he scored 19 goals in Serie B on loan at Spezia and came close to leading the club to promotion. Before the Club World Cup, Inter's hierarchy secured a contract extension until 2030 on a salary of around £850,000 (€1m) net per season, a significant figure for someone at the start of his career in Italian football's top flight.
Internally, Esposito has gained even more prominence in recent weeks. Injuries in the attacking department opened the door for him to take on a central role, including in decisive matches in the Coppa Italia and Serie A. He has gradually gone from being a circumstantial option to a genuine alternative, and at times a starter.
The numbers back this up: he has already scored seven goals this season, with a personal target of reaching double figures in his first effective campaign as a first-team striker. Physically resilient and praised for his ability to cope with a demanding run of fixtures, the youngster has been viewed as a strategic asset in a congested calendar.
In this context, Arsenal's approach appears to be more of an acknowledgement of his potential than a realistic negotiation. For Inter, letting Esposito go now would mean undermining a sporting project that is beginning to take shape. For the player, the focus remains on establishing himself at his current club, a situation that, paradoxically, is only likely to attract even more external interest in the months ahead.
Strong start for Italy and impressive credentials
A centre-forward with an imposing physical presence and a varied skill set, Esposito combines strength in contact with unusual mobility for a player of his build. He is not merely a box finisher: he knows how to attack the near post, hold up the ball with his back to goal and drift wide to create space for teammates. His aggression in duels, ability to sustain a high press and composure in front of goal explain why, despite his youth, he is already regarded as a “complete” striker at Inter.
His credentials have been built with consistency. After progressing through every level of Italy's youth setup, from the under-17s to the under-21s, Esposito gained experience and competitive maturity before establishing himself in the senior squad.
The breakthrough was no coincidence: there has been tactical development, more refined reading of the game and improved decision-making inside the box. The result is a striker who does not rely solely on his physicality but combines presence, timing and positional awareness.
The recognition has extended beyond club level. In September 2025, he made his senior debut for Italy, coming on in the closing minutes against Estonia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Since then, he has made five appearances for the Azzurri, one as a starter, and scored three goals, impressive figures for someone still in the early stages of his international career.
