Arsenal on alert as target set to hand in transfer request

Arsenal are reportedly on red alert for Inter Milan’s want away defender Andrea Ranocchia, according to reports in The Express.

The Italian international is believed to be on the verge of submitting an official transfer request to force his way out of the San Siro after growing frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities. Cheslea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also monitoring his progress.

The report states that Ranocchia has stalled on signing a new contract with the struggling Italian giants but the situation appears to have worsened after he was dropped by manager Walter Mazzarri in the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria last week. He is firmly on the radar of United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs and handing in a transfer request could give the English clubs the nudge they need to formalise their interest.

The 25 year old has been a regular for the Italian national team in recent times and is likely to jump at the chance of regular action, with a spot in the Azzurri’s squad for the World Cup still a possibility.

The Italian club have admitted that they will need to make sales in January to overhaul their squad and Ranocchia now seems like a prime candidate to make way for new arrivals.

Ranochhia joined Inter from Genoa in 2011 and has made 74 appearances , scoring five goals. He has made 14 appearances for Milan this season scoring 2 goals. The centre back has never left Italy and has also had spells at Arezzo and Bari, albeit on-loan.

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He is quite a presence in Inter’s back line and would no doubt prove an intimidating figure at the heart of the back line. His headed duel success rate is great and shows that he knows how to use his height well and this applies not only defensively, but also in attack too.

The good thing about Ranocchia is that despite his height, he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, not afraid to take on opponents when in possession. He does not shy away from tackling which is one of his strengths but he isn’t the quickest, can be quite clumsy and sometimes reckless in his attempts to regain possession.

With the future of Vermaelen still up in the air, he could be an interesting option to replace him if the Belgian leaves.

Should we sign him in January? Share your thoughts in the comments below.