Empoli Teen in demand, the Italian boss's efforts to retain his star

Six weeks ahead of their Serie A campaign since 2018/19, Gli Azzurri seems to be facing a bargaining stance for its midfielder. Samuele Ricci has been in talks with Mikel Arteta and Brendan Rodgers for prospects. But, president Fabrizio Corsi is not ready for a £14m exchange for Stadio Carlo Castellani’s rising star who was key to the Serie B title winning in 2020/21. 

The Gunners and the Dollies will have a tough time pursuing the player from the Empoli. The foxes might get serious with £30 million on the table but are still undervalued to convince the Blues to give up their player. Ricci, equally skilled with midfield defense and attacking ahead is already £10 million in excess given his 62 first-team games career. This may be a money strategy by the Italians to benefit from 19 years old’s Serie A record.