Report: Arsenal have enquired about Italian winger Stephan El Shaarawy

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Arsenal have reportedly made some enquiries into the possibility of signing of Stephan El Shaarawy on loan.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Gunners are one of a few teams to have been gathering information on the 27-year-old, who is currently playing for Shanghai Shenhua over in the Chinese Super League.

Also in contact with the player are Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Apparently, former AS Roma forward El Shaarawy has been given permission to seal a loan move to a European club until at least January.

Di Marzio claims his preference would be to go back to Roma, whom he left for a reported €16 million/£14.8 million (Football Italia), but it is not stated whether the Italians have any interest.

Since joining Shanghai, El Shaarawy – who has 25 caps for Italy – has made 19 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and making three assists.

TBR’s View – Arsenal should steer clear

It may only be a loan enquiry, but Arsenal surely don’t really need a player like El Shaarawy in their ranks.

Mikel Arteta has plenty of options on the flanks, and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s development should not be compromised.

The Gunners have also just signed Willian, who is obviously capable of featuring out wide if Arteta needs.

The fact El Shaarawy has been competing in the Chinese Super League is also something of a concern, with the standard in the Far East nowhere near that of the Premier League.