Arsenal Fans Left Starry-Eyed By Pio Esposito’s 27-Minute Cameo and Ask Social Media ‘is He For Sale’

Inter Milan may have been put to the sword by Arsenal on matchday seven of the Champions League, but Pio Esposito’s glowing cameo has left opposition fans clambering for his signature.

Inter Milan slipped outside the automatic qualification spots for the Champions League knockout stage, with Arsenal stretching their 100 percent record in a 3-1 victory at the San Siro.

Three consecutive defeats in the league phase leaves Inter’s chances of safe passage up in the air, with a gruelling away trip to Borussia Dortmund awaiting them on the final matchday.

Despite going tit-for-tat with Arsenal in terms of generating chances and controlling possession – albeit marginally – Inter’s attack was blunted on the night.

Serie A’s top scorer Lautaro Martinez was nothing more than a passenger, with a small majority of fans calling for his sale after failing to deliver in the Champions League once again.

The Argentine was hooked on 63 minutes, but his replacement – Pio Esposito – announced himself to an entirely new audience after a glittering cameo.

Arsenal Fans Rave About Pio Esposito on Social Media

Inter fans can already attest to Esposito’s talents, with the 20-year-old earning the trust of Cristian Chivu in his breakout year at the San Siro.

That is despite Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny above him in the pecking order, but such is his rapid ascension this season that fans are calling for Chivu to hand him more minutes.

After netting the winner against Lecce and following up with an assist against Udinese, Chivu gave Esposito 27 minutes to find a way to bring Inter back into the game against Arsenal.

While he failed to register an all-important goal involvement, the Italian has opened the eyes of a whole new following; in particular Arsenal fans.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) said: “Who is this Esposito? Is he for sale?”

Another said: “Esposito looks like the kind of striker Arteta wants.”

Pio Esposito might be new era’s Olivier Giroud. Seems unstoppable once he puts his body over you, is so clever in his movements, and incredibly talented and resourceful for a #9 of his height and weight.

— Daniel (@danieIscouting) January 20, 2026

Francesco Pio Esposito. 20 years old.

The world knows now. 🇮🇹🔥 pic.twitter.com/lrRr2uk6BU

— Nerazzurri Society (@nerazzurriSoci_) January 21, 2026

Inter Taking Decisive Steps Towards Esposito’s Contract Renewal

Now more than ever, Pio Esposito’s glowing reputation as a physical yet hugely technical number nine is certain to prick the ears of potential suitors.

Inter had considered selling him prior to the start of the season, with options in attack deemed suitable enough to challenge for the title.

Chivu’s arrival had a lot to do with convincing him to stay, with Esposito revealing a ‘special connection’ between himself and the manger in a recent interview. His faith was immediately repaid after featuring heavily during the summer’s Club World Cup.

Inter will do well to tie Esposito down, with the ‘new Giroud’ already receiving enquiries from Premier League clubs this season.

The Nerazzurri have accelerated plans to renew Esposito’s contract, which is currently set to expire in 2030. Inter hope that a bumper new wage package, befitting of his new station, will be enough to convince him to stay an extra year, until 2031.