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Roma striker Mattia Destro has welcomed rumours linking with him a move to Arsenal as he considers his future with the Italian club.
Despite his creditable record of 22 goals in 49 appearances with the Serie A side, who sit three points off league leaders Juventus, Destro has not received the game time he believes he merits.
While he has not ruled out staying in Rome and spoke of his good relationship with Roma boss Rudi Garcia, the Italian international is delighted to be linked with a club of Arsenal’s pedigree.
“Arsenal for me? The rumours are good, I’m happy for them. This is the proof that I’m doing my work well,” Destro was quoted in Tuttosport:
“There are so many things that I can improve on. I must never stop and continue to learn new things.
“The coach encourages me a lot, he is teaching me some things, and I try to show my skills on the pitch, as well as the confidence he has in me.”
He added: “Am I a bad character? I want to answer this gossip with goals on the pitch!”
Destro has seven international caps but was left out of Antonio Conte’s Italy squad for Sunday’s European Championship qualifier against Croatia.
There is little doubting the 23-year-old’s talent, but his character was questioned by his manager earlier this season – a comment which caused Destro reacted badly to, but his latest words would suggest he and Garcia have healed their relationship.
“It's right that the coach makes his decisions," Destro told Gazzetta dello Sport in October. "At the end of the season, I'll make mine.”
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