Arsenal in contact with Italian winger Stephan El Shaarawy

Throwing it back to 2013

Arsenal have been in contact with El Shaarawy over a possible loan move, according to transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio. El Shaarawy currently plies his trade in China for Shanghai Shenua after a series of injuries saw him fall short of his projected potential. The winger is currently looking for a loan move back to Europe, preferring a return to Roma but the Serie A side are covered in his position, with the likes of Cengiz Under, Justin Kluivert and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the books. This makes Arsenal, who are looking to bolster their squad ahead of a hectic season, a real possibility. El Shaarawy was touted as Italy's next superstar when he broke through at AC Milan, as he shone in a largely underwhelming team alongside the likes of Mario Balotelli and Keisuke Honda. But with injuries taking their toll on his body, he was loaned out to Monaco and Roma before settling in the Italian capital for three years. For the past year, he has been playing in China, but still only 26, the forward fancies another crack at the European leagues. Arsenal already have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe and new arrival Willian in wide positions, but another back up would be a welcome addition to the squad, given their over-reliance on Aubameyang. With little money to spend this summer, a loan signing would suit Arsenal, who have just tied down Aubameyang on a new long-term contract, keeping at the club until 2023. Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been in touch with the player's representatives, according to Di Marzio, with both teams looking to add depth to their front line.