Toronto FC aiming to add Andrea Belotti alongside Lorenzo Insigne

Toronto FC have reportedly started talks with striker Andrea Belotti, as they look to sign him to play alongside Italian international teammate Lorenzo Insigne.

Depending on what you believe and read, the seemingly impossible has happened: Lorezno Insigne is apparently set to move to Toronto FC.

As per a report from the Daily Mail‘s Nathan Salt, Insigne will sign with TFC after agreeing a record-breaking MLS deal. He will join the Reds next summer, once his current contract ends with Napoli.

When news of Toronto FC’s interest first emerged, it seemed like an audacious bid at best. Insigne had made no secret of wanting to re-sign with Napoli, or at the very least remain in Italy.

Understandably, TFC would prefer to have the Italian international signed ahead of the start of the 2022 MLS season on Feb. 26. However, Napoli are challenging for honours and would be unlikely to allow his early release.

In any event, the Reds still have to move at least one of their current designated players, before Insigne takes up one of the three available slots. All indications suggest one or both of Jozy Altidore and Yeferson Soteldo will be moved.

In this respect, it seems it would be in TFC’s best interests for both Altidore and Soteldo to leave. That’s because — pending official confirmation of the Insigne deal — the Reds are planning a similarly optimistic bid for another Italian international.

As per ESPN, Toronto FC are reportedly also looking to sign Torino’s Andrea Belotti. As with Insigne, the striker is also out of contract at the end of the 2021-22 Serie A season.

It should be noted talks with Belotti are at an extremely early stage. Regardless, the Reds are prepared to offer a more lucrative contract than the one by Torino.

Assuming the 28-year-old does move on, there is little doubt TFC would receive plenty of competition from around Europe. As per Dan Marsh of the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are reportedly one such club aiming to make a move for Belotti, who is apparently unlikely to agree a new deal with Torino.

Signing the Calcinate, Italy native would be a major coup for the Reds. He is quick, can shoot with either foot and strong in the air.

Belotti has scored 107 goals and provided 28 assists during his six+ seasons with Torino. He also has 12 goals in 41 appearances for Italy.

The former Palermo player is currently out with a hamstring injury, which has limited him to nine games so far this season. However, he is expected to return to action during February.

Overall, two UEFA Euro 2020 winners in the same side must be a surreal thought for Toronto FC fans everywhere. However, assuming the latest reports are true, they are halfway towards seeing this dream become a reality.

With Insigne apparently set to sign for TFC, how convinced are you that Belotti will join him in Southern Ontario? Let us know in the comments section below.