Arsenal are looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer and their hunt has currently put Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez in the limelight, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners have been linked with several strikers in the past few months and as per the report, Mikel Arteta is planning to make a move for the 23-year-old amidst Inter’s financial woes.
The report claims: “Arsenal are exploring the opportunity to sign Lautaro Martinez — with Inter continuing to adjust to a more sustainable financial model over this window.
“A move has previously been considered unrealistic but The Athletic understands Arsenal have long held Lautaro in high regard.”
Will Arsenal come close to signing Lautaro Martinez?
Inter Milan are not ready to sell Lautaro Martinez this summer, especially after losing Achraf Hakimi. But, most experts believe a big transfer fee should be able to change their strategy.
Even his agent has come out to make it clear that Martinez is ready to honour his current deal with the Serie A side.
“Surely for Lauty, it is a great compliment from the best in the world[Messi’s compliment to Martinez],” said Yaque, told Mundo Deportivo, as quoted.
“I think that is very nice and comforting for him. He wears it as if nothing. Because he is only focused on his club, but surely with great satisfaction knowing that he is doing things very well for all this.
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“Lautaro has a five-year contract with Inter and the news that comes out are exclusively from the press.”
While Inter Milan look to hold onto Lautaro Martinez they are also desperately trying to sign Hector Bellerin and as per some reports, the Gunners might use the right-back as a counterweight to sign the Inter forward.
Bellerin is ready to join Inter but Arsenal will only let him leave for the right price. But now there’s a chance they might use Bellerin in a cash-plus-player deal to lure Martinez to the Premier League.
Lautaro Martinez is currently valued at £72 million so there’s no way Arsenal can pay such a steep price. Now, the only way for the Gunners to get their hands on the Argentine is by using Hector Bellerin.
