Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Lautaro Martinez to strengthen their attack next season, with Inter Milan ready to sell.
According to Football Insider, Lautaro Martinez has re-emerged on Arsenal’s radar as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attack. Inter Milan could sell the World Cup winner for £80 million in light of their financial struggles.
Lautaro Martinez endured a tough time at the World Cup in Qatar, where he failed to make his mark for Argentina. The Inter Milan forward played around 238 minutes. But he lost his starting spot to Julian Alvarez during the group stages. The young striker was reportedly playing through an injury, which may explain his loss in form.
Since returning to Inter Milan, Martinez is back to his usual form and has notched five goals in the last five Serie A games. Overall, he has 15 strikes to his name this season and has also assisted seven times in 30 club games across all competitions.
The report suggests Arsenal have reignited their interest in the World Cup winner. And Inter Milan will demand around £80 million for him. Mikel Arteta reportedly wants reinforcements for his attacking setup. He views the Argentine international as a valuable addition.
The Gunners were once interested in the forward during the summer of 2021. But they did not make any advances towards signing him. Back then, they were not competing in any European competition. Inter Milan demanded a considerable fee for Martinez.
The situation in north London has changed since, as Arsenal are clear favourites to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Inter Milan could sell the forward owing to their financial situation. The Argentine could become their most-sellable asset in the market, as there is enough interest from English clubs. And most of them might be ready to pay £80 million for him.
Martinez could remain open to leaving the club and join an English club, despite having more than three years left on his current deal. Whether it is Arsenal or any other club remains the question. Newcastle United are also keen, going by previous reports. Yet, both those clubs have enough cover in the centre-forward position.
Arsenal have endured a difficult period in the absence of star striker Gabriel Jesus, who is yet to return from an injury suffered at the World Cup. Eddie Nketiah has been a tremendous deputy during his absence. He has notched crucial goals against West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United, helping to keep the title challenge on course.
Moreover, they have Folarin Balogun, who is Ligue 1’s top scorer after the latest round of games. Hence, it is difficult to see Arsenal spending around £80 million on a new striker, especially Martinez. For clarity, Nketiah and Jesus have a similar profile to the World Cup winner. Hence Arteta might consider a forward with a different style.
The Gunners remain in the market for a big-name midfielder, with Declan Rice their priority target. Moreover, other areas of the squad need strengthening, including the right side of the attack and also another midfielder. Hence it is difficult to see them signing another striker, especially when they have plenty of options in the position.
