Arsenal are eyeing an ambitious move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, several reports claim. However in contradiction with previous rumors, the player is said to be open to a move to the Emirates this summer.
A unique opportunity has presented itself to Arsenal in the summer market, reports The Athletic. The Gunners are contemplating whether or not to make a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who the Italian club would be open to selling for the right price.
Internazionale are to work with financial restrictions in the present market, and the sale of another one of their prime assets will provide them with much-needed breathing space.
That has opened up the possibility of sales of key assets, one of whom – Achraf Hakimi – has already left the club. Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the window for 60 million euros plus add-ons.
Romelu Lukaku is another Inter player linked with a big-money transfer, with his former club Chelsea keen on paying his massive fee. However, Inter are reluctant to let go of Lukaku and are much more likely to sanction the sale of the Argentine.
This is where Arsenal come in. The Gunners have been in contact with the Nerazzurri recently over the transfer of Hector Bellerin and have enquired about the availability of Lautaro. The player, reports The Athletic, would not be against a move to the Emirates, despite Arsenal’s absence in any form of European competition this season.
Arsenal would, however, have to pay Lautaro more than what he earns at Inter at the moment. Furthermore, Arsenal need to sell players first before financing a move for Lautaro.
The North London side currently have five players who can play as a striker – Eddie Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Martinelli, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Florian Balogun – but the former two are the likeliest to leave. Arsenal supposedly offered Lacazette to Inter in exchange for Lautaro, but the Italian giants want a straight cash deal at the moment.
Lautaro joined Inter Milan in 2018 and has scored 49 goals in 132 appearances for the club since. He helped the Nerazzurri win the Serie A title last season, their first in a decade.
