- Arsenal have been linked with a variety of strikes over the last few windows
- According to reports, their latest target appears to be open to a move to England
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Arsenal have been linked to numerous strikers in their on-going hunt for an out-and-out goal scorer, and now reports are suggesting that they are lining up a huge bid for a World Cup-winning No 9.
The Gunners’ current system largely relies on Kai Havertz to operate up top, though as an attacking midfielder by trade, he is perhaps not the 30-goal-a-season striker they require.
It has long been said that to get over the line as league champions, Mikel Arteta’s side need that lethal instinct in the penalty area, and they might find that in their latest target, should the reports prove true.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are believed to be lining up a bid in the region of €120nillion (£100m) for Inter Milan’s star striker Lautaro Martinez.
Such a fee would take them close to the £105m club record fee paid for Declan Rice two summers ago, but it would bring them a vital piece to the puzzle and potentially some silverware to show for their huge improvements and progress of late.
Martinez has thrived at Inter, and has won two Serie A titles and five domestic cups in Italy, as well as finishing top scorer in 23-24 and being voted the best player in Italy for 2024.
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a bid worth around £100m for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez
The Argentina international has won seven pieces of silverware during his stint with Inter
Inter are currently three points off Napoli in Serie A with a game in hand and through to the Champions League Last 16
Add that to his World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina, and Martinez is one of the most decorated No 9s operating at a high level right now.
While Martinez is arguably the most important player at Inter right now, a nine-digit figure would be difficult for the club to ignore, and could test their resolve.
In a boost to the Gunners, the player’s entourage are not thought to have ruled out his interest in joining Arsenal.
While Italy is still one of the top four leagues in European football, the allure of the Premier League may prove difficult to turn down.
The exposure and financial offers available in the English top-flight are almost impossible for most other divisions to compete with.
Since arriving in Milan from Racing Club in his home nation in 2018, Martinez has managed 144 goals and 49 assists in 331 games.
Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel’s exclusive column, available every Thursday on Mail+, revealed this week that the Gunners are still monitoring both Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko.
The former would likely cost them around £120m, which is naturally something of an obstacle, while the club were keen to move for the latter in January, but RB Leipzig were not open to a sale.
