Arsenal turn to Lautaro Martinez in striker hunt
The transfer window can bring forth some surprising links. Even more shocking can be moves that were once thought of as a fantasy becoming a reality.
That would certainly be the case regarding the latest player to be linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath claims that the Gunners have ‘inquired’ as to the availability of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
Arsenal have made an inquiry for Inter Milan striker Lautaro MartÃnez during their ambitious summer in the transfer market.
An exciting link for Arsenal fans for sure, however, the reality of any possible transfer from Inter Milan to Arsenal seems like a long shot.
Arsenal are already well-stocked in the striking department at present with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli all capable of playing the central striker role.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have operated with a single striker system although Aubameyang and Martinelli have operated in a wider area.
How could Arsenal pull of the signing of Martinez?
Firstly, there is the financial aspect of the deal. This summer Arsenal look more capable than many imagined of making some big-money moves.
Having already brought in Nuno Tavares and Sambi Lokonga for a combined fee of around the approximate 24 million pound mark, they are also on the verge of completing a 50 million pound move for Ben White of Brighton.
The Gunners are expected to move for another central midfielder and attacking midfielder. In addition to a second goalkeeper and possible right-back. Arsenal reportedly had a 26 million pound bid for Emi Buendia rejected earlier in the window and a third bid totalling around 25 million pounds is expected to be made for Aaron Ramsdale.
The evidence therefore suggests that Arsenal do indeed have money to spend. Inter Milan have seen interest from both Manchester City and Barcelona in Martinez and a figure of just under 60 million pounds was quoted by Fichajes. A figure which certainly seems feasible, if it is indeed accurate of course.
Inter Milan do have financial issues and with them keen to hold onto Romelu Lukaku, Martinez could be allowed to leave to cope with the situation further and provide them scope to bring in other players from elsewhere.
There is also the Hector Bellerin factor. It is well documented that Inter Milan have an interest in the Spaniard being the replacement the departed Achraf Hakimi. So far, reports suggest the two clubs have struggled to come to an agreement.
Could Arsenal use Bellerin as part of a possible deal to persuade Inter Milan into selling? They are no strangers to a ‘swap’ deal having seen Alexis Sanchez leave for Manchester United and Henrikh Mkhitaryan arrive in return.
The final point addresses the congested area that currently is Arsenal’s striking department. There have been reports that the club would be open to allowing Lacazette to leave the club this summer. A quoted fee of around 15 million pounds has been suggested to what the north London side would want.
Should Arsenal be able to move on Lacazette, use Bellerin in part-exchange and stump up the money, Inter Milan could yet agree to a deal. Sounds simple enough, right?
Of course, should any deal miraculously be agreed by the clubs, Martinez would need to agree to the move and with Arsenal lacking European football in its entirety, that could be a stumbling block. Yet, it is probably best to cross that bridge should it ever approach.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com