Arsenal are considering a move for Lautaro Martinez despite previously considering the Inter Milan striker as an unrealistic target as Mikel Arteta continues to seek a new forward
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Arsenal transfer rumours: Lacazette for Abraham?
Arsenal are weighing up a summer swoop for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez despite a move previously being considered unrealistic, according to reports.
The Gunners recently completed the signing of Ben White and are now looking to bolster their ranks in the final third.
Inter, despite claiming a first Serie A title in over a decade last term, are in financial trouble and have already seen Antonio Conte leave his post.
Achraf Hakimi has been sold to PSG and Martinez could be the next man out of the door.
The Argentine, who recently enjoyed Copa America success, is thought to be open to a move to Arsenal, reports the Athletic.
However any transfer would be dependent on the Gunners offloading Alexandre Lacazette.
A swap deal has been mentioned but Inter will only entertain a cash sale as they look to balance the books.
Arsenal and the Italian champions are in dialogue regarding a deal for Hector Bellerin so discussions between the two clubs are firmly underway.
Martinez was poised for a salary boost but a change of agents recently saw those plans scuppered.
He currently earns around €2.5m a year – which is less than half the earnings of team-mates Romelu Lukaku, Christian Eriksen and Alexis Sanchez.
A move to the Emirates would see Martinez increase his earnings with the north Londoners holding the player in high regard.
Last term he scored 19 times, which comes after the 21 goals he bagged the year before that.
Barcelona were keen on signing Martinez last summer but were unable to finance any deal.
Inter have made it clear they do not want to sell star striker Romelu Lukaku, despite interest from Chelsea, and if they were forced to cash in it appears that Martinez is more likely to leave.
Arsenal have made no secret of their desire to add a striker in the coming weeks.
Mikel Arteta may wave goodbye to Eddie Nketiah with the young striker seeking more minutes that may be hard to come by at the Gunners.
Should Arsenal sell Alexandre Lacazette? Comment below.
Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham is heavily linked with a move across London as he struggles for opportunities at Chelsea.
The Blues are seeking £40m for the striker which may see Arsenal secure an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in 12 months time.
Arteta also saw Martin Odegaard return to Real Madrid in the summer after his loan spell came to an end, which leaves him light of a playmaker.
A return remains a possibility although any transfer fee may prove beyond Arsenal.
James Maddison has also been touted as a target.
