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FootballTransfer News: Arsenal Turn to Inter Milan Superstar as Potential Replacement for Aubameyang
- Lautaro Martinez was heavily linked with a move away from Inter Milan last summer before Romelu Lukaku’s departure
- The Argentine signed a new contract with the Nerazzurri in October last year, in a deal that runs up to 2026
- Regardless, he remains one of Arsenal’s top summer targets as the Gunners look to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal could move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in the summer, according to the latest transfer reports.
After the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners are desperate to sign a forward soon to replace the Gabon international, who joined Barcelona in January.
The North London club is definitely in need of a long-term striker, especially because their current options Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both have their current deals expiring on July 1.
As it stands, both these players are set to leave the Emirates on free transfers at the end of the season.
Arsenal came close to landing talented forward Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina in January, but the Serbian preferred a move to Juventus instead.
Their striker options in January eventually dried up, and Mikel Arteta will have to go about the rest of the season relying on the services of Lacazette and Nketiah.
According to Calciomercato, however, Martinez remains in the Gunners' radar, and a bid is likely to be submitted in the summer.
Martinez, 24, was heavily linked with a move away from the San Siro in August 2021, especially because Inter were struggling to balance their finances.
But the departure of Lukaku, who rejoined Chelsea in a massive £97.5 million deal, meant Martinez stayed put, at least for another season.
His current deal at Inter runs until 2026.
Martinez for Inter this season
With the Nerazzuri, Martinez has been an important player so far this season, scoring 11 goals in 22 appearances in the Serie A so far.
Thomas Tuchel in trouble as Arsenal plot summer move for Chelsea star
FootballIt is understood that his new deal at Inter, which he signed in October 2021, has no release clause, and Inter value the Argentine at around £60m.
Other striking options that have been linked with a move to Arsenal in the recent past include Everton’s Dominic Calvert Lewin and Alexander Isak, currently at Real Sociedad.
Liverpool beat Inter at home in the Champions League
Meanwhile, Martinez’s club Inter are on the verge of a Champions League exit as they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at the San Siro on Wednedsay, February 16.
Simeone Inzaghi’s side had done a decent job in containing the Reds, but the deadlock was eventually broken with less than a quarter of the game to go through Roberto Firmino.
Mohammed Salah made it 2-0 minutes later to put Liverpool in the driving seat in the tie.