Arsenal might have to look elsewhere in pursuit of a forward following the latest development on one of their targets. It is no secret that the Gunners have been interested in Inter forward Lautaro Martinez for a while now. Those links got into full swing after Arsenal lost their opening Premier League game to newly-promoted Brentford. At the time, the North London side were interested in Lautaro Martinez as well as Antonio Conte as a possible replacement for Mikel Arteta.
Given the fact that Inter lost Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea over the summer, it would be expected that they will do all in their power to keep young Lautaro Martinez at the club. The club’s stance has remained that they have no intention to sell but rather want to extend his stay at the club.
On the path of Arsenal, they might have recorded back to back wins, but it is evident they continue to struggle for goals. In perspective, one of their two Premier League goals from five games this season has come from a freekick. The other came from a simple tap-in after a rebound.
Back to topic, Arsenal maintain a strong interest in Lautaro Martinez, but the latest news to emerge might mean the Gunners have to look elsewhere.
Lautaro Martinez reportedly agrees Inter extension
Just weeks ago, we reported about the contract situation of Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine forward is out of contract with the club in 2023, and so far, there has been no exact response from the player’s camp. However, we did drop an update recently about Inter president Beppe Marotta mentioning that the club remained positive about the player’s extension.
To further give an update on that, Italian outlet Tuttosport are now reporting that Lautaro Martinez has all but put pen to paper regarding a new deal. There is no mention of a duration, but given the player’s age, it would appear that it will most likely be a long-term contract extension.
Asides Martinez, Inter are also looking to agree new deals for Marcelo Brozovic, Nicolo Barella, Stefan De Vrij and Milan Skriniar.
Arsenal to turn elsewhere for striker search
Arsenal will now have to concede defeat for yet another forward target as they aim to strengthen their team after a poor start to the season.
It is now unlikely that the Gunners will move for a forward in January but all of that could change depending on certain circumstances. Forrs, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will depart in January to take part in the AFCON with Gabon. That might perhaps leave Mikel Arteta short on forward options and possibly force him to make an early move.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
