Lionel Messi insists Lautaro Martinez is the "complete striker" as Arsenal reignite their interest in the Inter Milan striker.
The 24-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates last summer, but a deal did not materialise as the player would go on to sign a contract extension at the San Siro until 2026.
It was claimed the Italians were under pressure to sell their prized asset due to their significant levels of debt.
Arsenal enquired about Martinez's availability as a result with the Serie A club signalling he would be available for £77million.
The Athletic claimed that Martinez was interested in a switch to Mikel Arteta's side in what would have been a 'straightforward' deal if Arsenal met their demands.
Martinez put the speculation to bed by penning a new deal, committing his future to the club, however.
Could Arsenal pull off a stunning move for Lautaro Martinez? Comment below
But reports coming out of Italy this week suggest he will be on the market once again this summer with the Gunners still keen on the striker as they look for a new no.9 after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona.
Arsenal will face stiff competition from Manchester City, however, who are still looking for Sergio Aguero's successor.
Tottenham, who were linked with Martinez last summer, could also enter the equation if Antonio Conte needs to find a replacement for Harry Kane.
Mauricio Pochettino is the leading contender for the Manchester United job and wants to reunite with Kane, something the England captain would be open to, according to The Telegraph.
Martinez scored 19 goals and registered 11 assists last term en route to Inter's Serie A title under Conte and has continued his fine form this season as they look to retain their crown.
Lionel Messi is one player who knows Martinez better than most after starring alongside him for Argentina in their Copa America victory last summer.
And the Paris Saint-Germain has been full of praise for his compatriot and reckons he has everything a striker needs.
The Barcelona legend said previously: "He's spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player and he is showing that.
“He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”
Martinez's agent Beto Yaque responded to the comments at the time and revealed he was flattered to receive that level of praise from 'best in the world' Messi.
He told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo: “Surely for Lauty it is a great compliment from the best in the world. I think that is very nice and comforting for him.”
