Arsenal have been dealt a potential blow in their pursuit of Lautaro Martinez amid reports linking the Inter striker being linked with a move to the Emirates. Arsenal are likely to be in the market for more than one striker this summer.
Wwith Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving for Barcelona in the January transfer window and with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah poised to leave at the end of the current campaign, Mikel Arteta is seemingly under no illusions that he'll need to bolster his frontlines.
One player who has been linked is the Argentinian attacker, Martinez, 24, with The Times reporting interest is set to be renewed after a failed bid last summer. The Gunners reportedly were unable to match Inter's £60 million valuation last summer but Edu could return with another offer this time around, with Champions League football potentially on offer to the forward should Arsenal finish in the top four.
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But it is staring to look like Martinez could stay with Inter while the Italian giants looking to add another striker of their own for a dream partnership. It is a name familiar to Arsenal fans who could provide that, with Paulo Dybala reportedly set to sign for Inter.
He is set to arrive on a free transfer this summer having declined to renew his contract at Juventus amid interest from several Premier League clubs. According to Italian outlet Gazzetto dello Sport, Inter bosses have a 'dream' to build their team around the attacking pair next season.
It is claimed the club's CEO Beppe Marotta and Sporting Director Piero Ausilio see the duo as the perfect strike partnership for manager Simone Inzaghi. Inter have used Joaquin Correa and former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez to partner Martinez this term but neither are seen as the ideal fit going into the new campaign.
Martinez had reportedly been unhappy at Inter this season, but bringing in his national teammate and being given a vote of confidence by the Inter board could see him remain at the club for the foreseeable future. That, in turn, may force Arsenal to change their plans look elsewhere this summer.
