Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez this summer, and could use two players to sweeten the deal.
Reports claim the Gunners want to add more firepower to their squad ahead of the 2021/22 season, following a disappointing eighth placed finish last term.
The north London club has already confirmed deals for Brighton centre-back Ben White, Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga and Benfica defender Nuno Tavares, and it looks like they aren’t stopping anytime soon.
Talks over a deal for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale still continue and with this news, Arteta clearly wants another striker as well.
The Athletic report that Martinez would be interested in a move to Arsenal, if Inter Milan allow him to be sold.
The Gunners did not expect the Argentine ace to be on the market this summer but Inter’s financial struggles mean they could cash in for the right price.
And it is claimed, should the recent Copa America winner join the north London side, his current club could accept an offer of cash plus two players.
It is being said that right-back Hector Bellerin could be used in the deal as well as striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Following Inter’s sale of Achraf Hakimi this summer, it isn’t surprising to see the club’s interest in Bellerin.
His versatility as both a right-back and wing-back would fit the Serie A champions’ style of play given how they usually line up with three central defenders.
Reports have also suggested the Spaniard is keen on the move, having handed in a transfer request and informed the club of his desire to leave for a new challenge after ten years with the Gunners.
Bellerin joined Arsenal’s academy from Barcelona all the way back in 2011.
Since his first-team debut in 2013 he has gone on to make 239 appearances, scoring nine goals and contributing 29 assists, lifting winning three FA Cups.
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Lacazette similarly could also see his time at the Emirates come to an end.
The Frenchman’s contract is set to expire next summer and, given his age and the club’s rebuilding job, it is clear to see why the club want to give him away.
Given Inter’s financial situation a deal for the player should be fairly straightforward as the Nerazzurri still need to raise £80million profit.
The only stumbling block is the overall structure of the deal, Inter would prefer cash where as Arsenal want to give up two players.
It is certainly a deal to keep an eye out on as Mikel Arteta looks to get the Gunners back into the Champions League this season.