Arsenal make audacious play for Inter star

 

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, claims The Daily Telegraph.

 

Mikel Arteta is keen to cash in on Alexandre Lacazette this summer and sign a replacement for the new season.

 

Lacazette has entered the final 12 months of his current Arsenal contract and the Gunners plan to sell for a cut-price deal this summer.

 

Arsenal have already started planning for his replacement and it has now emerged Arteta's side have made a play for Inter's Martinez.

 

Inter have already categorically ruled out Romelu Lukaku's departure this summer but they are looking to raise funds to balance their books.

 

The Serie A champions sold Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain for up to £60m earlier in the window and would reportedly consider offers for Martinez for a similar fee.

 

It was only 12 months ago that Martinez was linked with moves to both Manchester clubs for around £100m.

 

 

Martinez has spent the last three years at Inter and after emerging from Mauro Icardi's shadow he formed a superb relationship with Lukaku last season.

 

The 23-year-old played a direct hand in 23 goals (17 goals, six assists) to help Inter win their first league title in 11 years.

 

Moreover, only one player won possession in the attacking third more times than Martinez in Serie A last season (32).