Arsenal could pull off an 'absolutely phenomenal signing' by luring Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez to the Emirates Stadium ahead of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.
Having completed the acquisitions of Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho last month, Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta will be handed another opportunity to bolster his squad in the summer.
Arsenal transfer news - Lautaro Martinez
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have set their sights on taking advantage of Inter's precarious financial situation by swooping in for Martinez.
The report suggests the north Londoners have reignited their interest in the 2022 World Cup winner and a deal could be struck for up to £80million after initiating contact with his representatives.
In a boost for Arsenal, respected journalist Pete O'Rourke recently told GiveMeSport that Martinez would see a move to the Emirates Stadium as an attractive option after challenging for the Premier League crown this season.
But the Gunners are not the Argentina international's only suitors as Manchester United and Chelsea are also mulling over whether to offer a route into the English top flight, while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are long-term admirers.
Martinez still has just shy of three-and-a-half years remaining on his £184,000-per-week contract at the San Siro, so a summer move away from Inter is not a foregone conclusion at this stage.
What has Paul Brown said about Martinez?
Brown believes Martinez would be an eye-catching addition to Arsenal's squad if sporting director Edu succeeds in reaching an agreement with Inter.
Although the journalist understands the Gunners are facing competition from the likes of Tottenham, he feels qualifying for the Champions League is essential if they want to turn the striker's head.
Brown told GiveMeSport: "I think he would be an absolutely phenomenal signing. He is someone who a lot of teams have looked at.
"Spurs are also very interested in him and I think you wouldn't rule them out if he were to become available. Getting into the Champions League is going to be key."
Would Martinez be an exciting signing for Arsenal?
Martinez is a serious threat in the final third of the pitch and that is emphasised by the fact FBref data shows he has averaged more goals per 90 minutes than current Arsenal frontman Gabriel Jesus this season.
That underlines the 25-year-old's capabilities and, considering the Gunners forked out £45million to tempt the Brazilian away from Manchester City last summer, it is no mean feat.
Martinez played a pivotal role in Inter advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League and was handed an 8.7 match rating by Sofascore as he got his name on the scoresheet, chalked up an assist and completed three key passes in a 3-3 group stage draw with Barcelona.
The South American has been causing problems for defenders throughout his senior club career, having found the back of the net close to 120 times, so he would clearly be an exciting arrival at Arsenal.
No Inter teammates have surpassed the average domestic match rating handed to Martinez by WhoScored this season, further indicating that the Gunners should pounce.
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