Arsenal eye a transfer for Inter Milan goal-machine: Can he ignite their top-four hopes?

Arsenal are continuing their pursuit of a world-class striker this summer and have reportedly shifted their attention to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

According to the Telegraph Arsenal have made an inquiry for the Argentina international. Martinez has established himself as a mainstay in the Inter Milan lineup since his arrival from Racing Club in 2018.

A consistent goalscorer, Martinez has netted 49 goals and provided 20 assists in 132 appearances for Inter in all competitions.

Forming a lethal partnership with Romelu Lukaku, Martinez was instrumental in their Serie A triumph last season, scoring 17 goals in 38 league appearances.

He also scored three goals for Argentina in the Copa America, helping them end a 28-year international drought.

Considering the hype surrounding the 23-year-old, he will not be available for cheap. According to reports, Martinez, who has two years left on his current deal, will cost around £77m.

Can Lautaro Martinez ignite Arsenal’s top-four hopes?

Arsenal lacked quality going forward last season. They scored just 55 goals in the Premier League, the fewest among teams that finished in the top nine. That was one of the factors that contributed to their dismal eighth-place finish.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appears to be entering the twilight of his career and cannot be relied on to bang in the goals consistently. Alexandre Lacazette has shown during his time at the club that he is simply not a goal-scoring threat. The Frenchman is expected to be shipped out this summer.

With Mikel Arteta hoping to lead Arsenal back into the Champions League this season, he will need attacking reinforcements.

Martinez will add plenty of flair and potency to the Arsenal frontline. The Argentine is quick and agile and his low centre of gravity helps him quickly change direction and dance past challenges. Despite standing at just 1.74m, Martinez is strong in the air. Last season, he won 0.7 aerial duels per game.

He also possesses great off-the-ball movement and likes to drop into spaces between defenders and link up with his teammates. Martinez may not be the most prolific of strikers, but he does offer a goal threat. He is also an ambipedal player, who is equally comfortable shooting with either foot. Last season, he averaged 1 key pass, 0.9 dribbles and nearly three shots per game.

Martinez also has a great work ethic. He presses high up the pitch and wins the ball back in advanced areas. His arrival would undoubtedly be a massive boost to Arsenal’s top-four aspirations. The Gunners are also being linked with a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham but Martinez would be a significant upgrade over the England international.

Stats via Whoscored