Arsenal made a late approach to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan as they desperately sought to add a striker in the final days of the transfer window. The Gunners were in the market for more firepower but, throughout the summer, missed out on Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Jnr and Julian Alvarez. They remained keen on the Argentine up until deadline day, but he had little desire to move to the Emirates.
Heinze reaches out to compatriot
As Mikel Arteta tried to land a striker, he eventually turned to the Italian champions and, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal’s assistant manager Gabriel Heinze reached out to compatriot Martinez last week to discuss whether a move to north London would be feasible.
Inter Milan refused to sell their forward, who remains their leading light, which all but ended any hopes of signing him. Martinez is valued at €85million (£73m) and still has three years remaining on his contract with the Serie A giants.
Martinez's record and Barcelona interest
Last season Martinez scored 22 goals in 41 appearances for Inter and across the course of his career at the San Siro has found the net 175 times - putting him third on the club's all-time scoring list.
Martinez was also the subject of interest from Barcelona once it became clear Atletico wouldn't consider selling Alvarez to them. The player has confirmed that the opportunity to move to the Nou Camp emerged, but back in May expressed a desire to play out his career at Inter.
He said: "No doubt I would like to retire at this club. It’s hard for me to imagine myself anywhere else these days. You never know in football but if they don’t kick me out, I’m staying here."
Arsenal's current attacking options
Arsenal have begun the season by playing Kai Havertz as the central point of their attack. The German spent long periods out injured last season but has reprised his role, which has left Viktor Gyokeres, a natural No 9, sitting on the bench as the Swede struggles for minutes.
Arteta was prepared to let Gabriel Jesus leave for Barcelona on deadline day with the Brazilian clearly surplus to requirements. Despite winning both their games to begin the season, plenty have suggested that the lack of a world class striker remains the biggest hole in their squad.
