Exclusive: Arsenal open preliminary Lautaro Martinez talks – Berta is a ‘huge fan’
Arsenal have turned their attention to signing Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez with incoming sporting director Andrea Berta a huge fan of the forward, sources have told Football Insider.
Berta, who is expected to be named as Arsenal’s new sporting director, is a big admirer of Martinez, 27, having previously tried to sign him while he was in charge of recruitment at Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal are expected to open preliminary dialogue as they lay the groundwork for a mega-money summer deal.
The Gunners have long been searching for a marquee forward signing after struggling to get over the line in the Premier League title race in the last three years.
Arsenal prepare to open dialogue over Martinez deal
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, who are both out for the season through injury, have led the line for Mikel Arteta’s side but the club’s supporters have demanded an upgrade.
Martinez has been with Inter since 2018 having signed for the Milan giants from Argentine side Racing Club.
| Appearances | 319 |
| Minutes Played | 22263 |
| Goals | 146 |
| Assists | 49 |
| Club Honours | 2x Serie A 2x Italian Cup 3x Italian Super Cup |
He has hit 17 goals and notched six assists in 37 games across all competitions this season.
The 70-cap international, who is under contract at Inter until June 2029, won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Martinez has scored 146 total goals with Inter and has won two Serie A titles.
Trossard could make way at Arsenal
Berta will have to deal with expiring contracts at Arsenal – including Leandro Trossard, who will have 12 months left on his contract in June.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 March) that Arsenal star Trossard will be a viable target for Saudi Pro League clubs in the summer.
Al-Ittihad submitted a bid of around £30million in September 2024, after the close of the English transfer window.
But Trossard still ticks a lot of boxes for clubs in Saudi Arabia, with clubs keen to land more marquee signings from Europe.
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