Arsenal’s late chase for Serie A star Lautaro Martinez stalls

Arsenal have made a late summer approach for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, the 242‑goal Serie A striker, after their search for a new forward intensified. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the club reached out, but Martinez still has three years left on his contract at the Italian side.

Summer arrivals and permanent deals

The Gunners have already bolstered the squad, completing a statement deal for Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and adding defender Ezri Konsa, forward Christos Tzolis and goalkeeper Illan Meslier. In addition, Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent for €40 million (£34 million).

Supporters expressed disappointment after Arsenal failed to secure an elite striker. Sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw the sales of wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, while Gabriel Jesus departed for Barcelona for €10 million (£8.5 million). The club also missed out on Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers and deemed Bradley Barcola too costly.

Shift to Martinez and Arsenal’s striker need

Berta had initially targeted Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but the 26‑year‑old insisted on a move to Barcelona and Atletico vowed to retain him. reported Arsenal learned the chase was over last weekend when Atletico refused to sell.

With the Alvarez option closed, Arsenal turned to Martinez. Assistant manager Gabriel Heinze contacted the Inter forward early last week, but Inter Milan rejected any proposal, citing Martinez’s three‑year contract remaining.

Arsenal’s urgency stems from the need to supplement the likes of Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard after Gabriel Jesus’s exit, ensuring a proven goal‑scorer joins the attacking line‑up.

Martinez, who has expressed a desire to retire at Inter, told reporters in May he could not imagine playing elsewhere. When asked about Barcelona’s interest, he said the rumours were true but affirmed his commitment to the club, its fans and his family in the city.

Consequently, the Gunners remain without a marquee striker, while Martinez appears set to stay at Inter for the foreseeable future, leaving both parties to reassess their summer strategies.