Arsenal launch audacious Lautaro Martinez transfer move

Lautaro Martinez is Never Joining Arsenal – But it Would be Nice

The situation surrounding Martinez is that he has two years left to run on his contract, which is the classic transfer market grey zone. Either you sell while the iron is hot or you get the player tied down to a new deal. Doing nothing in this instance is the worst outcome.

Inter unsurprisingly would prefer him to sign a new deal at San Siro as Simeone Inzaghi aims to defend the Serie A title his predecessor, Antonio Conte, helped secure.

In terms of age, Martinez is 23 years old which fits perfectly into the spectrum Arsenal are aiming for. In terms of ability, he’s also pretty darn talented.

17 goals in ten assists in 38 Serie A games last season were a key component in Inter’s surge to Italian superiority, where the Argentinian has formed a deadly strike partnership with Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian’s powerful runs complement the dynamic with Martinez, who likes to drop off in between the lines and use creative instinct to feed runners beyond. In and around the box he has a devastating array of shooting techniques, constantly changing his style aided by solid two-footedness.

His defensive output in the final third is also superb, courtesy of a superb work-rate and engine. He’s 98th percentile for interceptions and 82nd for pressures compared to forwards across Europe, while he also scores in the 90’s for blocked passes and shots.

Standing at only 5’9″, Martinez is nonetheless strong like a bull and wins a high number of duels and tackles. He uses that strength to dribble aggressively, and his low centre of gravity allows him to duck, dive and change direction at the drop of a hat.

Throw in him being a proven goalscorer and you’ve got yourself an excellent striker. One who will not be playing at Arsenal next season.

Said ‘inquiry’ will have been one of numerous that Edu has made over the course of the window, only that this one has come to light. How long lists of targets are remains a mystery to those outside of the internal meetings. Letting yourself be heard, as it were, is part of the game.

For Arteta and Edu, two people without much experience in their fields, they’re getting a grasp of what Arsenal means to those outside of the club: is Arsenal what Arsenal used to be? Etc.

Whether this ploy is worthwhile or not might never be known, since its ramifications may only ever be disclosed within a close circle.

Beyond actually convincing the player, even if Inter are looking to raise funds, they’ll want a premium. So, as far as Martinez goes, he’s just another name on a list.