Arsenal are reportedly ready to launch a record-breaking bid to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus currently leading the line, the Gunners have lacked a consistent, prolific No. 9 capable of spearheading a Premier League title push and delivering in Europe.
Mikel Arteta is now said to be prioritising a world-class goalscorer in the upcoming transfer window.
While names like Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, and Viktor Gyökeres have been linked, reports suggest Arsenal are prepared to go all-in for Martínez — tabling an eye-watering £128m (€150m) bid.
Inter Milan are keen to keep their captain, but such a massive offer could prove too tempting to refuse. Since joining from Racing Club in 2018, Martínez has become one of Serie A’s most lethal forwards.
According to transfer market, the 27-year-old registered 38 goal contributions in 2022/23, followed by 30 last season, and this campaign has already produced 19 goals and three assists in 41 appearances.
He was also part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, further underlining his pedigree on the biggest stage.
Martínez’s sharp finishing, positional awareness, and experience at the top level make him an attractive option for Arsenal. However, at 5ft 9in and not the most physically imposing, questions remain about how well he would adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality.
If Arsenal do proceed with their record-breaking bid, the move could be one of the most significant transfers of the summer — signalling their intent to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe.