Arsenal have been linked with an audacious double swoop for Inter Milan‘s Lautaro Martinez and AC Milan‘s Rafael Leao.
Even though they enjoyed a memorable 3-0 win over reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid this evening, much has been made of Arsenal’s current attacking options, and that debate has only intensified following serious injuries to the majority of Mikel Arteta‘s front line.
Bukayo Saka has missed a huge chunk of the campaign, and even though he has since returned, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will not play again this season.
That has forced Arteta into starting Mikel Merino as a striker frequently over the past few weeks, while also needing to use a player who he is evidently not overly keen on in Raheem Sterling.
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Arsenal ‘leading the race’ for Inter skipper
It is therefore no surprise that the rumour mill is spinning in regards to the Gunners adding to their attack this summer, but if reports are to be believed, they could be in for a very busy window.
Fichajes claim that Arsenal are leading the race for Inter Milan captain Martinez, who shone in tonight’s other Champions League quarter-final, scoring the opening goal away to Bayern Munich in a 2-1 win.
The report states that Martinez is focused on achieving great things with Inter this season, as a treble remains on the cards, but a huge offer from Arsenal could see him depart in the summer.
A mammoth offer of €150m (£128m) is what is quoted as being required to lure Martinez away from the Nerazzurri, but Arsenal are no strangers to a nine-figure fee, as they splashed that out for the hero of their Real Madrid success, Declan Rice.
Leao to link up with Milanese rival?
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Arsenal could also cast their eyes to the red and black half of Milan too, with Leao believed to be on their shortlist this summer.
With Sterling set to return to Chelsea following his loan spell, and Arsenal lacking world-class quality on the left-wing, Leao’s addition could make for a fearsome front three next season.
Graeme Bailey claims that Leao could be seen as an alternative to Nico Williams, who is a player that could be more difficult to acquire over the summer.
Milan’s struggles this season makes Leao’s potential exit even more likely, for a player that has been on the cusp of departing many times since breaking out at San Siro for the Rossoneri.
The Portuguese international has contributed to 19 goals across all competitions for Milan this season, but the general consensus is that he could improve even further in a stronger team competing for the biggest honours, and if he can add more consistency to his game.
It remains to be seen whether Arteta will be granted such a generous warchest over the summer, but with what looks set to be third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League, the Arsenal hierarchy could be keen to do whatever it takes to get over the line.
