Arsenal urged to sign Serie A hitman Martinez
Ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has urged his former club to sign Inter Milan talisman Lautaro Martinez.
The Argentina striker has been excellent for the Nerazzurri since joining from Racing Club in 2018, scoring 70 goals in 177 appearances for the Serie A club.
The Gunners are in the market for a new No. 9 with Mikel Arteta’s only first-team options up front, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette, both out of contract at the end of the season.
They have been heavily linked with Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus as well as Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Arsenal reportedly tried to sign Martinez last summer, with Tottenham also trying to bring in the 24-year-old.
The striker opted to stay at Inter and signed a contract extension in October. Despite this, rumours about his future continue to circulate.
Lautaro Martinez has now scored 40 goals in 93 games across all competitions for Inter since the start of last season.
Speaking earlier this week, the player’s agent, Alejandro Camano, responded to rumours that his client will leave Inter this summer.
He said: “Sometimes the press talks about his possible transfer, but he only thinks of Inter.
“We’re not looking for a negotiation to take him elsewhere. He’s happy at Inter, the city is wonderful. He’s only focusing on Inter.”
Former Arsenal striker Campbell hopes that Martinez does move on, however, as he tips the Argentine to be “an exceptional signing” for the Gunners.
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“Martinez is a finisher, that is what he is. Arsenal do create a lot of chances,” he told Football Insider.
“Let’s be honest, Arsenal have played the season without a lethal striker. (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang went off the boil, Lacazette went off the boil and (Eddie) Nketiah isn’t the answer.
“They have been relying on (Bukayo) Saka, (Emile) Smith Rowe, (Martin) Odegaard and (Gabriel) Martinelli notching goals. They have been relying on the youngsters.
“We need a regular scorer at the top end of the pitch for next season. I think Martinez would be an exceptional signing. I think he’s mustard.”