It has been a strange summer for Inter Milan, who have lost title winning manager, Antonio Conte. Financial issues were the crux of the problem and that led to the departure of the Italian, who has since been replaced by Simone Inzaghi.
Inter Milan have made several player sales so far this summer, including Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain for €60m and Matteo Politano to Napoli for €19m.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lautaro Javier Martinez (@lautaromartinez)
A post shared by Lautaro Javier Martinez (@lautaromartinez)
In terms of major incoming transfers at the San Siro, Hakan Çalhanoğlu has joined from rivals AC Milan on a free transfer and Zinho Vanheusden has arrived from Standard Liège for a fee of €16m. However, the main transfer headlines have surrounded the strike partnership of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.
Lukaku has been scoring goals for fun in Serie A and impressed for Belgium in the European Championship. There have been rumours of a possible return to Chelsea in the Premier League for the Belgian but recent speculation has been surrounding the future of Martinez and an unlikely destination in London.
As Inter continue to adjust to a sustainable financial status, the Argentine striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Martinez has long been considered an option for Barcelona and it seemed highly likely he was going to link up with international teammate, Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou.
However, it is believed Barcelona’s interest in the striker has cooled, partly due to their own financial situation and the fact they have already signed Memphis Depay from Lyon on a free transfer.
Having been considered by Barcelona, it now seems strange to think Arsenal are the club most strongly linked with a move for Martinez. It is believed Arsenal and Inter Milan are in touch regarding a potential move for Hector Bellerin and during discussions for the right-back, the name of Martinez has entered talks.
However, there are additional factors that must be in place for a deal to be struck, including the sale of Alexandre Lacazette. It seems unlikely Inter Milan are going to want to take the French striker as part of the deal for Martinez, so Arsenal will have to find a buyer for the former Lyon man.
A move to the Emirates Stadium would see an increase in wages for Martinez, who has reportedly been struggling to sign a new and improved deal at Inter Milan. The Italian champions need to finish the transfer window having made a sizeable profit and the sale of Martinez will certainly help in that department.
In terms of the complexity of the deal, the fact Inter Milan need to raise funds in this transfer window, if Arsenal were to make a decent offer, there is a good chance it will be accepted.
The Premier League is fast becoming the most desirable option for players, especially as some of the major European clubs are struggling financially.
That could see clubs, such as Arsenal, pulling off surprise transfers and the addition of Martinez would certainly fall into that category.