Arsenal target Lautaro 'not for sale' say Inter
Cameron Smith
- 8 May 2022 20:20 BST
- 3 min read
Inter Milan have dealt Arsenal a huge blow in their pursuit of Lautaro Martinez by insisting the forward is not for sale.
Lautaro has been Inter's main man this season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions as the Nerazurri seek a second consecutive Serie A title.
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Following the sales of Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, as well as the departure of Antonio Conte, last summer many expected Inter to fall away from a title challenge, but they are locked in an intense duel with city rivals AC Milan for the Scudetto.
While Lukaku, his strike partner last season, sought an exit from club in order to return to Chelsea, Inter are adamant the same situation won't occur with Lautaro.
Will Lautaro join Arsenal?
Arsenal remain interested in the Argentina international, with Mikel Arteta currently without a senior centre-forward next season thanks to the contracts of both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette expiring this summer.
Lautaro is one of many names reportedly on Arsenal's wishlist, alongside the likes of Alexander Isak and fellow Serie A star Tammy Abraham.
However, Inter remain confident that Lautaro will still be at San Siro when next season rolls around.
Gazetta dello Sport have reported that within the club there is an understanding that "Lautaro is not Lukaku," and hence will not force a move this summer.
The 24-year-old does have suitors on the continent, but Inter want to keep him, and he won't act out in order to ensure he moves elsewhere. The report from Gazzetta dello Sport also detail that: "Inter have no intention of selling."
The club want the Argentine forward to lead their side and provide its future with a striker capable of winning titles. As a result, Inter reportedly won't even consider selling Lautaro the summer as they prepare to have him included in next season's squad.
"The voices are always there, but I'm happy here," Lautaro has been quoted saying by Gazzetta dello Sport, and although there are concerns he may still seek a new adventure, it appears as though Inter aren't willing to let their star forward leave this summer.
