Why Arsenal will end their transfer chase of Lautaro Martinez

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 6 Nov 2024 13:25 GMT
2 min read

Lautaro Martinez, Inter, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are unlikely to continue to pursue Lautaro Martinez as he does not fit their age range for new signings.

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That is according to Arsenal legend Alan Smith, who believes that the ship has probably sailed in terms of a potential move for Lautaro to the Emirates.

The Argentine star has been admired by Arsenal for many years and has long been on their shortlist of strikers to fill the well-publicised number nine hole in the team.

But at the age of 27, Lautaro is unlikely to be pursued in coming transfer windows.

What did Smith say?

“He is obviously a very good player who has been doing it at the top level for a long time.,” Smith told The Italian Football Podcast at an online event hosted by Instant Casino.

“Whether now if that ship has sailed in terms of him coming to Arsenal?

“I mean he is 27. He isn’t old, of course he is not old. The profile is recruiting slightly younger players, But he has got a lot of good years left in him.

“He is definitely one of those that other clubs would be interested in. Whether he is interested in coming to England is a different matter.”

Lautaro is now in his seventh season at Inter, scoring an impressive 135 goals and leading the club to two Scudetti.

The 2022 World Cup winner will be in action against Arsenal on Wednesday as Inter host the Gunners at San Siro in the Champions League.

Smith sees a close game in Milan, and believes Lautaro will have his hands full against Arsenal centre back pair William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

“It’s different formations. Inter will play a 3-5-2, which worked well against Manchester City. But with Inter being home, it will be a different kind of balance to the match.

“I see Arsenal being fairly cautious going to San Siro. Especially the way that they are feeling. Can they score a goal or two? And can they stop that strikeforce of Inter’s from scoring?

“I think they can. If Saliba and Gabriel are back at the top of their games, then the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Thuram will find it difficult against that pair.”