Despite signing a new contract with Inter Milan, Lautaro Martinez could reportedly still leave this summer amid interest from Arsenal.

 

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez celebrates a goal against Brazil during a South American Championship U-20 football match at the Olimpico Atahualpa stadium in Quito, Ecuador on February 8, 2017. Picture: RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/Getty Images
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates a goal against Brazil during a South American Championship U-20 football match at the Olimpico Atahualpa stadium in Quito, Ecuador on February 8, 2017. Picture: RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/Getty Images

Calciomercato report that Lautaro Martinez could leave Inter Milan in June. The player’s contract doesn’t expire until 2026, but he’s on the radar for the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Over the summer, Arsenal were one of the teams repeatedly linked with Martinez, before one report suggested Tottenham Hotspur had even agreed a fee to sign him from Inter.

Things started to die down after that. The player’s agent told the media his client was happy at Inter, despite confirming bids from other clubs.

Romelu Lukaku’s sale to Chelsea also helped ensure that Inter weren’t in dire financial need anymore.

In September, reports suggested Martinez was ready to sign a new five-year deal with Inter, seemingly putting an end to the exit rumours.

A month later, Martinez finally signed that new contract, lasting until 2026.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez celebrates a goal against Brazil during a South American Championship U-20 football match at the Olimpico Atahualpa stadium in Quito, Ecuador on February 8, 2017. Picture: RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/Getty Images
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates a goal against Brazil during a South American Championship U-20 football match at the Olimpico Atahualpa stadium in Quito, Ecuador on February 8, 2017. Picture: RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/Getty Images

Yet those rumours are returning now. Martinez is having a good season, scoring 11 goals and assisting two in 22 Serie A matches (17 starts). Though he only has one goal in his nine appearances in other competitions.

Arsenal’s need for a striker has only increased with the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the fact Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah seem to be leaving this summer.

24-year-old Martinez also fits the age profile, so the Gunners could well make a move this summer. For now, there’s little concrete evidence that will happen, just speculation.