Arsenal ‘in background’ for Lautaro Martinez transfer as Martin Odegaard latest emerges

Arsenal sign Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Arsenal are ‘in the background’ when it comes to potentially signing Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan, it has been claimed. Tottenham are keen on the Argentina international but Mikel Arteta is still hopeful he can bring the striker to the Emirates Stadium. And the latest regarding Martin Odegaard’s future has also come to light.

Arsenal want to sign a new striker this summer.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette on the wane, and Tammy Abraham looking poised to swap Chelsea for Roma instead, the Gunners are now eyeing a deal for Martinez.

The Inter Milan star is a coveted man, however, with Tottenham also in the mix when it comes to snapping up the 23-year-old.

And journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking on The Football Terrace podcast, has claimed Arsenal are currently ‘in the background’ when it comes to landing the Inter star.

“This one’s going to rumble on I think. We have Arsenal in the background, who were initially leading the race for Lautaro Martinez,” he said.

“But Tottenham have now jumped ahead of them and are trying to beat their rivals to Martinez’s signature.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

“And I think the ball is in Inter’s court right now.

“But if a big offer came, they’d find it pretty difficult to turn down.”

Martinez isn’t the only player on Arsenal’s radar as they look for an improved Premier League campaign next time out, having finished eighth last term.

They also remain keen on landing Odegaard, even if James Maddison is currently their priority.

The Norway international impressed at Arsenal after joining on loan from Real Madrid in January, catching the eye of Arteta in the process.

And O’Rourke thinks they’ll be able to tempt Los Blancos into selling up if they put a ‘decent’ bid in.

DON’T MISS

Man Utd set Kane price by Tottenham chief Levy ‘convinced’

Barcelona’s strong XI with Ronaldo and two other signings

Arsenal’s amazing squad if Edu seals six more deals

“If they were to put a decent fee to Real Madrid I think they’d consider it,” he said.

“But yeah, Real Madrid, they’ll have to make a decision on Martin Odegaard one way or another. Is he going to be in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this season?

“If not, I’m guessing the player himself will be thinking ‘I need to move out’. And his top priority is to go back to Arsenal, where he did enjoy a good time there during the second half of last season.

“He did OK. I don’t think he was as good as some people think, he had some good performances but I don’t think he was outstanding.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester City star Danny Mills feels Arsenal are onto a winner with the signing of Ben White from Brighton.

The England international has moved to the club for £50million, making him one of the costliest signings in the club’s history.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

But Mills thinks White will be worth the fee.

Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-a-side Bet on Man United v Leeds, he said: “Ben White is a fantastic player; he’s very good on the ball and he’s clearly got a bright future ahead of him.

“If I’m being honest, I was a little surprised that a better club than Arsenal didn’t come in for him, and just give him something to think about.

“Yes, Arsenal are a big club, but they’re not winning the Premier League any time soon. First and foremost for them it’s about getting back into the top six, then the top four before they can start thinking about mixing it with Man City and Chelsea in a title race.

“For Arsenal it’s a great signing; I’m just surprised other clubs didn’t come in for him.

“I’m expecting another difficult season for Arsenal. It goes without saying that on their day they can be great, but consistency has been their biggest problem for so long now.

“And when you look at the teams finishing above them last season, it’s going to be very, very difficult for Arsenal to break into that top six.

“Arsenal still need to figure out exactly what sort of a team they are and how they’re going to play. It’s almost like they still haven’t sussed that out yet, and Mikel Arteta is still trying to work out how he wants to play.

“Maybe with a more settled defence this time out, and that added solidity in the middle of the park, maybe this is the year they get it right.

“You need a core of maybe eight players that are going to be starting week-in, week-out. Defensively you need consistency, because that’s where you build relationships, consistency and an understanding.

“Your holding midfielder is very important, as is your centre-forward. Then around that core group of players, you can start changing things from time to time.

“Arsenal did not have that last season, and that was down to chopping and changing the personnel, the formation and tweaking the style of play, and it makes things very difficult.”

Source: Read Full Article