Arsenal’s hopes of signing Lautaro Martinez this summer could be all but over after reports in Italy suggest the striker is on the verge of extended his stay at the San Siro.
The 23-year-old is thought to be close to agreeing a new deal with Inter that will keep him at the Serie A club for the next five years.
Sky Sports Italia, according to The Sun, claim the Argentine has undergone ‘positive’ talks with Nerazzurri officials which would be a huge blow to clubs reportedly keen on signing him this summer.
Spurs has agreed a £60million deal while the Gunners had a contract prepared to hand to Martinez ahead of a similar bid.
Martinez joined Inter in a £19.4million transfer in July 2018 and still has five-years left on his existing deal, where he is thought to be pocketing £2million per season.
However, Inter are now preparing to offer Martinez, who netted 17 goals and created 10 in 38 appearances last season, double what he earns.
Arsenal will now have to look elsewhere if they are to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes.
