Arsenal thundered on in the first round of the Champions League. With several of the expected goalscorers out injured, Martin Ødegaard – and five other players – took responsibility for hammering away at the goal for PSV to a 1-7 victory. Nothing this evening indicated that the London club has a scoring problem, but “everyone” knows that Arsenal must and should have a pure striker who delivers 20-30 goals every season.
This has been the message from London for the past two seasons, but without success. In January, the club slammed a bid on the table of around £60 million for Ollie Watkins, but Aston Villa were not distracted. In February, it was reported that Arsenal will go wild in the summer transfer window.
When it comes to listing the sharpest strikers in the five biggest leagues, you can’t get away from a 27-year-old Argentine. Not too many seasons ago, Lautaro Martinez was on his way to the Premier League, but Inter Milan and the Argentine international agreed to continue together.
At the beginning of February, the BBC reported Benjamim Sesko is still the first choice as the new No. 9, but Arsenal are said to be willing – hold on tight – to make a €120 million bid for Lautaro Martinez.
In Wednesday’s Champions League match for Inter Milan, Martinez was again the last man on the ball before scoring. This was the Argentine’s 146th goal and 49th assist in an Inter shirt. For Arsenal also the perfect striker and leader at the top of the attack.
After the game, a statement was made that probably puts a line under a Lautaro push this summer, as the 27-year-old has absolutely no plans to leave Inter Milan.
“I love this club and feel good every day. I signed a contract extension this summer, even though I had many other offers. I would like to stay at the club for the rest of my career. I’m happy and proud to wear the Inter shirt,” Lautaro told Sky Sports.
Sorry, Arsenal.
