Arsenal signing Lautaro Martinez could have transfer domino effect that impacts Chelsea
The two Inter Milan forwards enjoyed an extremely productive season together to help guide the Nerazzurri to Serie A glory
JoriPress
Arsenal signing Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez could deal London rivals Chelsea a serious blow in their pursuit of a world-class striker.
The Gunners have been linked to the Argentine frontman in recent days, with the Athletic reporting that Arsenal had previously thought that a deal would be unrealistic but given Inter's interest in right-back Hector Bellerin they have now enquired about the striker's availability.
Furthermore, the interest is not thought to be one way, with Martinez reportedly open to a move to the Emirates Stadium if the Nerazzurri want to move him on this summer.
Any deal to sign the 23-year-old will likely hinge on the future of French striker Alexandre Lacazette, who only has 12 months remaining on his current contract with the Gunners.
If they are able to offload the 30-year-old before the transfer window slams shut on August 31, then perhaps chief executive Edu could make a serious move to bring Martinez to the club.
However, if the former Racing star was to leave the San Siro this summer then it would surely deal Chelsea a blow in their pursuit of Martinez's teammate Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues are desperate to sign a world-class striker as they attempt to bridge the gap between them and last season's Premier League champions Manchester City, with Norwegian international Erling Haaland and the aforementioned Lukaku reportedly at the top of owner Roman Abramovich's shortlist.
Still, a move for Haaland looks unlikely and Inter are unlikely to sell both their star strikers in the same summer, meaning that if Arsenal do capture Martinez then Lukaku is likely to stay put with the Italian giants for at least another season.
The prolific duo notched an impressive 58 goals and assists between them in last season's Serie A campaign, helping guide Inter to their first Scudetto in ten years.
