Inter Milan tempted by "astronomical" Arsenal bid for £265k-per-week star

Serie A frontrunners Inter Milan are on course to clinch their second Scudetto in a row under Simone Inzaghi, but they face the prospect of losing key players this summer and could be tempted by an ambitious Arsenal bid.

Andrea Berta shortlists Arsenal attacking targets

Andrea Berta officially touched down in north London earlier this month to commence his role as Arsenal’s new sporting director, taking the mantle from previous transfer chief Edu Gaspar, and he’s been tipped for a busy first window at the club.

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Andrea Berta is moving with intent ahead of the summer.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta anticipates a “big” summer for the Gunners, as he admitted in a press conference last week, even if most of the attention is on putting Real Madrid away in the second leg of their blockbuster Champions League tie.

Amid their potentially fruitful campaign in Europe, one eye remains firmly on Berta’s transfer plans as the Italian reportedly gets to work on strengthening the squad before next season.

Berta has personally held talks with the representatives of Nico Williams, according to reliable media sources, while it is believed the 53-year-old is very much plotting to bring in a prolific new striker.

In the last two weeks, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has become more of a top target for Arsenal, while links continue to surround RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko as well.

Both Gyokeres and Sesko are seen as more viable alternatives to Arteta’s “dream” target, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, who appears set to be priced out of the market with a valuation of around £150 million.

As we approach Berta’s debut window at N5, we also cannot rule out more left-field options emerging, and one of them is now reported to be Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.

Inter could be tempted by “astronomical” Arsenal bid for Lautaro Martinez

The £265,000-per-week striker has yet again spearheaded Inzaghi’s title charge, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, but his contract runs until 2029, so Inter would be able to demand an extortionate fee for their pivotal star.

This, coupled with his sky-high salary, makes this potential swoop look almost like a non-starter.

However, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are prepared to make an “astronomical” offer for Martinez, worth in the region of £129 million.

Even though Inter consider the 27-year-old “untouchable”, it is believed Inter could be tempted by Arsenal’s mega-money bid for Martinez, as it is a figure which can “hardly be ignored”.

The Argentina international is not only a prolific goalscorer, but also a real leader, with Inter legend Beppe Bergomi calling him a “true captain”.

“He is more than a top goalscorer, Lautaro is a true captain,” said Bergomi.

“He has a strong sense of belonging and even when he didn’t score for eight games he had a different facial expression than in the past. This is a sign of strong maturity. Then the goals, with time, always arrive.”