Arsenal could form a “mouthwatering” strike partnership with Lautaro Martinez and Gabriel Jesus if they could secure the signing of the former.
Arsenal transfer target Lautaro Martinez could form a “mouthwatering” strike partnership with Gabriel Jesus at the Emirates Stadium, journalist Paul Brown has suggested to GiveMeSport.
Mikel Arteta could strengthen his attacking options during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal transfer news – Lautaro Martinez
According to Football Insider, Arsenal have reignited their interest in Inter Milan star Martinez ahead of what could potentially be a busy summer transfer window for the Gunners.
The same publication says that the Serie A club’s current financial situation could force a sale of the 25-year-old for a fee between £70m and £80m, whilst the north London outfit are looking for more cover in that centre-forward role alongside Jesus and current back-up Eddie Nketiah.
However, respected journalist Pete O’Rourke has recently suggested to GiveMeSport that Manchester United could also be interested in Martinez’s services, hinting that Edu and Arteta are unlikely to get a free run at the striker.
But Brown believes that Arsenal could potentially adapt to playing a system with two strikers to accommodate both Martinez and Jesus, should they secure the former’s signing this summer.
What has Brown said about Martinez and Jesus?
Brown told GiveMeSport: “The thought of Lautaro Martinez and Gabriel Jesus playing together is kind of mouthwatering, I must say.
“I don’t think that Arsenal have too often played with two out-and-out strikers under Arteta. They certainly could do that if they were to sign Martinez.
“Jesus is also versatile enough to switch into another position if needed and has played a bit wider for them.”
Would Martinez be a good signing for Arsenal?
Martinez would be an exceptional signing for Arsenal if he could transfer his form in Italy to the Premier League after impressing Serie A audiences for several years.
The 46-cap Argentina international has hit the back of the net 16 times whilst providing seven assists in 34 appearances this season, suggesting that he has been a reliable presence in front of goal for the Milan giants.
Following this, it comes as no surprise that Martinez has achieved an average WhoScored rating of 7.24 for his displays in Serie A over the current campaign, ranking as the squad’s best-performing player, indicating how important he is to the San Siro outfit.
The 5 foot 9 star also compares favourably to his positional peers, ranking in the top 5% of forwards across Europe’s big five leagues as well as the Champions League and Europa League for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.68) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.
It seems unlikely that Arteta would be willing to drop a fit Jesus – who reportedly earns £265,000 per week – and therefore we could see the Spaniard turn to an unfamiliar system involving two centre-forwards if Martinez signs for the Emirates Stadium outfit this summer.
