Arsenal made late move to sign Inter Milan striker
September 4, 2026 01:26
EyeFootball, citing a Daily Mail report, says Arsenal made a late attempt to sign Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez before the transfer window closed. The report states assistant coach Gabriel Heinze reportedly contacted Martinez directly, but Inter rejected any approach and told Arsenal their captain would not be sold ahead of the deadline.
As a result, Arsenal finished the summer window without a marquee forward signing, having added only Christos Tzolis to their attacking options.
KEY CONTEXT
- Arsenal had been pursuing a high-profile attacking addition during the window and considered several options.
- Morgan Rogers was an early target but completed a move to Chelsea.
- Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr was later identified as a possibility, though the report says Arsenal were unable to persuade him to leave Real Madrid.
- Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez was also considered, but the report indicates he only wanted a move to Barcelona.
- The summer window closed on September 1, 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
If the Daily Mail account is accurate, Arsenal’s late effort to sign Martinez illustrates the club’s intent to secure a top forward before the deadline. Inter’s refusal and the failure to land other targets left Arsenal without a high-profile attacking recruit in this window, which shapes their immediate transfer options and squad makeup for the start of the season.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The report covers activity up to the September 1 deadline; it does not address any longer-term plans.
- Future windows or different approaches would determine whether Arsenal pursue another marquee forward or rely on the additions already made.
KEY FACTS
- EyeFootball reports, citing The Daily Mail, that Arsenal made a late approach for Lautaro Martinez.
- Assistant coach Gabriel Heinze is said to have contacted Martinez personally.
- Inter reportedly told Arsenal their captain would not be sold before the deadline.
- Arsenal signed Christos Tzolis this summer and otherwise left the window without a marquee forward signing.
- The summer transfer window closed on September 1, 2026.