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Journalist says Arsenal are plotting a part-exchange deal for £77m striker who’s ‘like Falcao’

Radamel Falcao of Colombia celebrates after scoring the equalizer during a match between Colombia and Brazil as part of FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifi...
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Lautaro Martinez
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Speaking on The Done Deal Show, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Arsenal may do a part-exchange deal for Lautaro Martinez that sees Hector Bellerin head to Inter.

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Martinez this summer, and it seems as though they may soon firm up that interest.

Crucially, Arsenal have a player that Inter have been linked with this summer in the shape of Hector Bellerin, and the Gunners believe they could tempt Inter into selling Martinez by offering Bellerin as a part of a deal.

What’s been said?

O’Rourke gave an update on Arsenal’s interest in Martinez.

“There is interest from Arsenal in Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, a very talented striker, he’s been linked to Chelsea and Manchester City in the past, but now Arsenal have come to the fore,” O’Rourke said.

“His price tag is pretty steep, you’re probably looking at around £77m for the South American, but that hasn’t deterred Arsenal so far, they think the ace up their sleeve to do this deal could be Hector Bellerin, who is surplus to requirements this summer. Inter’s Chief Executive confirmed earlier this month that Belleirn is on their list of targets, they want a new right-back to replace Hakimi, and if Inter are serious about Bellerin, Arsenal hope that if they offer Bellerin plus cash they could do this Lautaro Martinez deal.”

The journalist then explained what type of player Martinez is.

“He’s got all of the attributes to be a success in the Premier League, he’s strong, he’s a physical striker and he knows where the back of the net is. Martinez would be a great addition to the Premier League, he’s ready-made for the Premier League he’s a typical South American striker, like Falcao in his prime before he came to the Premier League.”

Lautaro Martinez Tottenham
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images

Exciting

It sounds as though Arsenal could be getting a real gem with Martinez.

Of course, there’s a long way to go before we start talking about the possibility of him actually joining Arsenal, but a swap deal with Bellerin would seemingly work for all parties.

Inter need a right-back after Hakimi left and Arsenal want a new quality striker. To us, it looks as though this is a perfect storm.

Fingers crossed the London club can get this one over the line.

Lautaro Martinez
Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images