What Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has said about his future amid fresh Arsenal transfer links

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez ahead of this summer.

Martinez has regularly been linked with the Gunners over recent years, but until now, he has stuck with Inter.

The Argentine has often been coveted by some of Europe’s best clubs, and he has admitted as much himself.

But he has resisted an exit, and even signed a new contract last year to pledge his future to the club long-term.

His current deal has him tied down until 2026, but The Times say Arsenal have renewed interest, feeling their Champions League prospects could give them an edge.

Though, Inter will also be in the Champions League next season, currently second in Serie A and still in with a chance of catching leaders AC Milan, who are two points ahead.

And reading into Martinez’s comments from this time last year, it seems the striker is far from pushing for an exit from San Siro.

“Barcelona? Yes, it is true, it was a concrete possibility,” the Argentine said in an interview with El Libero last May.

“But we ended the season late, and there were also the COVID problems so I decided to stay. I’m telling you, thankfully! It was the right decision!

“Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund wanted me, but one day I spoke with Ausilio, Zanetti and Milito.

“I understood that Milano was the perfect solution for me, the right city in the right moment. And I didn’t make a mistake, I liked everything from the first day, the club, the fans.”

Since then, Antonio Conte has left the club to join Tottenham, but Martinez, in the same interview, made it clear that his future did not depend on the Italian.

He added; “Conte? I like him but even if he leaves, I’m an Inter player and I will continue to work for Inter.

“It is clear to me the moment we’re living, we will talk to the club and find a solution. We will have to understand all together.

“It is not true that we are angry about the salaries, we are very relaxed, we are concentrated on the pitch.”

Since then, Inter have also given Martinez an improved contract, and he has gone on to score 21 goals so far this season.