Arsenal target sets deadline for future decision as £94m star edges closer to agreement…

Arsenal target has established a deadline to make a decision about his future, while the £94m star is reportedly edging closer to reaching an agreement.

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker continues as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his squad for the upcoming season.

Lautaro Martinez, a highly sought-after player, has expressed his desire to have his future resolved before Argentina’s first Copa America match on June 21.

While Arsenal has shown interest in Martinez, the chances of a potential transfer may diminish as the player suggests that he is nearing a new contract agreement with Inter Milan.

Martinez has been an incredibly consistent goalscorer for Inter, particularly this season where he scored an impressive 24 goals in 33 Serie A appearances.

As his current contract with Inter has only two years remaining, other top clubs have been monitoring the situation closely, anticipating a possible opportunity to secure his services.

With a market value of £94 million according to Transfermarkt, only a few clubs in the world would have the financial means to acquire the talented Argentine player. Recent statements from Martinez indicate that he may soon become untouchable, as contract negotiations with Inter are progressing positively.

“We are making good progress, although there are still a few details to iron out,” Martinez revealed to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I mentioned ‘this week’ because the season is coming to an end, and I want to finalize everything before the Copa America.”

Argentina’s Copa America journey begins on June 21, as they face Canada in the group stage. Prior to the tournament, they have friendly matches scheduled against Ecuador and Guatemala.

Therefore, Inter has a little over three weeks to secure Martinez’s future. While this news may disappoint Arsenal, knowing that a new contract could be announced early in the summer would allow them to refine their list of attacking targets without encountering any dead ends.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is reportedly in search of a new striker to challenge Kai Havertz in leading the team’s attack. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah faced difficulties in making an impact in north London this season.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is rumored to be Arteta’s desired acquisition. However, the Magpies are expected to resist parting ways with the Swede, who ranked third in the 2023/24 Premier League scoring standings behind Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer.

Should Isak prove unattainable, Arsenal may turn their attention to promising talents like Ajax’s Brian Brobbey or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko – both of whom have been closely monitored by the Premier League runners-up.