Arsenal made approach to sign £73m striker instead of Julian Alvarez before deadline day

Arsenal considered a move for Lautaro Martinez in the closing stages of the summer transfer window (Shutterstock)

Arsenal made an attempt to sign Inter striker Lautaro Martinez in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta had made Julian Alvarez one of his top attacking targets for the window but Atletico Madrid were refusing to sell, while the 26-year-old made it clear to Arsenal that his preference is to join Barcelona.

Arsenal had explored alternative options to strengthen Arteta’s attack, including Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, but ultimately ended the window without a late deal.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal’s assistant manager Gabriel Heinze reached out to Martinez last week to discuss a potential move to the Premier League.

However, Inter categorically ruled out the prospect of Martinez leaving the club this summer.

Inter remain in a strong negotiating position as the Argentina international, who is valued at €85 million (£73m), still has three years remaining on his contract with the Serie A champions.

Gabriel Heinze is said to have spoken to Lautaro Martinez about a move to Arsenal (AMA/Getty)

Last season, Martinez scored 22 goals in 41 appearances for Inter.

Speaking in May, the 29-year-old made it clear that he is happy to remain at Inter for the remainder of his career.

‘No doubt I would like to retire at this club,’ Martinez said.

‘It’s hard for me to imagine myself anywhere else these days. You never know in football but if they don’t kick me out, I’m staying here.’

Martinez had also attracted interest from Barcelona in the summer before the Spanish champions ended up signing Gabriel Jesus in a £12.8m deal from Arsenal.