Arsenal’s deadline-day Lautaro Martinez bid turned down by Inter

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·3 September 2026

Arsenal’s deadline-day Lautaro Martinez bid turned down by Inter

Arsenal explored a late move for Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez as they searched for another attacking option before the transfer window closed, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims Arsenal assistant manager Gabriel Heinze contacted the 29-year-old Argentina international early last week to sound out the possibility of a move. However, Inter were unwilling to entertain a deal for their captain, who still has three years remaining on his contract.

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The approach underlines Arsenal’s determination to add another forward despite their difficulties in landing their preferred targets. The Gunners had pursued Chelsea-bound Morgan Rogers and explored moves for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but none of those deals materialised.

Arsenal made late Lautaro Martinez approach before Inter rejection

Arsenal also considered Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, although they ultimately decided against making an offer for the player who subsequently joined Liverpool for a reported £123 million.

The club’s need for attacking reinforcements became more pressing with Gabriel Jesus moving to Barcelona and Gabriel Martinelli heading towards a move to Al-Hilal, while Leandro Trossard also departed for Besiktas. Christos Tzolis was the only attacking addition.

The Daily Mail says Arsenal’s interest in Martinez was therefore part of a wider effort to find another forward rather than a move that reached an advanced stage. Inter’s refusal meant the Argentina striker remained in Milan.

Arsenal ultimately strengthened elsewhere, with the club bringing in Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa among their major additions, while also making a series of departures.