Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has dealt interested parties a blow by claiming that he wants to remain at Inter Milan this summer.
The Athletic have reported that ‘Arteta and Edu remain fans of the 37-cap, 19-goal Argentina international’, while Tottenham under Antonio Conte, who worked with Martinez at Inter, are also thought to be interested.
However, speaking after the Finalissima, where he grabbed a goal and an assist in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Italy at Wembley, it seems as though interested parties will have to look elsewhere for a forward option.
‘My plan is clear: I really want to stay at Inter next season’, Martinez revealed.
‘I’ve not received communications from the club as of today, I want to continue at Inter next season’, he added.
Lautaro Martinez on his future after Chelsea and Spurs links: “My plan is clear: I really want to stay at Inter next season”. 🇦🇷 #transfers
“I’ve not received communications from the club as of today, I want to continue at Inter next season”. pic.twitter.com/WWPiWiUgLl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 2, 2022
Martinez going nowhere
Martinez was generating plenty of interest last summer too, but signed a new contract at Inter that keeps him at the club until 2026, meaning that any transfer fee is likely to be more than it was 12 months ago.
However, judging by the comments made by the 24-year-old, he is not planning on going anywhere this summer.
Inter could force him out should they need to raise funds, but he certainly won’t be angling for a move away and, having seen how that worked with Romelu Lukaku 12 months ago, clubs could think twice about making a move.
Spurs could well turn to Richarlison, who they have been credited with an interest in, while Arsenal are thought to be considering up to five strikers, including Tammy Abraham and Gabriel Jesus.