Arsenal dealt double transfer blow over Maddison and Martinez

Arsenal target pair of attackers

In recent days, rumours of moves for both James Maddison and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez potentially joining Arsenal have sent social media into overdrive.

Arsenal have offered Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson in talks for James Maddison.

Eddie Nketiah has also been mentioned but Leicester’s preference as things stand would be a cash-only deal.https://t.co/lk7iLU9zJ5

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) August 4, 2021

Reliable Arsenal correspondent Chris Wheatley revealed that Arsenal had opened negotiations over Maddison, while The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Arsenal’s interest in Martinez.

In speaking with Inter Milan about Bellerin, Arsenal enquired on Lautaro Martinez. 23yo striker (contract 2023) is for sale & #AFC thought to have mentioned Lacazette, but #Inter need cash + hope it helps them keep Chelsea target Lukaku @TheAthleticUK #CFC https://t.co/ldSuW48a0f

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 31, 2021

Both would certainly be welcome incomings at The Emirates Stadium, with a first-team starter yet to make the move to north London this summer, despite suggestions of squad overhaul earlier in the window.

Gunners dealt double blow

However, the Gunners have been dealt a blow over each of their proposed targets this evening. Firstly, James Maddison was named in the Leicester City starting XI for their friendly against Villareal, suggesting that any potential deal remains tentative at best.

The #lcfc XI for our final pre-season game, sponsored by @FBS_news 🤩#LeiVil pic.twitter.com/2LL2arCBsl

— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 4, 2021

Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez is primed to remain at Inter this summer, as fellow forward Romelu Lukaku has expressed his desire to rejoin Chelsea in a potential 120 million euro deal.

#CFC are closing in on re-signing Romelu Lukaku…Tuchel’s presence as manager a key factor as the striker tells Inter he wants to leave. More here: https://t.co/whwqQEz3lu

— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) August 4, 2021

The consequence of this deal would be that Inter would no longer be under any financial obligation to part with Martinez, and would instead probably keep Martinez in a bid not to lose both of their star strikers this summer.

Can Arsenal still make their summer business successful?

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