Arsenal and Chelsea handed huge £85m transfer incentive after contract announcement

Lautaro Martinez has made a huge admission regarding his future at Inter with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs previously interested in the striker. After helping the Italian outfit reach last season's Champions League final, a number of European teams took an interest in the Argentina international.

During that campaign, Martinez bagged 28 goals from 57 appearances in all competitions and he has subsequently improved his goal-to-game ratio with 27 from 43 this season. Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter ran away with this season's Scudetto crown, winning it over four weeks ago following a victory over bitter rivals AC Milan.

Alongside their domestic triumph Martinez, who will undoubtedly be crowned Serie A top scorer now he is eight goals clear of Dusan Vlahovic, was recently awarded the Gentleman Inter Award and Gentleman Serie A Award. At the awards evening, Martinez spoke on the season while also dropping a huge contract hint.

“I'm happy with everything I'm doing in my career," he revealed on stage. "I thank my teammates, the staff and all the Inter fans who are always by our side. I have worked hard since the first day I arrived at the club and I always try to show my worth on the pitch. Now, we have to keep it going and win even more trophies.”

On his future, he added: "We want to continue like this. We are working, and we hope to reach an agreement." Martinez sees his current deal expire in 2026 and though his admission sounded optimistic he will stay, there could be scope for Arsenal and Chelsea to move if negotiations do break down.

Both London clubs are on the hunt to sign a new striker with Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among the names linked. football.london understands that Arsenal are in the market for a dynamic centre-forward.

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Martinez, valued on CIES Football Observatories at €100million (£85m), could certainly fit into that category, however at 26, he may be considered over the age threshold of Arsenal and Chelsea. But, there is a potential scenario that plays out next summer where if talks do stall he could be available at a cut-price with Inter keen not to lose him on a free transfer the following year.