Liverpool are planning to hijack Arsenal's move for Lautaro Martinez who they are 'ready to invest' in the striker this summer.
The Inter Milan star was linked with a switch to the Emirates last summer, but the Argentine put that speculation to bed by signing a contract extension at the San Siro until 2026.
The Athletic claimed that Martinez was interested in a transfer to Mikel Arteta's side in what would have been a 'straightforward' deal if Arsenal met their demands.
But reports coming out of Italy last week suggest Martinez will be on the market once again this summer with the Gunners still keen on the 24-year-old as they look for a new no.9 after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona.
And it seems like Mikel Arteta's men are ready to push the boat out for Martinez with the north Londoners 'ready to invest' in Inter's star man, according to Calciomercato, via Sport Witness.
Could Arsenal pull off a stunning move for Lautaro Martinez? Comment below
It's believed Arsenal will face stiff competition from Manchester City, however, who are still looking for Sergio Aguero's successor.
Tottenham, who were linked with Martinez last summer, could also enter the equation if Antonio Conte needs to find a replacement for Harry Kane.
And Liverpool are now the latest club to enter the race for Martinez as the report claims he is of interest to Jurgen Klopp.
Lionel Messi is one player who knows Martinez better than most after starring alongside him for Argentina in their Copa America victory last summer.
And the Paris Saint-Germain has been full of praise for his compatriot and reckons he has everything a striker needs.
The Barcelona legend said previously: "He's spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player and he is showing that.
“He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”
Martinez's agent Beto Yaque responded to the comments at the time and revealed he was flattered to receive that level of praise from 'best in the world' Messi.
He told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo: “Surely for Lauty it is a great compliment from the best in the world. I think that is very nice and comforting for him.”
