This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Lautaro Martinez has truly emerged from his cocoon this season.

The young forward was not really such a huge name in Inter Milan's midsts last season - when he netted nine goals and one assist across 35 games in all competitions - but the arrival of 2019/20 also saw the arrival of the young Argentine onto the scene of the striker elite.

Martinez, now just 22 years of age, has already scored 13 goals in 20 games, including five in five Champions League clashes, and with that, has already eclipsed last year's tally.

But with his improved pedigree and reputation comes the danger of losing him as well.

Earlier reports from Mundo Deportivo have signalled Barcelona's interest but the Nerazzurri will likely demand €111m (£93.4m) for their young talisman, as per the same outlet.

Still, with big names lurking around, Inter can never be too sure and it's good to have a plan B in case Martinez truly is snatched away from them.

Interestingly enough, Tuttomercatoweb recently came out with an update stating that Antonio Conte has taken an interest in Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who's currently unsettled over in London and is reportedly ready to quit the Gunners.

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Aubameyang, although 30 already, would definitely be a worthy, albeit a short-term, replacement for Martinez.

Swapping a 22-year-old for a 30-year-old is not really ideal but it would definitely cushion the blow of losing someone that prolific.

The Gabon star has netted 12 goals in 18 games across all competitions so far and is still a top-class forward that could be deployed next to Lukaku, creating a rather formidable front pairing.

With the situation at Arsenal still pretty shaky, and the lack of a permanent manager potentially making it even more turbulent, Aubameyang could possibly be lured away to Italy.

That deal, on paper, looks like a decent option for the Nerazzurri.

In other news, Borussia Dortmund might be trying to snatch away a Manchester United target from Juventus...