Tottenham Hotspur are expected to open talks regarding a potential move to the Premier League for Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez next week, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.
After hitting brick wall after brick wall in their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni, Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are ready to turn their attention to the Italian’s Nerazzuri team-mate.
One of the most feared forwards in Europe. A free-scoring striker who had admirers in North London long before Conte arrived to take Nuno Espirito Santo’s seat in the dugout. It won’t be easy, but you can’t blame Tottenham for trying.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham even went as far as to offer £60 million for Lautaro 10 months ago. Now, it seems they are ready to test the waters again.
Can Tottenham lure Lautaro Martinez away from Inter Milan?
TMW claim that Spurs are expected to approach Inter at some point over the course of the next week, planning to enquire about both the availability of Martinez and the size of his price-tag.
Tottenham are unlikely to have it easy. Martinez’s agent said only a couple of weeks ago that the former Racing Club wonderkid was determined to stay and see out the next four years of his contract at Inter.
“Sometimes the press talks about his possible transfer but he only thinks of Inter,” explains Alejandro Camano.
“We’re not looking for a negotiation to take him elsewhere. He’s happy at Inter, the city is wonderful. He’s only focussing on Inter.
“Lautaro is growing as a footballer. Let’s not forget that he is still 24 years old. He is already establishing himself as one of the best strikers on the international scene.
“A new generation of forwards is appearing, of which Lautaro is a part.”
But, as Romelu Lukaku discovered last summer, Inter are not immune to accepting offers for their star players, even those who want to stay. The club’s precarious financial situation means they are reportedly under pressure to raise around £50 million in player sales, and Martinez’s departure would immediately fill that particular hole.
The Argentina international has already turned down Arsenal this summer, according to The Times. But the presence of Conte – and former Inter team-mate Ivan Perisic – at Tottenham could make The Gunners’ North London neighbours a far more tempting proposition.
Champions League football will do Spurs’ chances no harm either.
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