Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones of Eurosport has made a rather promising claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and Lautaro Martinez.
The Lowdown: Spurs dealt Martinez summer blow…
As reliably reported, Spurs were well in the mix to sign the Inter Milan striker even before new manager Antonio Conte’s highly-anticipated arrival in north London.
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Indeed, managing director Fabio Paratici had his sights set on the Argentine at one point in the summer window and The Times even revealed that a £60m fee had been agreed with Inter.
However, in a twist to the tale, London rivals Chelsea played a heavy hand in Tottenham’s failed swoop for Martinez thanks to their capture of Belgium superstar Romelu Lukaku.
Fabrizio Romano explained that the 28-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge prompted Inter’s reluctance to agree a deal with Spurs over Martinez, especially considering that they would have been left without a marquee centre-forward (Twitter).
The Argentina striker duly ended up putting pen to paper on a new deal at the San Siro instead, which reportedly earning him around £179,000 per week.
The Latest: Spurs could now return…
You’d think that would be the end of Tottenham’s interest, but Jones has now come out with another twist to the tale.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he believes that Spurs under Conte will return for another attempt in the winter window, explaining:
“”I’m told Lautaro Martinez is someone they’re going to look back towards again in January.”
The Verdict: Exciting…
Given their links to Fiorentina hotshot Dusan Vlahovic, with there even being talk of a meeting held in London already, this claim on an alternative star striker target is certainly exciting.
Going by Martinez’s pedigree, he is a player who would significantly bolster Conte’s options at Spurs and could partner star striker Harry Kane to devastating effect – or maybe even replace him.
According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old has scored more goals in Serie A this season than anyone for Tottenham in the Premier League, racking up a higher average of attempts per 90 in that time also.
The South American has also attracted praise from some the very best strikers in world football, including former Inter teammate Lukaku, who called Martinez a ‘beast’ on Instagram Live (via Daily Mail).
However, one major hiccup to this Spurs transfer plan may be costs, especially considering that the Argentina international is valued at around £72m by Transfermarkt.
Paratici and co will need to smash the club’s transfer record to get a deal done, but going by his age, calibre and quality, Martinez may well be worth the investment.
In other news: Tottenham tell rising star he is free to leave as they green light surprise exit from N17, find out more here.