Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan as they plan to spoil Arsenal’s pursuit for a new striker.
The Argentine is open to leaving the San Siro this summer amid financial difficulties at the club, with the Gunners and now Spurs poised to pounce on the forward, report the Metro.
Arsenal have already been in contact with the Serie A champions this summer, but for the sale of Hector Bellerin which could prove to be Edu’s secret weapon in prizing the 23-year-old talisman to the Emirates.
The Athletic believe that the sale of Martinez would be a simple move to complete with Inter keen to sell players as they look to become a more self-sufficient and sustainable club following the complications that have transcended because of Covid.
Despite Arsenal’s potential ploy to use Bellerin in a potential deal, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have spent just £22.5 million this summer compared to the Mikel Arteta’s estimated £75 million, opening Fabio Paratici’s door to greater financial freedom and fluidity in negotiations.
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However, Arsenal could remain in the front seat if they are able to secure a windfall of funding from the potential sales of Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka.
Martinez, who lifted both the Serie A and Copa America last season, is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, although the striker is poised for a new bumper contract at the San Siro which could spell bad news for Tottenham’s wage structure.
The north London rivals look as if they will lock horns in the coming days as they battle it out for Martinez’s signature, but the growing uncertainty regarding Harry Kane’s future at Spurs could sway Paratici’s priorities this summer.
Speaking to Radio La Plata, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted that his Argentine counterpart was ‘one of the best strikers in the world’.
The Paris Saint German head coach said: “Lautaro Martinez is one of the best strikers in the world.
“It’s not just for what he does now, but for what his potential means going forward. If you start looking at hitmen for the big clubs, clearly his name has to be in there.”
Martinez scored 17 goals and recorded ten assists across 38 games in the Serie A last season playing a crucial role in Antonio Conte’s title winning season.
In Italy, the forward has displayed his ability to create chances as well as score them linking up superbly with Romelu Lukaku, foreshadowing what could be a merciless strike force with either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Kane.
Martinez could be the key to the Gunners captain opening the flood gates and reigniting his past success in front of goal, but, the Inter man could equally complete a deadly trident with the Spurs talisman and Son Heung-Min.
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https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-tottenham-lautaro-martinez-21192789
