Transfer News: Tottenham remain hopeful of signing Lautaro Martinez

Tottenham are maintaining contact with top striker target Lautaro Martinez and his camp despite Inter Milan’s insistence of keeping the Argentine.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham will likely push hard to sign Lautaro Martinez in the coming weeks. Despite Inter Milan’s insistence on keeping the attacker, Spurs have maintained contact with the Argentine’s camp in hopes of agreeing on personal terms and signing him in the eventuality of Harry Kane leaving North London.

The striker domino is only just building. Once the pieces are in place, things will fall, and there will be many movements across Europe. Tottenham are at the heart of this puzzle, with the future of Harry Kane linked with many other possible deals.

The Spurs frontman has endured a difficult summer, as he hopes for a late move to Manchester City, who realistically are the only side who can afford him. The striker failed to report to training sessions last week leading to intense scrutiny around his future, although the situation has been clarified by the England captain.

The nature of football and the transfer window is such that we can expect the unexpected at the very last minute. Keeping that in mind, Spurs are not leaving anything to chance, as even they know Kane can go if a reasonable offer comes their way. In turn, they are lining up replacements for the England star.

Technical director Fabio Paratici has so far identified two options, both from Italy. Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic has been in the picture after an impressive season in Serie A, and the other being Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez. Incidentally, both these strikers are also chased by fierce rivals Arsenal.

There have been conflicting reports in the last few days, with one suggesting Tottenham had agreed a £60 million fee for Martinez, while the other stating Inter were unwilling to let the striker leave this summer. After selling Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea, Inter would want to keep Martinez or risk a major fan backlash, something that’s already brewing in the background.

On the other hand, Spurs will want a player ready to move at short notice if Kane leaves. Inter’s insistence on keeping Martinez isn’t helping Tottenham in any way, but the club are keen to agree on personal terms with the Argentine in case a move materialises.

Spurs are keeping contact with Martinez’s camp to keep their interest flowing, although they are aware the striker could use it against them to bag a new contract. The Argentine is one of Inter’s lowly paid stars, and so the London club believes personal terms wouldn’t be problematic.

Eventually, they might only sign him if Kane leaves, and things could heat up as we approach transfer deadline day. Martinez will surely be an ideal replacement for the England captain after three impressive seasons with Inter. However, Spurs will also have to keep a close eye on rivals Arsenal and ensure they don’t move ahead.