Tottenham Hotspur are in a face-off with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to a respected Italian reporter.
Lautaro Martinez was a target for the Premier League club back in the summer. Fears about the future of Harry Kane caused them to draw up contingency plans. Ultimately, Kane stayed – but similar exit rumours are building ahead of the transfer window.
In turn, it has now emerged that Martinez is back in contention for a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who names La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid as the rival suitors.
What may work in Spurs’ favour this time, compared to last year, is that they now have Antonio Conte in charge. He was head coach of the Scudetto-winning Inter side that Martinez was a part of last season.
Retaining their Serie A title has been a battle for Inter this season. They looked on course to claim it again a few months ago, but have since been overtaken by rivals AC Milan and are also behind Napoli in the table, albeit with a game in hand.
Their strikers have come into question during their downturn in form. Therefore, they may not be as inclined to keep Martinez as they were last summer.
The Argentina international has already been linked with a number of potential suitors. Arsenal are among them, but Martinez could end up elsewhere in north London.
Di Marzio believes Tottenham and Atletico are the main contenders for Martinez’s signature.
That said, of the pair, it is the move to Madrid that is supposedly the 24-year-old’s preference. It would give him his first taste of La Liga football, just like a move to Tottenham (or Arsenal) would be his first chance to play in the Premier League.
It seems the Spanish switch is what he would favour at this moment in time. Spurs may have to look elsewhere if they cannot convince him to change his mind.
Di Marzio told Wettfreunde: “I think it could be Lautaro’s summer and Atletico Madrid or Tottenham could be the perfect destinations for him.
“But I know that he would like to go to (Atletico) Madrid.
“He is happy at Inter and was convinced of his contract extension. But if he had to choose another club, it would be Atletico Madrid with (Diego) Simeone.”
Still, Di Marzio expects Spurs to make a move. He added: “I think Tottenham will go after Lautaro because they wanted him last summer.
“They want another forward to play with Kane or plan for the future without Kane. Lautaro Martinez is one of the players that Fabio Paratici loves.”
Sky Sport journalist Di Marzio has also been able to reveal how much Martinez may cost. Inter found themselves in a financial predicament last summer, but still managed to get good deals for the players they sold.
As such, he expects them to command a high sum for the former Racing Club star as well.
He added: “I think Inter will let Lautaro go because of the economic situation if the offer is high. Inter showed last summer that they sell important players when they have to. But the offer should be very, very high.
“Romelu Lukaku went for €113m, Hakimi for €70m. So they won’t sell Lautaro for less than €70m.
“It also depends on the market, on (Erling) Haaland, on (Kylian) Mbappe. ”
A fee of €70m would equate to just less than £59m. Martinez’s contract with Inter expires in 2026 after he signed an extension back in October.
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