Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal battle for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez
According to transfer news on Italian publication CalcioMercato (h/t Football.London), Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will be battling it out to get the signature of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. He has excelled this season as well and is helping his side mount a challenge to retain the Serie A title.
Tottenham were highly interested in signing Martinez last summer, but a transfer could not be finalised. That being said, he is on their shortlist once again as they try to reunite him with his former manager Antonio Conte. However, they will now have to deal with the Gunners, who are desperate for centre-forwards in their squad.
Harry Kane wanted to join Manchester City but the move did not materialize in the past. It is still unknown whether he could look to leave Spurs once again, but Conte is hopeful that the striker would stay with them moving forward. The Argentinian could be an option in case Kane departs in the future.
Solid choice but possible?
We cannot afford to lose the England captain in any case, so the club should do their best in helping the Italian boss keep him in the squad. That being said, we must always look at the worst-case scenario and prepare for it, or we would risk our short and long-term success.
The 24-year-old Martinez would be a fine choice to add to the attack, and his prior experience of working with Conte could help him adjust to his system at N17 well. He has played 22 league games this season and has scored 11 goals while assisting twice in the process.
The Inter superstar has not hit his peak just yet and still has room for improvement- after all, Kane himself added the playmaking touch to his game later on in his career. However, it remains to be seen whether the Nerazzurri would entertain an offer for their star striker in the future.
We must also keep an eye on Mikel Arteta’s side. They need him as a first choice centre-forward since Eddie Nketiah and Alexander Lacazetter are out of contract at the end of this season. Following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure last month, they could potentially be subjected to a crisis up front.
However, much time has not passed since the Argentine signed his new deal. Prising him away could be difficult and could prove to be expensive as well. It remains to be seen how the situation would develop as we near the summer transfer window.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Former Chelsea midfielder says Graham Potter a better long-term managerial option for Tottenham Hotspur than Antonio Conte
- Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane wants boss Antonio Conte to be backed in the summer
- Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte praises Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City clash
Inter lost Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea last summer and losing Martinez this summer would mean them selling the attacking duo that got them their long-awaited Scudetto last term. Only time will tell if Simone Inzaghi, or the Inter board, lets this happen.
