Tottenham Hotspur handed a major blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez
According to Football Italia, Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez in the summer transfer window.
The Argentine international was part of the South American nation’s squad that won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year. Martinez did not make much of an impact at the tournament but continues to come through for Inter Milan.
He came off the bench at the weekend to lead the club to a 3-1 win over Lazio. The brace of goals saw him become the first Nerazzurri player since Mauro Icardi to score 15 or more Serie A goals for three consecutive seasons. A solid goalscorer, he also will arrive at N-17. Unlike the former PSG star, Martinez has little off-the-field baggage.
Tottenham and Manchester United were both linked with the player ahead of the summer transfer window. However, Inter have no intention of selling him and have also refused to enter negotiations for the same.
His current deal at the Giuseppe Meazza runs until 2026, meaning Inter hold the aces when it comes to talks. Inter are ready to sell the trio of Andre Onana, Marcelo Brozovic or Denzel Dumfries but Martinez is firmly off the table.
The 25-year-old is seen as a key cog in their future plans. Simone Inzaghi’s side might have underachieved in Serie A but have the Coppa Italia final and a UEFA Champions League semifinal to look forward to.
Tottenham’s overreliance on Harry Kane to score goals is well known. Take the English skipper out of the lineup and Spurs could fail to hit a barndoor with a banjo. Having endured another poor season, signing Martinez would have been the perfect tonic to rebuild the squad.
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Unfortunately, it is not to be and Martinez is likely to stay at Inter for at least another season. The onus now is on Daniel Levy to look elsewhere. Or else, keep Kane for another season and try again next year.
