Tottenham required to blow budget as price escalates for Kane successor
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a new offer for Lautaro Martinez, according to reports – but have been told they will need to bid more than €90m for the Inter Milan forward.
It was reported by The Times recently that Tottenham had agreed a fee to sign Martinez. While that report came ahead of schedule, it has since been backed up that Spurs are keen on the Argentina international. They now face a race against time to get him signed up before the transfer deadline.
Much will depend on the future of Harry Kane, who is set to be the subject of a new approach from Manchester City. Tottenham want to keep their talisman, but the champions are preparing a new offer that could force them into a sale.
In that event, they seem likely to try and reinvest some of the money into a deal for Martinez. However, it will take up a significant chunk of their windfall.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Tottenham could make another offer for the soon-to-be 24-year-old. Inter, though, will not make it easy for them after already losing Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku this transfer window.
Losing Lukaku’s strike partner would be a particular blow, but may be a financial necessity still. They would have to maximise the profit they would receive, though.
Therefore, Calciomercato claim Inter have rejected an offer worth €90m from Tottenham, who stepped up their pursuit last week.
Inter’s owners are under pressure and are keen not to sell any more players, even though they may have to. With that in mind, they are instead trying to open talks with Martinez over a new contract.
Agent confirms Martinez plans
In a further blow to Tottenham, Martinez’s agent recently told FCInterNews that the striker was planning to stay put.
“Lautaro wants to stay at Inter,” said Alejandro Camano.
“He believes in the Nerazzurri project and is aiming for another Scudetto. There is a meeting planned with Inter on Wednesday.
“We’ll do everything possible so that he remains with the Nerazzurri. Martinez is very happy in Milan, gets along very well with his teammates and the new coach.
“He heard a lot being said, but didn’t take it seriously at any point. He believes – and we believe – that there is still life in Inter.”
READ MORE: Tottenham teammate insistent over squad stance on Harry Kane future
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