Tottenham Hotspur linked with Inter Milan striker again but there’s a catch

Tottenham Hotspur intend to recruit another forward this coming summer, though the reasoning may be affected by how the 2021/22 Premier League season pans out.

Spurs currently sit in the Champions League places after roasting Newcastle 5-1 at the weekend, albeit having played one game more than rivals Arsenal.

Totteham tried to buy Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan last summer but despite multiple reports saying that a fee had been agreed, the parallel deal of Chelsea’s to buy Romelu Lukaku scuppered any chance of the Italian side agreeing to another significant departure.

The Athletic reports that a forward is once again on the north London side’s wish list for the nest transfer window.

And reliable Italian Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has explained that the Lilywhites are a dark horse to keep an eye on this summer in the race to sign Argentine hotshot Martinez - especially if Inter Milan recruit Paulo Dybala themselves from Juventus on a free transfer.

England U19 striker Dane Scarlett - who scored three goals for Ian Foster’s Young Lions side over the international break was given first-team chances this year, but Antonio Conte has explained previously that he would like two quality players to compete for every position.

That includes finding another quality centre-forward to compete with Harry Kane for the spearhead role.

It cannot be ruled out either that should Spurs fail to finish in the top four that Kane is allowed to depart in the summer, although possible destinations do not look plentiful, unless Manchester City miss out on Erling Haaland.

And any incoming forward would either replace or complement Kane, with Tottenham having arguably had most success when they had Fernando Llorente to come off the bench to make a contribution late in games either for or with Kane.

Indeed, the Spaniard’s contributions helped Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 as he came off the bench to make vital contributions in the two-legged wins over Manchester City and Ajax.

Spurs will be seeking another player to add to the squad and 24-year-old Martinez would be a quality addition, and is able to play several different roles.

However, Atletico Madrid are believed to be the front runners should the 37-cap international leave the San Siro this summer, and Spurs are only outsiders for his signature.

Matinez has hit 14 goals from 27 games in Serie A to date this campaign.

If the Inter no.10 leaves Italy he is expected to prefer a move to Spain instead of England.

The Londoners have also been linked with Dybala themselves but any high-calibre recruits will be affected by which, if any, European competition the club qualifies for in 2022/23.

“I think to play Champions League next season is important. It’s important for me, it’s important for the club, it’s important for the players, it’s important for the fans, for everybody,” said Conte.

“Because to play Champions League is totally different to Europa League or Conference League or not playing in UEFA competition. It’s an important target for many reasons, for the club, because for sure you can plan important things.”