Spurs remain defiant on deal for South American striker

It appears to be a case of when, rather than if, Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku will return to the Premier League and join Chelsea, the club he originally joined almost exactly a decade ago. 

The Belgium forward had been linked with a Blues return earlier in the window but reportedly dismissed the idea and favoured staying in Italy.

However, it appears the 28-year-old has now had a change of heart as a deal worth around £93.25 million is expected to be announced on Thursday.

Following the news, some sections of Inter fans protested against the transfer and defaced a mural of the striker, and it appears that they may now have even more reason to be incensed.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing a deal for Lukaku’s Inter strike partner Lautaro Martinez.

The report says that, despite reports previously stating that the Italian side wouldn’t sell both of their strikers, Spurs have continued talks about the prospect of a deal and have been ‘given encouragement’ that a move could be possible before the window closes.

Martinez has enjoyed a successful twelve months, winning the Serie A and Copa America.

The 23-year-old impressed last season, alongside Lukaku, as Inter won the Serie A title for the first time in a decade, and also won the Copa America with his native Argentina this summer.

The forward is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, and Spurs have identified him as their top target, ahead of the likes of Dusan Vlahovic.

It is not clear whether Spurs perceive Martinez as a potential strike partner for Harry Kane, or as a replacement for the England captain.

Kane has told the club he wishes to leave this summer, however time us running out for Manchester City to agree a deal for the 28-year-old.

New Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear that he wishes to play with two strikers, and had previously targeted Danny Ings and Vlahovic as candidates to join Kane up front.