Any lingering hopes either Arsenal or Tottenham had of luring Lautaro Martinez away from Inter Milan before this month’s transfer deadline appear to be over.
The Argentine has been linked with both north London rivals as Mikel Arteta looks to increase his options up top following a tough start to the season at newly-promoted Brentford and Spurs under Nuno Espirito Santo attempt to sign either a suitable partner or replacement for Harry Kane as the high-profile saga involving the England captain rumbles on.
Recent reports suggested that Tottenham would be willing to pay around £60million for the 2021 Copa America winner, while there was fresh speculation linking him with Arsenal on Monday.
Reigning Serie A champions Inter have been hit particularly hard during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the chances of Lautaro being allowed to depart in the same window as ex-San Siro strike partner and new £97.5m Chelsea recruit Romelu Lukaku always looked highly questionable, especially with the likes of star wing-back Achraf Hakimi having also departed for Paris Saint-Germain, while manager Antonio Conte also departed amid disagreements over transfer policy.
Now the 23-year-old’s agent has also reiterated that his client will be remaining in Milan as he looks to agree an extension to a contract that is due to expire in the summer of 2023.
“Lautaro wants to stay at Inter, he trusts the project and wants to win,” Alejandro Camano told FC Inter News.
“I’ll meet with the Inter board on Wednesday to talk about his contract situation. Premier League clubs wanted him but he’s ready to stay.”
