Journalist reveals factor could ‘tip the balance’ in Spurs’ Martinez pursuit

Journalist Tim Vickery has claimed that the presence of Giovani Lo Celso in the Tottenham squad could give the Lilywhites an edge over their North London rivals in the race for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

Reports emerged last week that Spurs had initially agreed on a €60m (£50.9m) fee for Martinez but it was explained the landscape changed following Chelsea’s move for Romelu Lukaku, with Inter no longer as desperate to raise funds.

Even though the Argentine is allegedly keen to move to Spurs, the forward’s agent insisted a few days ago that his client is ready to hold talks with the Serie A champions over a contract extension.

Arsenal are also thought to be interested in a move for the 23-year-old this summer.

However, Vickery insisted the Inter star’s international teammate, Giovani Lo Celso could tip the balance in favour of Spurs following the pair’s impressive link-up during this summer’s Copa America.

He told talkSPORT about Martinez’s future: “Very, very classy striker indeed and it looks like there’s a tug of war between Arsenal and Tottenham.

“It could well be, especially with the existence in the side of Lo Celso, it might tip the balance in Tottenham’s way.

“Lo Celso seems to be constantly questioned at Tottenham, he’s been unlucky with injuries.

“He had a great Copa America, his little partnership with [Lionel] Messi was wonderful and he’s a great supply line.

“So it could be that his presence in the Tottenham line-up just might make Lautaro Martinez feel that if he does go there he’s got someone making the bullets for him to fire.”

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The presence of Lo Celso and Romero at Spurs should help persuade Martinez to make the move as the forward saw first-hand this summer how good they can be.

However, this transfer seems to be entirely out of our hands as we wait to see if Inter are able to reach an agreement with the Argentine on a new contract.

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