Tottenham could repeat a trick they made in the summer if they want to beat the queue to a potential Harry Kane replacement. Kane is likely to be in demand again next summer after being priced out of a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City in the latest transfer window.
But a huge move did not materialise, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy remaining firm in his stance that his star player would not be sold – especially to a top Premier League rival.
City ended up with Kane’s England team-mate Jack Grealish as their only summer arrival while Kane stayed at Spurs.
But that could change next summer if there remains interest in the 28-year-old. Spurs might end up looking for a new striker.
Tottenham reportedly targeted Lautaro Martinez in the summer transfer window (Image: GETTY)
The Premier League side reportedly came close to signing Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan a few months ago. They went about their business quietly, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that Spurs had entered talks with the Serie A club.
Martinez chose not to join Inter, with his agent revealing that the player is instead happy playing Champions League football with the Nerazzurri.
Levy and managing director of football Fabio Paratici could repeat their tactic of going about their business quietly again in the summer of 2022. That will help to avoid them being stumped by one of the several other clubs searching for a new striker.
There are likely to be several options available. They could once again pursue Martinez, or they could attempt a major coup by attracting Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland is the hottest property in world football right now and there will be a lengthy queue of clubs wanting to sign the 21-year-old sensation.
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The Norway striker boasts a staggering record of 68 goals in 67 appearances for the Bundesliga club and would be the perfect replacement for Kane.
A deal for either Martinez or Haaland might be difficult for Spurs to achieve if they do not qualify for the Champions League under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Tottenham should try to complete a shock Erling Haaland transfer using a summer tactic (Image: GETTY)
But if they do reach the elite competition of European football, they can point to a huge new stadium and a young, highly rated squad as reasons for either player to reject moves elsewhere and arrive in North London.
Martinez’s agent made clear in August that his client would want to play in the Champions League, ruling out a move to Spurs. Interim boss Ryan Mason failed to improve on the seventh position the club was in when Jose Mourinho was dismissed.
They have participated in the inaugural edition of the Europa Conference League this term.
“He wants to win the Scudetto again with Inter, play a good Champions League with the Nerazzurri and, as I said before, he doesn't think at all about leaving Italy,” Alejandro Camano told FC InterNews in August.
“We will do everything possible to stay with the Nerazzurri. Martinez is very happy in Milan, he has an excellent relationship with his team-mates and with the new coach.
“He listened to many offers, but never took any of them seriously. He believes - and we believe - that there is still life at Inter.”