Premier League: Man City and Chelsea join race to sign Inter star Lautaro Martinez

Tottenham are under pressure to follow Liverpool’s furlough reversal

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring against Cagliari in Serie A
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring against Cagliari in Serie A 
(Image credit: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Euro giants chase Martinez

With 16 goals in 31 games this season Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is fast becoming one of the most talked-about players in European football.

The 22-year-old has recently been linked with a big-money move to Barcelona, but according to Spanish newspaper Marca the Catalans are “wary of interest” from rivals Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Martinez is the “top transfer priority” for Barcelona, who are searching for a new striker. And it’s believed that the Argentina international would be keen on a move to the Camp Nou.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

However, Man City are not the only Premier League club who could join the Spanish giants in the battle to sign Inter’s star man.

The Daily Express says even though Martinez is favouring a move to Barcelona, Chelsea are willing to double his wages to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid ‘aim high’ for Harry Kane and Jesse Lingard is set to ‘snub’ Arsenal

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

See more

Spurs urged to listen to their fans

Tottenham Hotspur fans are urging chairman Daniel Levy to reverse the club’s decision to place non-playing staff on the government furlough scheme.

Liverpool yesterday reversed their decision and issued a grovelling apology to fans, and Spurs supporters are calling for their club to follow the Premier League leaders in making a U-turn.

The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham’s official supporters’ group has gone public with its criticism of the club’s decision to furlough non-playing staff.

In a statement posted on Twitter the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said: “We have been saying consistently @SpursOfficial - pause and rethink. We are now saying it clearly and in public - do not further damage the Club’s reputation, listen to your fans.”

The Mail adds that despite posting profits of £69m last year - and the backlash from fans and media - Spurs are “pressing on” with plans to use the government’s bail-out scheme.

Today’s back pages

Red-faced Liverpool make furlough U-turn

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us