Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Tottenham interest in Aston Villa star reinforced with offer mooted ‘in coming weeks’

Emi Martinez, Tyrone Mings, Aston Villa, January 2023

Journalist Gaston Edul has reinforced reports of ‘specific’ Tottenham interest in Emiliano Martinez, and a bid could come ‘in the coming weeks’.

Tottenham’s priority for the summer transfer window appears to be a goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris has taken some flak for an increase in mistakes this season.

Jamie Carragher referred to the goalkeeper as “not good enough” in just one instance of him receiving criticism. As such, it might be time for Spurs to move in a different direction to their captain.

His career at the north London outfit could fizzle out. Indeed, he’s currently out of action due to injury, and if Fraser Forster does well, he could find it tough to break back into the side.

With Lloris’ contract up in 2024, he might not play for the club again in that instance. In any case, Tottenham appear to be on the lookout for a new man to put between the sticks.

Interest has been reported in David Raya, Jordan Pickford and Martinez, among others.

Of those targets, Pickford seems to be the preferred option. Despite him having recently penned a new deal with Everton, Spurs are reported to want to ‘snap up’ the England no.1.

That’ll become easier if the 15th-placed Toffees go down, as there’s reportedly an agreement Pickford ‘can be sold’ in the event of relegation.

Martinez offer mooted ‘in coming weeks’

However, that report also suggested Spurs are ‘likely to’ enquire about Villa stopper Martinez if there is a snag in that deal.

That Tottenham are keen on the Argentine has been reinforced by journalist Edul. He reports the club ‘have specific interest’ in the goalkeeper.

What’s more, they ‘may make an offer’ for him ‘in the coming weeks’.

Recent reports have suggested Villa would be willing to ‘consider offers’ for the goalkeeper. As such, if Tottenham make a good offer, they could find themselves on the way to a deal.

Spurs could be priced out of Martinez deal

While Villa would listen to offers for Martinez, it would have to be a good one for them to seriously consider it. Indeed, they aren’t in a bad position themselves – currently 11th in the league.

They’re also backed well financially, so if the offer for Martinez isn’t good enough, they could continue to improve with him in net.

Reports have suggested they’d be looking for £60million if they were to let him go. For Tottenham, who appeared to haggle down Pedro Porro’s price in January, buying a goalkeeper for that sum might be out of the question.

The alternative of Pickford could be much cheaper. However, that might only be if Everton are relegated, and there’s no guarantee they’ll drop back into the bottom three.

As such, Spurs could find themselves on the hunt for another suitable option soon if a Martinez deal doesn’t come to fruition.

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