Tottenham urged to sign ‘fantastic’ star seen as one of the world’s best and who can end trophy drought

Tottenham have been told that they could fix a problem position this summer by raiding one of their Premier League rivals for a man that one observer sees as one of the world’s best in his position.

It’s been a difficult season for Tottenham, who earlier this month crashed out of both the FA Cup and Champions League in a wretched seven-day spell. That means their wait to end their lengthy trophy drought will now go into a 16th season.

However, despite the carnage behind the scenes, Spurs can still salvage their campaign somewhat by finishing in the top four. And given the turbulance behind the scenes, most notably over coach Antonio Conte, that would represent a decent achievement.

Conte seemingly put his future on the line after an astonishing verbal attack on Tottenham’s players and the board. However, after a summit meeting with Daniel Levy, Conte has explained his comments and a surprise decision on his future has not been met.

Whatever the future holds, Conte’s deal at Spurs is currently due to expire this summer. And while there is a one-year option to extend, it seems neither party are in a hurry to commit. As such, a summer of major change at Tottenham looks to be on the cards.

Whomever the new manager will be, they will also likely need to fix a problem position for Spurs ahead of next season.

And it seems the club are ready to step up their efforts to sign a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris.

The Frenchman has been one of Spurs’ best-ever imports during the Premier League era. Signed for a fee of around £12m in 2012, Lloris has made 443 appearances for the club.

READ MORE ~ Opinion: Tottenham need to learn lessons from old messiahs Mourinho and Conte

Emi Martinez one of the best in the world

However, Lloris’ time in north London is seemingly come to an end.

And after 11 seasons of being unchallenged as their No 1, his time now seems to be up. As such, Tottenham are reportedly considering a number of options to replace him as their goalkeeper next season. They have ranged from David Raya, Wojciech Szczesny, Illan Meslier, Jordan Pickford and Mike Maignan.

However, there is a growing school of thought that suggests their top target is actually Emiliano Martinez.

The Aston Villa keeper has developed into one of the game’s elite goalkeepers during his time in the Midlands. But it seems a parting of ways is on the cards this summer with the 30-year-old eager to play at a higher level. And were Spurs to secure Champions League football, that could secure them a key incentive for the keeper to move.

As such, a report claims Tottenham lead five other suitors for the World Cup winner.

From Villa’s point of view, they could decide to cash in on the player to help with their own team rebuilding.

Martinez now has 34 clean sheets from 100 Premier League appearances for the Midlands side, following Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Wherever he ends up, former Villa keeper Mark Bosnich reckons Villa should think twice before cashing in on the star he regards as one of the world’s best.

Speaking about Martinez and Villa, Bosnich told Sky Sports: “They’ve got some excellent players. None more so than, you have to say, they’ve got one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Emi Martinez.

“That type of confidence he gives just flows throughout the whole side.

“He really is a tremendous man and a fantastic goalkeeper. Like I said, there’s not too may goalkeepers who are better than him in the world, in his day. He proved the difference at the World Cup as well.”

It’s easy to see why Tottenham are admirers of Martinez. He brings not only brilliant shot-stopping abilities but he also has that winning mentality that all successful teams need.

And his signing could help no end towards Tottenham’s push to end their trophy wait next season.

READ MORE: Tottenham ready transfer hijack for star also high on Liverpool, Man Utd shopping lists