Chelsea playfully prevent Tottenham Hotspur from signing Lautaro Martínez

As Chelsea made a strong push for Romelu Lukaku, which should result in the return of our former center-forward to Stamford Bridge in the next 24-48 hours, our London rivals Arsenal and above all Tottenham Hotspur were trying to strike a deal for Lukaku’s strike partner in Inter Milan, Lautaro Martinez.

Some sources even claimed that Spurs had reached a £ 60million deal to sign Lautaro – giving the tale of a Nerazzurri liquidation even more credit – but it turns out Inter have changed their minds (and bank balances), thanks to Chelsea. After agreeing to Lukaku’s transfer with the Blues, Inter now have no intention of letting Lautaro go as well, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Alfredo Pedulla and Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lukaku at Chelsea and not Lautaro at Spurs (or Arsenal)? It sounds like a win-win. Beat Spurs on and off the pitch! MDR.

As Lukaku draws closer to an official announcement and reveal at Chelsea, Lautaro’s agent has confirmed his intention to stay at Inter.

“Tottenham’s offer? Lautaro is an Inter player and is happy in Italy. Renewal ? Lautaro is from Inter, he will never come into conflict with the club. Never is reality.

-Alejandro Camano; source: FC Inter 1908 via Alfredo Pedulla

(Note from ed. : sure, Lukaku said something similar not too long ago, so you never really know in football, but it’s all pretty funny right now.)

While Spurs are expected to continue their attempts at Lautaro (especially if they always end up losing Harry Kane), Arsenal could have Tammy Abraham in their sights, and would fight Atalanta, Southampton, and maybe even AS Rome for his signature.