Tottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela continues to draw heavy links to Inter Milan as the Serie A outfit prepares for the probable summer departure of Mauro Icardi. No bid has been placed as of yet but Mauricio Pochettino might have to start entertaining offers if the player looks unsettled following the 2017/18 season.
[TuttoSport] understand Inter Milan are ‘working on a deal’ to sign Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela this summer.#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/yry4Adg9Rm
— Ricky Sacks ? (@RickSpur) March 30, 2018
Lamela went through a horrific 13-month period where he saw his professional career hanging in the balance of a hospital bed. He even had to fly back to Buenos Aires to tend to his brother’s accidental injuries.
But ever since his return to pitch, the Argentine has slowly been edging his way to his former self. He featured in the club’s 1-3 win over Chelsea last weekend and even got himself a goal and an assist in the Quarter Final tie of the FA Cup against Swansea City.
On Harry Kane’s absence, he has stolen a starting XI spot and has been impressive enough to play against Juventus in the Second Leg of the Championship Round of 16 fixture as well. Clearly, Tottenham will be motivated to keep him beyond the summer of 2020 but there is no telling as to what the summer might bring.
Pochettino has already signed Lucas Moura in the January window and has settled on a front line of Heung-min Son, Kane and Dele Alli. It will take a lot of effort to snatch away a spot from the trio who all seem to be in blistering form at the moment.
If he does leave the North London club in June, here is a few candidates Pochettino should consider as a replacement.
Leon Bailey
The Bayer Leverkusen starlet is left-footed like Lamela and is currently lighting up the Bundesliga. His blistering pace paired with a composed scoring and playmaking ability at such a young age will be a massive hit in the Premier League.
Pochettino always prefers young talent that he can develop into his own system and Bailey fits that bill perfectly. The Jamaican is not shot of skill either. Put him one-on-one with your best full-back and he will show you what he is capable of.
Richarlison
The Watford man has been a huge hit in the Premier League ever since he made his way to Watford in the 2017 summer. The Brazilian is big and strong and is ripe with attacking quality. The Hornets could agree to sell him if an agreeable bid is met in the summer.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Stoke City are edging closer and closer to the relegation drop to the Championship and soon the Swiss international will be a luxury they might not be able to afford. Shaqiri is one of those eye-catching players who deserve to play for a title-challenging side.
