Chelsea amusingly prevent Tottenham Hotspur from signing Lautaro Martínez — reports

While Chelsea were making a strong push for Romelu Lukaku, which looks to culminate in our former centre forward returning to Stamford Bridge in the next 24-48 hours — the paperwork is being finalized — our London rivals Arsenal and especially Tottenham Hotspur were trying to close a deal for Lukaku’s strike partner at Inter Milan, Lautaro Martinez.

Some sources even claimed that Spurs had reached a £60m agreement to sign Lautaro — lending further credence to the narrative of a Nerazzurri liquidation — but as it turns out, Inter have had a change of heart (and bank balances), thanks to Chelsea. Having agreed the Lukaku transfer with the Blues, Inter now have zero intentions to let Lautaro go as well, as per Gianluca Di Marzio, Alfredo Pedulla and Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lukaku to Chelsea and no Lautaro to Spurs (or Arsenal)? Sounds like a win-win. Beating Spurs on and off the pitch! LOL.

As Lukaku edges closer to an official announcement and unveiling at Chelsea, Lautaro’s agent confirmed their intentions to stay at Inter.

“The Tottenham offer? Lautaro is an Inter player and is happy in Italy. The renewal? Lautaro is from Inter, he will never enter into conflict with the club. Never, this is reality.”

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

(Ed.note: of course, Lukaku said something similar not too long ago, so you never really know in football, but this is all pretty amusing right now.)

While Spurs are expected continue to their attempts at Lautaro (especially if they still end up losing Harry Kane), while also keeping a close eye on Dušan Vlahović, Arsenal may have Tammy Abraham in their sights, and would battle Atalanta, Southampton, and maybe even AS Roma for his signature.