Tottenham Hotspur have been enquiring about AS Roma forward Erik Lamela all summer, and had previously looked close to sealing a £25M move to sign him. However, Roma manager Rudi Garcia has stated he has no desire to let him leave against the club’s will.
Last season, the 21-year old scored 15 goals in 33 Serie A games – making 5 assists. He plays primarily as a right-sided forward.
‘I said in pre-season, I wanted all the players in the squad to remain. Every coach would love to have a player who scores 15 goals per season and is a regular in the Argentine national team. Erik is in the squad, exactly like the other 22 players. I can’t do anything about the transfer market.’ – AS Roma manager Rudi Garcia.
Garcia did add how he would expect the club to give him the resources to replace any players if they did indeed leave the side this summer, but he’s hopeful he can keep his best players.
Erik Lamela is regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in the world. He’s represented Argentina on three occasions, and has already played over 100 games at club level at the age of 21.
Regarded as a very skilful dribbler, and a player who is a real goal threat against any side, it’s no surprise to see the Argentine greatly coveted by a host of clubs around Europe in recent weeks. Tottenham were said to be the favourites to procure his signature, but the deal is still on rocky ground.
With the Serie A side having just sold striker Pablo Osvaldo to Southampton for around £15M, they are in no need of money – nor do they want to lose any more top players. The summer transfer window closes in approximately a week, so the London outfit are running out of time to sign him.
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