Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is a ‘big fan’ of Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The pair worked together during Conte’s two-year spell in charge of the Nerazzurri and could be reunited in north London during the upcoming summer transfer window.

What is the latest news involving Martinez?

Last summer, Tottenham were heavily linked with a £60 million move for Martinez, who has been described as "spectacular", as they looked to add some firepower to their forward line.

But despite holding talks with the Inter hierarchy, Spurs were unable to agree a deal for the Argentina international as they didn’t want to lose both of their star forwards in the same window following Romelu Lukaku’s departure.

Martinez ended up staying put and committing his future to the reigning Serie A champions, penning a new five-year contract in October 2021.

However, according to The Times, due to Inter’s ongoing financial troubles, they are now prepared to cash in on their prized asset and have placed a £70m price tag on him.

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Tottenham’s local rivals Arsenal are said to be keen to snap up his services, but with Martinez desperate to play Champions League football, it remains to be seen if they are a viable option.

Only four points separate the Lilywhites and the Gunners in the race for a top-four finish, and the outcome of that particular battle could determine where Martinez is playing his football next term.

What has O’Rourke said about Martinez?

Martinez flourished under the tutelage of Conte, registering 40 goals and 19 assists in 97 appearances during his Inter reign, claiming the Scudetto together along the way.

And O’Rourke has revealed the South American is a ‘long-term target’ of the Spurs boss, with the capital club previously showing ‘interest’ in him.

He told GiveMeSport: “He's a long-term target of Antonio Conte, Lautaro Martinez. He's worked with him already at Inter Milan, he’s a big fan of him. Spurs have also shown previous interest in Martinez.”

Do Tottenham need Martinez?

Harry Kane’s future remains far from certain, with Manchester United reportedly keen to prise him away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium less than 12 months after Manchester City attempted to do so.

If the England international does depart his boyhood club, then Conte will obviously need to replace his devastating firepower with a proven goalscorer that he trusts.

Yet even if Kane does remain with Spurs, Conte may feel the need to add some cover and competition as the 6 foot 2 ace is the only natural striker in the first-team squad.