Juventus line up Spurs man as talks continue over £19.1m swoop for Arsenal target Draxler

Spurs' Erik Lamela joined the club in a £25.7m transfer two years ago

JUVENTUS will bid for Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela if they fail to sign Julian Draxler this summer, according to reports.

 

The Serie A champions are keen to strengthen ahead of the new Italian season, with Draxler top of manager Massimiliano Allegri's list.

But complications during talks with Schalke over his transfer fee means Juve are also seeking a competent back up.

And that man is Lamela, who has managed just two substitute appearances for Spurs all season, although Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj is another avenue open to them.

 

Argentine Lamela joined the White Hart Lane club two summers ago in a £25.7million switch from Roma.

But it is believed he is open to a switch back to Italy if the deal is right.

 

Spurs are unlikely to sell the midfielder without a fight, although manager Mauricio Pochettino is seeking forward recruits and the transfer fee could be recycled quickly.

However, the deal depends on Schalke's resolve to keep Arsenal target Draxler.

Both Juve and the Gunners are understood to have shown interest in the Germany international but only the former have made their intentions known in a bid.

 

Gazzetta dello Sport claim they will table a £19.1m offer this week, of which £12.7m will be up front and £6.4m come in bonuses.

They will offer Draxler a £2.3m-a-season contract over five years - a deal that Arsenal appear unwilling to match.

However, Schalke are holding out for £21.3m and won't go a penny lower in negotiations.