Lucas Alario Plays Down Tottenham Move

Tottenham were briefly mentioned as a possible destination for Lucas Alario. But it appears that his agent linked Spurs to the 23-year-old prematurely.

One of the most out of there rumors involving Tottenham recently, is being linked to River Plate’s Lucas Alario, after seemingly making no contact prior to a few days ago.

But now that word has spread rather quickly, Alario has played down a potential move to join Tottenham this summer.

IBTimes helped summarize the latest events surrounding the 23-year-old Argentine striker and if a move to Spurs was even in the works to begin with.

According to Lucas Alario, it appears that his agent had exaggerated claims that Tottenham were interested by mentioning the north London club in passing.

“Today Alario is at River [Plate]. There was only one proposal, from Genoa, and interest of Tottenham,” Pedro Aldave told LPM. “If Tottenham pays the [release] clause, Alario is going.”

Triggering an £11 million release clause would only allow Spurs to be in pole position to acquire the services of Lucas Alario, but River Plate has the right to refuse.

More or less, the 23-year-old wasn’t for sale and a move to Tottenham was fabricated this entire time as it never appeared on Alario’s mind. Not even once.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 20: Lucas Alario, of River Plate, dribbles past Franco Bellocq, of Arsenal FC, during a match between Arsenal FC and River Plate as part of round 16 of Torneo Transicion 2016 at Julio Humberto Grondona Stadium on May 20, 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/LatinContent/Getty Images) /

"“My representative did not say anything concrete on the subject and now I think of River, to get back on the pitch and give back everything this club gave me,” Alario told Ole.“Like every player, I dream to play in Europe at some point in my career.”“For that, first, I have to make things right at River, to keep growing and learning.”"

A move to Europe is on the table, but not at the moment.

In fact, perhaps there was a misunderstanding, or miscommunication, between the player and his agent regarding interest in his services.

More from Hotspur HQ

Because Tottenham have been seeking reinforcements at striker for two seasons now, just about anyone who has a proven track record of scoring goals and is young enough will be automatically linked to Spurs.

Hence, Lucas Alario from River Plate. A 23-year-old who scored 11 goals in 26 appearances. Numbers that aren’t bad or good, just about even, but he can score whenever he’s inserted into the game.

This is something that Mauricio Pochettino is seeking, a player who can provide cover for Harry Kane and also score goals.

It’s why Vincent Janssen and Michy Batshuayi were being looked at. The same could be said about Antonio Sanabria.

The only thing standing in Tottenham’s way from signing Alario, is the player’s desire to move to the Premier League — which he never mentioned, only playing in Europe in general — and getting a work permit.

Paying £11 million is within Daniel Levy’s price range, even for a release clause, so if Pochettino truly wanted to get a deal done it would happen.

Next: Tottenham Nearing Deal for Vincent Janssen

At the moment, Tottenham are closing in on Vincent Janssen with a deal looking set to be agreed upon sometime this week. If Spurs can sign the 22-year-old Dutch international, he would be first in line to provide back up to Kane during cup games and a Champions League fixture or two.

But after signing one striker, another one would be needed to truly give Harry Kane more competition and more rest after going two full seasons without a proper off-season.

Mauricio Pochettino could add either Antonio Sanabria or Lucas Alario on top of Janssen’s imminent arrival. Or, Tottenham could be satisfied with just the Dutch striker and that’s it.