Tottenham Hotspur and Erik Lamela reportedly working on new contract

July is more than halfway over, but Tottenham Hotspur still haven’t dipped into the transfer market. Instead, they’ve spent their summer focusing on renewing the contracts of some of their most important players.

The next player in line for a new deal appears to be Erik Lamela. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Argentinean winger and Spurs are working on extending his stay at the club.

Di Marzio’s report is in Italian, but here’s another slightly-off translation of the story from Google:

Yet another season with the Tottenham jersey and a future more and more in ... Premier League. Renewal tests underway between the British company and Erik Lamela, Argentine talent class 1992: talks started for the extension of the contract, with the parties who are defining the duration of the new agreement that should be 2021 or 2022.

Everyone knows Di Marzio as a journalist who is well-sourced in Italian football. Erik Lamela used to play in Italy, so it makes sense that he would have some sources who are informed on this situation.

If Lamela does agree to a new deal he will be following closely behind Harry Kane, Mauricio Pochettino, and Davinson Sanchez. All of these key figures have recently re-upped their contracts with the club. Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen are both expected to eventually do the same.

Lamela’s performances on the pitch last season were mixed, but it’s important to remember that last year was his first opportunity to come back and contribute following his long injury ordeal. Most of his appearances were as a substitute, but he still managed 2 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League. Those numbers should improve this coming campaign.

The 26-year-old joined Tottenham in August 2013 following Gareth Bale’s departure from the club. It doesn’t feel like all the drama of that summer happened 5 years ago, but it did, and Lamela is now one of the longest tenured Spurs players.

Tottenham supporters were unsure about Lamela’s worth after an odd first season at the club, but he has become a fan favorite since then. His best moment last year was probably at the end of the 1-0 win over Arsenal. Lamela spoke for so many people when he told Jack Wilshere to do one after the final whistle.

That incident sums up why Lamela has become so popular. He’s a passionate player who works incredibly hard and never shies away from a scuffle. It’s pretty easy to see why Pochettino likes him so much too.