Tottenham are in reportedly in negotiations with Erik Lamela over a new contract – and a section of fans have delivered mixed verdicts on Twitter.
Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed on his personal website that Lamela, 26, is in talks to sign an extension this summer to his current deal that could run for either three or four more years.
Spurs supporters have reacted in their droves on social media, with some massively in favour of a new deal for the Argentine attacking midfielder and others failing to see what the fuss is about.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Ultimate Marmite Player – I'm team LOVE
— Nick Brown (@Nickynugget) July 16, 2018
Great player. Love the guy.
— Phil R (@PhilR2023) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Bateseyboy/status/1018917075908202497
https://twitter.com/MarkBrownfield/status/1018915470630703111
Why wait until now??? Had months he wasn't at the world cup
Club is a joke right now— Spursmojo (@thfcmojo) July 16, 2018
Not to mention the fanbase who judging by the responses on here seem to b happy with this news,u couldn't make it up,I don't know what people see in this waste o space,I give up??
— Pipes 71 (@71Pipes) July 16, 2018
Should dominate games more that he does. End product lacking. Needs work.
But still like him. We need all the pace we can get.
Martial signed yet?— gavin (@Gavllen) July 16, 2018
Seriously would be massive. Totally epitomises the philosophy that Poch is building. Talented, passionate and incredibly hard working. Coco deserves a new contract.
— Lamela Defence Secretary (@akaChrpr) July 16, 2018
Is this story meant to cheer us up?
— Moura that (@kieran_Spurs) July 16, 2018
COMMENTARY:
As one Spurs fan points out, Lamela is the ultimate ‘Marmite’ player. You either love his work ethic, ability to carry the ball forward and penetrate between defensive lines. Or, you hate the lack of end product, the mediocre number of goals and assists. Since joining from Roma in the summer of 2013, the Argentina international has developed into a mighty useful squad member, but there is a sense there is much more to come from the 26-year-old. Comparing his stats to Christian Eriksen or Son Heung-Min, who are both different types of players, might be a little unfair, but it shows where the improvements must be made for a player who is entering his peak years. Lamela is currently a decent Spurs player. He has the potential to be a mighty fine one if he develops under countryman Mauricio Pochettino.