Local media claim Axel Lamela is now safe after ransom was paid.
Tottenham Hotspur star Erik Lamela was given a scare on Friday as reports in Argentina claim his younger brother was kidnapped before his family paid the ransom to have him released.
According to local media in Buenos Aires, his 18-year-old brother was stopped by armed men in the Vicente Lopez area and held prisoner for several hours, as reported by Football Italia.
However, he was later freed after the family agreed to pay the 5,000 pesos ransom, which is only around £500 as local police believe the kidnappers were unaware of his identity and family connections but were simply drawn to him due to his BMW.
A phone call was made to the Lamela family, and after the ransom was paid, Axel was released later in the evening and is now said to be safe as security is stepped up around them.
Lamela recently moved to England following his €30m move from Roma this summer, and having come off the bench to make his debut in the north London derby before the international break, he will hope to receive more playing time against Norwich on Saturday.
Meanwhile, should the reports be confirmed, he will be relieved that his brother is now safe and will be cleared to take part in the game at White Hart Lane.
It is not uncommon for family members of famous football players to be kidnapped, particularly in South America or Africa where there have been numerous incidents in the past.
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