Transfer Gossip: Tottenham handed huge lift in chase for Juventus defensive rock; Arsenal scouting Brazilian sensation (original) (raw)
Tottenham have been handed a huge lift in their chase for a veteran Juventus and Italy centre-back Antonio Conte loves, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal are plotting a move for a Brazilian sensation.
TOTTENHAM GIVEN BIG BONUCCI BOOST
Juventus will not stand in the way of Leonardo Bonucci, if the centre-back decides he wants to join Tottenham.
Reports have recently emerged of Antonio Conte wanting to be reunited with the experienced defender, who he worked with at Juve and the Italy national team.
CalcioMercatoTV claims that Bonucci’s relationship with Max Allegri is fading and that the defender wants to leave.
The report adds that Bonucci is set to quit the club in January, news that will likely anger Juve supporters.
However, Sport Mediaset claims that the veteran is more likely to move on in the summer.
Bonucci’s current contract runs out in the summer of 2024, meaning Spurs will have to pay a fee to get their man.
Conte still wants to bolster Tottenham defence
Conte is still on the hunt for defensive recruits after failing to be convinced his side are good enough defensively to play the counter-attacking brand of football he wants.
Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies all struggled in the 2-0 loss at Manchester United in midweek.
Indeed, seven of the 12 goals Tottenham have conceded in their 11 league outings have come in massive games as Chelsea, Arsenal and United.
Spurs also remain in the hunt for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. And one former star believes they will beat Chelsea to sign the Croatian. But only if Conte commits his future to the club.
ARSENAL SCOUTS TAKE IN BRAZILIAN SENSATION
Arsenal have sent scouts to watch highly-rated Palmeiras prospect Endrick, according to reports.
The 16-year-old Brazil youngster has caught the attention of clubs across Europe with his performances this season.
However, the Brasileiro Serie A side could hold out for his release clause of £52.3million (€60m).
Endrick is currently contracted to Palmeiras until the summer of 2025.
Arsenal’s interest in the youngster stems from sporting director Edu’s links to his homeland, and their desire to snap up the best young talent from across the globe.
The Gunners may have to use Edu’s links quickly, however. At least two European heavyweights want the former Arsenal midfielder as their new transfer fixer.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that Edu’s performance behind the scenes at The Emirates is attracting plenty of attention.
Mikel Arteta’s men sit top of the Premier League table, four points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
PALACE JOIN RACE FOR ROVERS HOTSHOT
Crystal Palace are considering a January move for Blackburn forward Ben Brereton Diaz.
The Chile international will become a free agent in the summer and is being monitored by a number of clubs at home and in Europe.
Leeds, Everton and Fulham all failed with late bids during the summer window. However, LaLiga outfit Sevilla have now also emerged as major contenders.
Brereton Diaz has shown no sign of a failed move hurting his form this season, scoring eight Championship goals so far. That makes him the joint top scorer in English football’s second tier.
Rovers have also offered the 23-year-old a new contract, as reported in The Sun. But a move to either the Premier League or Spain will surely be too good to turn down, if Blackburn receive the right offer for the forward in January.