After having had a relatively quiet transfer window in the summer, Tottenham have been linked with quite a few names for the upcoming January transfer window. Apart from strengthening the squad with a view of winning the Premier League this season, the club are also keeping an eye on the future if fresh rumours are to be believed. According to Italian sports tabloid Tutto Sports, Spurs are about to hold negotiations with Corinthians over the transfer of Guilherme Arana. The 19-year-old has been rated as one of the top talents within the Corinthians squad.
If the Premier League had one experience with Brazilian defenders, it is that they are certainly not the best when it comes to defending. The unique nature of the Brazilian league means that fullbacks are taught from a young age to push forward just like wingbacks. They often struggle when it comes to defending in the Premier League, where the fullbacks are much more restrained due to fear of counter-attacks. Manchester United tried to get around this issue by signing the twin Da Silva brothers at a very young age, but even they were unable to fit in.
However, Tottenham must have done their due diligence on the player, who has been a star in the Corinthians youth setup. After making his debut for the Brazilian outfit in 2014, Arana spent last season on loan at Atlético Paranaense. Lack of regular game time at Atlético Paranaense has seen him return to Corinthians where he played a role in winning the Campeonato title in 2015.
His exploits with Corinthians have already enabled him to represent the Brazil U20 team twice this year. Even though making the next step and featuring for the senior team will probably be the most difficult, Arana will feel that he would get the best possible exposure if he joins a club like Spurs.
Tottenham, though, are not reportedly the only club interested in the player. Schalke are thought to have already held negotiations with Corinthians, but Spurs remain confident that the good relationship with the Brazilian outfit from the transfer of Paulinho back in 2013 will help them secure an edge. Spurs had decent success with Paulinho’s transfer and the midfielder went on to make 67 appearances for the club in two seasons before joining Guangzhou Evergrande in 2015.
Danny Rose has established himself as the best left back at the club, but he is unlikely to be worried about any immediate threat from Arana. Even if Spurs do manage to sign him, work permit would be a major issue considering that the player has not featured for the international team. It may result in loan moves to the likes of Dutch Eredivisie in order to gain experience.
