Atalanta make a bid for Tottenham target Takehiro Tomiyasu claims Fabrizio Romano
According to reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Serie A outfit Atalanta have made a bid for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is also a transfer target for Tottenham.
Tomiyasu started out his career with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan. He arrived in Europe in January 2018, signing for Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden. Having impressed during his time with the club, the defender was signed by Bologna in the summer of 2019.
Since joining the Serie A outfit, Tomiyasu has been a regular in the side, making 63 appearances, in which he has scored and assisted three goals apiece. The 22-year-old, who is versatile enough to play at centre-back as well as at right-back with equal comfort, featured 33 times in the 2020/21 season.
Tottenham are lining up reinforcements in both positions with Serge Aurier expected to be on his way out this summer. Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion was considered as an option but was deemed expensive as the Seagulls demanded £35m for the Englishman. (h/t Daily Mail)
Tomiyasu, meanwhile, is expected to cost Tottenham just around £15m, making him a much more affordable option. At the same time, his ability to play at centre-back would also mean the incoming manager, whoever that may be, has more options and flexibility within the squad.
To that end, Romano has claimed that the club has already started negotiations with Bologna over a transfer. However, there could be competition in the form of Atalanta, who have made an offer for the Japanese international, the journalist adds.
Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici arrived in London in the last hours. Talks on with Nuno Espirito Santo and his representatives. ⚪️ #THFC
Negotiations started also with Bologna for Japanese CB/RB Takehiro Tomiyasu [Atalanta made a bid for him too]. #Spurs @SkySport
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2021
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Someone like Tomiyasu, if available for the aforementioned price, would be quite a shrewd addition to the Tottenham defence. The defender has age on his side, is versatile and would be a cost-effective addition to the squad. Hopefully, the club sees the deal over the line sooner rather than later.
