Tottenham have an interest in signing AC Milan star to bolster their forward department.
Tottenham Hotspur have been showing great intent in the summer transfer window, providing Roberto De Zerbi the tools required to build a strong squad to compete for European spots next season. They have already put their money on the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
One position the north Londoners are planning to address is on the left of their attack, having struggled to stretch defences and create chances following the departure of club icon Son Heung-min. The ACL injuries to Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert mean there is only one fit left-sided attacker left in the squad in the form of Mathys Tel.
Recent reports indicate that Tottenham are interested in recruiting AC Milan star Rafael Leao. The Portuguese international has made it clear that he wants to leave AC Milan after seven long years for a new adventure. The Serie A giants want €60-70m to let him depart this summer.
Italian journalist reveals Rafael Leao is ready to say “Yes” to Tottenham project
According to reliable Italian journalist Daniele Longo, Rafael Leao wants to play in the Premier League. If Spurs can reach a financial agreement with AC Milan, he will say yes to De Zerbi’s project.
“Leao’s desire is to reach the Premier League, and he is also willing to wait for Tottenham,” Daniele Longo said on his YouTube channel.
“Tottenham is a welcome destination. If the rumours in the last few weeks turn into concrete offers of €60million, Leao is ready to say yes to Tottenham, even if he will not make it to the Champions League.”
Big boost for Spurs
Spurs are weighing up a move for Leao, as De Zerbi looks to add pace, unpredictability and depth in the final third. The Portuguese international is primarily a left-winger, but he can also operate on the right or through the middle as a false 9. For a coach trying to build variation across the front line, that versatility matters a lot.
The 27-year-old’s strengths are clearly identified: dribbling, shooting, elusive movement, pace and directness. In other words, he can torment full-backs and destabilise a backline in different ways. The numbers for Milan are solid, if not spectacular. Leao has bagged 80 goals and supplied 65 assists in 291 appearances, whilst winning the Scudetto and the Italian Cup with the Rossoneri.
From a Spurs perspective, this feels like the sort of move fans can get thrilled about. Leao may not have reached the heights due to his inconsistency and injury issues, but at 27, he still has a lot to provide at a high level. If De Zerbi can refine his end product and finishing skills, the ex-Lille man would become too hot to handle in the Premier League.
All in all, Leao’s openness to becoming a part of De Zerbi’s project even without Champions League football should come as a big boost for Tottenham.