TOTTENHAM will reportedly offer a player plus cash for Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo who has been dubbed the ‘new Xavi’.
But Spurs face a battle with Inter Milan who are also said to be interested in the Brazilian’s signature.
Arthur Melo is tipped to be the new Xavi at the Nou CampCredit: Getty – Contributor
Reports in Spain suggest Spurs and Inter will go head-to-head for the midfielder
The 23-year-old talent has been compared to Barcelona’s legendary midfielder and is thought of highly at the club.
Xavi even admitted the comparison is accurate which explains why some of Europe’s big teams are also said to be interested.
But Spurs are desperate to add a midfielder and they will try to strike a deal in the summer, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
However, it remains unclear which member of their squad Tottenham will offer in part-exchange.
Inter chiefs are said to have discussed a potential deal for Arthur during talks with Barca big wigs in Milan about a prospective Lautaro Martinez move to the Nou Camp but nothing materialised at the time.
But Spurs still face a battle as Inter will almost certainly be able to offer Champions League football next season while Tottenham will only be able to if the Premier League season is cancelled because of coronavirus.
Barca also rate Arthur highly as his technical ability fits in well with Quique Setien’s style of play.
The former Gremio man has played 23 times in all competitions this season scoring four and bagging four assists.
Arthur’s contract expires in 2024 and when asked about a move away earlier this year said he was keen to stay with the Catalan giants for a long time.
He told Italian outlet TuttoSport: “For any player it is a pride that they associate their name with clubs as important and recognised worldwide as Inter, and with a great coach and an impressive squad.
“However, my head is only thinking of Barcelona, I am very comfortable in the club and in the city and I have been a Barça player for many years.”
Elsewhere, Tottenham attracted more negative headlines when Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko broke Covid-19 guidelines just two weeks after Jose Mourinho was slammed for ignoring the rules.
Mourinho is said to be keen on the midfielder
Chelsea ‘close’ to sealing Philippe Coutinho transfer as agreement grows near with Barcelona amid interest from Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
