Mourinho to bin off regular starter as Tottenham close on £25m defender
Tottenham are reportedly in advanced talks over a deal to sign Norwich full-back Max Aarons this summer – in a development that would leave a Jose Mourinho favourite fearing the worst.
Aarons, 21, is attracting plenty of admirers with several big sides all credited with an interest.
The defender has impressed in his 119 career appearances for the Canaries, with 36 of those in the Premier League.
Bayern Munich have held a long-term interest, sending scouts to watch him on multiple occasions. The Bavarians could look to make him the next English talent to make the switch to the Bundesliga.
Closer to home, Manchester United are being linked. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to sign competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Aarons is a potential option.
And Everton too have also been linked; they signed his former teammate Ben Godfrey last summer and Carlo Ancelotti is an admirer.
However, reports claim it is Tottenham who appear most likely to sign Aarons this summer. A source close to the club is reported to have told The Boy Hotspur that talks over a deal for Aarons are at an advanced stage.
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The report claims talks over personal terms are already underway. That would leave Spurs to negotiate a fee with Norwich, which is understood to be at least £25m.
In addition, it’s claimed Tottenham actually asked Norwich about signing Aarons in January. However, with the Canaries focused on promotion and not wanting to disrupt their squad, Spurs were told any deal would have to wait until the summer.
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Aurier future in doubt
It’s understood Mourinho sees Aarons as very much a long-term signing for Tottenham.
Furthermore, it’s suggested the arrival of Aarons could spell the departure of Serge Aurier. The Ivorian has been a regular starter this season, making 19 appearances this season. However, his form has been called into question at times and Mourinho is known to be keen on a replacement. Matt Doherty was supposed to be that man last summer. However, the £15m arrival from Wolves has also struggled to find his best form.
While he has 24 appearances in all competitions, Mourinho plans to keep the Dubliner and wants him to compete with Aarons for a shirt next season.
Aurier, signed from PSG in 2017, has not hidden from his desire to return to the French capital.
“When I say PSG is the club close to my heart, I don’t want journalists to say, ‘He can’t say that!’ But of course I will answer,” he said.
“It’s the club I’ve loved the most out of all the clubs I’ve played for.
“Paris is where I turned into a man, as a professional, where I discovered myself more. That’s where I enjoyed myself the most.
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