Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Antonio Conte told two reasons Tottenham should leave Max Aarons transfer to Man Utd or Arsenal

Norwich right-back Max Aarons

Tottenham should dismiss an easy move for Norwich full-back Max Aarons and leave a deal to one of the other interested big hitters, according to one source.

The right-back, 22, appears destined to be a casualty of Norwich’s relegation this summer. The Telegraph recently reported Aarons is set to be sold, with forward Milot Rashica the other star name who will attract widespread interest.

Aarons was previously linked with Spurs who signed Emerson Royal to fill their right-wingback role last summer.

However, Emerson’s debut season in north London has been nothing short of a nightmare. His form has been so poor, in fact, that Matt Doherty has been the preferred choice in the latter half of the season.

Doherty has impressed under Conte, though strengthening the position this summer has been speculated in the media.

Indeed, should Tottenham snatch fourth spot, they will need reliable and adequate depth in the position that is arguably the most physically demanding of all.

The Sun put Manchester United and Arsenal in the frame to sign Aarons. A deal can reportedly be made for £20m – something that has also caught the eye of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Now, former Spurs goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, has had his say on whether Aarons should be targeted by Tottenham.

Robinson delivered a withering assessment of Aarons’ abilities, claiming his inconsistency and the fact he’s no better than what Spurs already have should make Tottenham pull away from a move.

Max Aarons not an upgrade – Robinson

“Not for me,” Robinson told Football Insider when asked if Tottenham should pounce.

“Aarons has been in and out of form this season.

“Would he be an improvement on what Spurs have already got? I don’t think that he would be. They have some quality in that area.

“Conte wants to play a system where the wing-backs have an important role. If Conte wants to improve that position then I think he has to look elsewhere.

“I think Spurs already have players who are as good as Aarons in that area.”

Tottenham right to overlook Aarons?

While Emerson has been a disappointment this season, one could argue the only way is up. Indeed, signing full-backs from Barcelona has been a recipe for disaster in recent years.

Junior Firpo has endured a torrid campaign at Leeds, while Nelson Semedo underwhelmed in his first year at Wolves last season.

However, Semedo settled in his second year and has justified his move with a series of much improved displays. Spurs may harbour hopes Emerson can follow that same route.

Passing up the Aarons opportunity may therefore be to Totrenham’s benefit. What’s more, Man Utd’s need may be greater anyway.

United are expected to receive an offer from Crystal Palace to take Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park. If that move is sanctioned, Aarons would represent a readymade option to compete with Diogo Dalot.

His attacking tendencies would also better suit incoming boss Erik ten Hag’s system more than Wan-Bissaka would.