Tottenham transfer in the works after star man makes a mockery of January decision

Talks over another exit for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso are planned after the Argentine has pulled up trees at Villarreal, per a trusted source.

The Argentine saw his loan spell with Spurs made permanent after just six months at the club in January, 2020. Lo Celso was bought outright for a fee of around £27m with Tottenham believing they’d signed a player who could pull the strings in their midfield for years to come.

However, he never lived up to that billing and was cut loose two months ago when loaned out to Villarreal.

But since moving to Spain, Lo Celso has found his groove and is quickly realising his true potential under Unai Emery.

Indeed, he scooped the man of the match award on Wednesday night as Villarreal defeated German giants Bayern Munich 1-0.

The tie is not over with the return leg in Bavaria still to come. But it is an indication of the levels Lo Celso is reaching at Villarreal.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed light on what the future could hold for Lo Celso.

The journalist tweeted Villarreal are ‘more than happy’ with the midfielder’s displays since arriving. Accordingly, their plans is to ‘open talks’ with Tottenham with a view to keeping Lo Celso in Spain next season.

Villarreal didn’t negotiate Lo Celso buy option

Whether that would come in the form of another loan deal or a permanent transfer isn’t clear. What is clear, however, is Villarreal did not negotiate an option to buy within his deal.

As such, if they did pursue a permanent move, Spurs would be able to drive the price up as high as they can.

Ex-Arsenal boss Emery is seemingly a big influence on Lo Celso’s impressive start in Spain. Romano concluded Emery was ‘key’ to Villarreal winning the race in January when French outfit Lyon entered the mix.

With Emery’s standing at Villarreal sky high at present, the club may be wise to listen if he demands the Argentine be retained beyond the summer.