Tottenham transfer news: Surprisingly low figure set as several clubs join chase for Giovani Lo Celso
Tottenham have reportedly set a relatively low asking price of just £17million for Giovani Lo Celso as they look to sell the midfielder this summer.
The 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Villarreal and impressed with the LaLiga outfit as they reached the Champions League semi-finals.
And, according to El Periodico Mediterraneo, Lo Celso is Unai Emery’s top target for a permanent deal this summer.
The report claimed that Villarreal were ready to offer £15.3m to get their man. That’s despite the fact that he only had one goal and an assist in 16 league games.
Indeed, Marca reports that even though Lo Celso ‘did not have the best end to the season’ he is still on Emery’s wanted list.
Their report adds that Villarreal are currently ‘in talk’ over a transfer. However, Spurs want nearer to £17m for the Argentina international.
At this stage, there is no mention of whether the Yellow Submarine are prepared to up their offer. But in today’s transfer market that seems a reasonable request for an experienced international.
Marca also adds that other clubs are in for the player, although there is no mention of who they are.
Those clubs are almost certainly from Spain, however, given Lo Celso’s success with Real Betis before he joined Tottenham.
The north London club splashed out £27.2m to sign Lo Celso after an initial loan period.
However, he failed to really take off at Tottenham, scoring just nine goals in 84 appearances in all competitions. That is in stark contract to his form for Argentina, where he often excelled despite his Premier League struggles.
Lo Celso among expected Tottenham exits
Lo Celso is expected to be among many permanent exits at Spurs this summer. Indeed, midfield duo Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks are also expected to leave the club.
Tottenham have also been active in bringing in new talent so far.
Experienced Croatia star Ivan Perisic has signed on a free from Inter Milan, while a move for goalkeeper Fraser Forster is also close.
Antonio Conte also wants to bring in three or four other players after Spurs secured Champions League football for next season.
