'My understanding' - Transfer journalist drops Rafael Leao claim with Tottenham hopes discussed
Spurs have a problem to solve in the forward line and the have been offered a solution from Serie A.
Tottenham Hotspur were always going to have a big summer with recruitment supposed to be easier after winning the Europa League.
Defensive reinforcements have been made as well as Mathys Tel making his loan spell from Bayern Munich permanent, alongside Mohammed Kudus, they are known quantities in terms of having experience in the Premier League. Both good signings, but neither are on the same level as Son Heung-min and James Maddison.
Son has left for pastures new, and Maddison is injured, potentially for the long-term, which leaves a big hole in Thomas Franks’ attack and a mini-crisis in terms of creativity. What Spurs need are players who are on the same level as Son and Maddison, and who can make an instant impact in the Premier League to avoid a repeat of last season.
AC Milan offer Rafael Leao to Tottenham
Rodrygo is the big name that has been linked with Eberechi Eze also available, that both players have been targeted by Arsenal also hasn’t gone a miss. If Spurs want to get back into the top six and into the Champions League by finishing in the top four, they need to sign players who are good enough for the teams who they are competing against.
One such player is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao who is more than capable of matching the 23 goal contributions in 45 appearances that Son and Maddison each chipped in with last season, however, despite being offered the Portugal international, things aren’t quite as straight forward as they seem:
“My understanding is that intermediaries on the back of Son’s transfer and Maddison’s injury have put Leao to Spurs, in theory. Opportunistic, yes, but that is how some of the biggest deals in the world have come about,” said transfer journalist Graeme Bailey via TBR.
“However, I have spoken to Milan, and nothing is happening. They do have a new manager, but I am told that even though Massimiliano Allegri has just come through the door, he is firm on his stance that Leao stays.
“Allegri signed off on the sale of Tijjani Reijnders, so that meant he could have a say in other big decisions, like going for Dusan Vlahovic, but also keeping the likes of Pulisic and Leao.
“I am told that Allegri has informed Milan’s hierarchy that he can turn Leao into one of the very best forwards in the world. They are not planning on losing him, and I don’t believe Leao has the wish to leave at this point; he is excited by Allegri.”
Who should Spurs target to replace Son and Maddison?
It’s not quite back to the drawing board, but Spurs face an uphill battle in the coming weeks to sign the reinforcements that they need. Frank was already looking for someone to replace a club legend in Son, now clubs know that they are without Maddison too.
Nothing is more volatile in terms of market forces than the football transfer market. As the days tick by and players move onto other clubs, the options become limited. Tottenham have been linked to a lot of good players already, they now have a more pressing need to get them over the line.
Rodrygo won’t be short of offers, however, there aren’t that many teams who can actually afford the Real Madrid winger. With Kudus on the right, having a bone fide world class option on the left would give Spurs the sort of consistency of selection that hasn’t always been available since Harry Kane left.
The flexibility of Eze to play on the wing or as a 10 is also an attractive proposition, the Crystal Palace maverick will also have plenty of clubs after his signature, should he decide to leave Selhurst Park. Given Spurs’ situation though, Daniel Levy can expect to see a few pounds added to any price tags.