Tottenham transfer news: Giovani Lo Celso offer with obligation to buy arrives, but Spurs may fancy new suitors
Villarreal have made a first loan-to-buy offer for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso amid fresh interest from Serie A, a report has claimed.
The 26-year-old initially moved to Spurs in the summer of 2019 on loan from Real Betis. And after impressing both Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho, he earned a long-term deal.
Skip forward two-and-a-half years, though, and Lo Celso is no longer in the picture. Indeed, current boss Antonio Conte left him out of his side’s pre-season tours.
As a result, he is one of those who Conte, Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy are trying to shift this summer.
Last term, Lo Celso starred at Villarreal and they have subsequently advanced their interest in a permanent deal.
In fact, Marca in Argentina claims that the Spanish side’s first offer is a season-long loan with a €15million (£12.5million) obligation to buy.
Previous reports put Spurs’ valuation of the Argentine at €20million (£17million). As such, it remains unclear whether Spurs will accept the drop in fee – or whether they will ask Villarreal to make up the difference.
However, Calciomercato now claims that Napoli are keen on Lo Celso – and are willing to offer more.
The report says the Serie A side can offer Spurs’ €20million valuation in a loan-to-buy or loan with option to buy deal. What’s more, there is ‘no team in pole position’ for the Tottenham man.
What is clear, though, is that Lo Celso will struggle for game time if he does not leave Tottenham.
Conte has moved on from the Argentine by signing Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma in successive transfer windows.
Conte’s new-look Tottenham team – fresh from six summer additions – want to push on from last season’s top-four Premier League finish. They are also eyeing an enjoyable return to the Champions League.
Lo Celso one of several exit-linked Tottenham stars
Lo Celso is not the only player Tottenham are looking to move on this summer.
In fact, there are three Spurs midfielders who all have uncertain futures. Tanguy Ndombele has also had links with a move to Villarreal after last season’s loan return to Lyon.
Harry Winks started Conte’s reign as a key player, but Bentancur’s arrival stopped that trend. The Englishman is of interest to Everton manager Frank Lampard.
Elsewhere, Bryan Gil also left for Spain last season, moving to Valencia on his own loan spell.
While Tottenham have been one of the busiest and most successful Premier League clubs for incomings this summer, their work on outgoings has only just begun – and Lo Celso is a big part of their outstanding work.
