Tottenham Hotspur continue to plot a move for Benfica star Andreas Schjelderup, and they may need a favour from Arsenal for the deal to go through.
Schjelderup was one of the best attackers on show at the World Cup, with the winger’s outstanding displays being a key reason for Norway’s march to the final eight of the competition.
Unsurprisingly, his performances at the biggest stage have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Tottenham, who are plotting a move for the £35m-rated 22-year-old as they look to add a top-class winger to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
In fact, over the last few days, several reports from Portugal have claimed that Spurs have made contact with Benfica over Schjelderup, and the Lilywhites will be encouraged by the latest developments in Lisbon.
Benfica identify Arsenal winger as replacement for Tottenham target Andreas Schjelderup
Correio da Manha (as relayed by Sport Witness) also backs up Spurs’ interest in the winger, and claims that the Tottenham target is keen to leave Benfica.
The club’s new head coach Marco Silva has allegedly informed the hierarchy that signing another left-winger is a priority if the club are planning to sell Schjelderup.
The man Silva wants to replace the 22-year-old is Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson, who spent last year on loan at Fulham under the Portuguese coach. His familiarity with Silva’s methods is viewed as an advantage.
While it is good news for Spurs that Benfica are scouring the market for a replacement for Schjelderup, it appears that their chances of clinching a deal may depend on the Gunners greenlighting the sale of Nelson.
Benfica president insists no offers received for Schjelderup
However, despite the ongoing speculation linking the 22-year-old with a move to Spurs, Benfica president Rui Costa paints a very different picture about the player’s future.
He insists that no offer has been received for Schjelderup and that efforts are underway to tie him down to a new deal at Estadio da Luz.
Costa told O Jogo: “The player has a renewal proposal. I have read and heard that he doesn’t want to stay at Benfica. That has not been communicated to us. He is on holiday and will soon return to Benfica. As of today, Benfica have not received any proposal for Schjelderup.”