Arsenal legend Per Mertesacker has made a confident claim about Luka Vuskovic amid the speculation linking the centre-back with a move away from Tottenham.
Many Spurs fans were excited to see the impact that the Croat can have on the first-team next season on the back of his breakout season on loan at HSV.
However, the Vuskovic could exit the North London club without making a single competitive appearance in a Lilywhite shirt.
Brighton have submitted an improved £45m offer for the Spurs teenager after seeing their first two bids turned down by Tottenham, who have strengthened at centre-back with the additions of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Luka Vuskovic will be playing Premier League football next season
Reports indicate that Vuskovic could put in a transfer request at Tottenham, with the 19-year-old thought to believe that the Amex Stadium would be the ideal place for his development.
Mertesacker has no doubts about the Spurs youngster’s quality, and is confident that the defender will be playing regularly in the Premier League next season, whether that be in North London or elsewhere.
The German told ZDF (as relayed by MOPO) about Vuskovic: “A real rising star. He was already a key player at HSV at the age of 19. It’s incredible how young players like him are already taking on responsibility, both on and off the pitch.
“He’ll return to Tottenham Hotspur, where he’ll either stay and play in the Premier League – or be sold for a lot of money.”
Spurs want a huge fee for Vuskovic
The ideal solution for Tottenham may be to send the teenager out on loan again, as it will ensure he gets regular football and his market value remains high.
However, it was reported by TEAMtalk a couple of days ago that Vuskovic has informed Spurs that he wants to make a permanent switch to Brighton, instead of heading out on loan again.
In fact, the outlet claimed that the centre-back has already agreed personal terms with the Seagulls, with the Lilywhites holding out for over £50m for the youngster.