Former Valencia and Middlesborough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes comparisons with Barcelona legend Xavi is warranted for rumoured Spurs target Arthur Melo.
Arthur is said to have caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur, with Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on bringing the 23-year-old to North London (Mundo Deportivo).
It was claimed by Mundo Deportivo in April that the Lilywhites were willing to offer a player plus cash deal to sign him this summer.
Although the midfielder is still highly thought of at the Catalan giants, it is said that he is one of the players the club have transfer listed as they look to reduce their wage bill due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (The Sun).
However, it was revealed two weeks ago that Juventus were leading the race for the Brazilian in a swap deal which could see Miralem Pjanic heading the other way being suggested(Tuttosport).
Mendieta admitted that he is a big fan of Arthur and urged the Catalan giants to keep him.
When asked about the speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future, Mendieta told Tuttomercatoweb: “We are talking about a great midfielder.
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“‘In Spain, they compare him not by chance to Xavi for the way he touches the ball and reads the game.
“Personally, however, I hope that he stays in Barça and in La Liga. I like Arthur very much.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Among all the Barcelona players we have been linked with, Arthur is the only one I was desperate for us to sign. I would not mind even if we were to swap Ndombele for the 23-year-old as I feel Arthur is potentially a generational talent if he can find his best form. However, it does seem like he is Juventus bound.
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