According to La Repubblica, Arsenal have now entered the race for Lille centre-back Sven Botman, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham.
Previous reports have indicated that Spurs are expected to spend big on a left-sided centre-back this summer, with Botman said to be one of the options on the club’s radar (The Athletic).
TuttoMercatoWeb reported a couple of weeks ago that AC Milan were leading the race for the Netherlands international and that the Serie A giants had already agreed on personal terms with the centre-back.
However, Sky Sport Italia journalist Manuele Baiocchini revealed a few days ago that Milan had suffered a setback in their pursuit of Botman and have turned their attention to signing Renato Sanches next instead.
The journalist claimed that interest from Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle in the 22-year-old was getting ‘stronger and stronger’.
La Repubblica have now claimed that Arsenal and Man Utd have both stepped up their interest in Botman.
The report does not mention Tottenham but asserts that Newcastle’s offer for the centre-back has been accepted by Lille.
MORE SPURS STORIES
It is explained that Botman still prefers a move to Milan, having agreed on a five-year contract with Stefano Pioli’s side.
However, La Repubblica add that Milan must ‘quickly close the deal’ as Lille are not happy with Botman’s behaviour.
Spurs Web Opinion
I do not think Botman is likely to be near the top of Paratici’s and Conte’s wishlist as far as a left-sided centre-back is concerned.
The Dutchman would be a better fit for a back four than a back three, which is why I would not be too fused if we miss out on him.
I suspect Pau Torres is Tottenham’s main fallback option if their pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni falls through.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
