According to Italian newspaper Corriere di Bologna, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are the favourites to sign Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of Atalanta – with a fresh eight-figure bid expected this week.
The Lowdown: Tottenham enter Tomiyasu race…
As Spurs properly commence the hunt for new backline additions, coming after they finally ended their frantic search for a new manager, Tomiyasu has been touted as their potential first signing of the summer.
Indeed, Tottenham had an opening offer of €18m (£15.4m) rejected recently with Bologna holding out for a larger fee if they’re to part ways.
Spurs have been tipped to get this over the line, though, with some sources even suggesting that personal terms have already been agreed (Calciomercato.it).
The Latest: Spurs favourites, new bid expected…
As per regional news outlet Corriere di Bologna, Tottenham are the favourites to sign Tomiyasu ahead of both Atalanta and north London rivals Arsenal.
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It is even said that a new bid is expected some time this week, amounting to around €20 million (£17.1m) plus some bonuses, with chairman Daniel Levy aiming to provide strength in depth for new Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
However, Corriere di Bologna also claim that Serie A competitors Atalanta haven’t given up on signing Tomiyasu just yet, so Spurs could need to act quickly and secure his services.
The Verdict: Fruitful first signing?
Lauded as a ‘giant’ by the Italian media last season, perhaps summing up his contribution for Bologna, Tomiyasu was a mainstay under manager Siniša Mihajlović.
Starting 31 Serie A matches over the course of 2020/2021, the Japan international made 3.3 clearances per match on average in that time – no one in Bologna’s squad managed more (WhoScored).
His versatility could also prove invaluable, with the 22-year-old capable of playing both as a right-back and natural centre-half.
We believe he could come as a possible bargain for Spurs thanks to his age and versatility, especially if Bologna accept the revised £17.1m bid this week.
In other news: Tottenham have now made approach to sign £43.2m-valued star once likened to Messi, find out more here.