Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura, according to a reliable journalist.
Romain Collet-Gaudin, who works for French broadcaster Canal-Plus, claims that Arsene Wenger’s team are in talks with PSG about what would be a stunning late swoop for the Brazil international.
But Collet-Gaudin explained that Arsenal are a “clear second” behind Tottenham, who are in pole position to seal the signing of Moura by next Wednesday.
#Lucas très très proche de #Tottenham !!!
Derniers détails à régler. Cela avance bien.#Arsenal toujours en contact mais choix numero 2. pic.twitter.com/68bw6WIHiA— Romain Collet-Gaudin (@RomainCG75) January 28, 2018
French broadcaster RMC claimed on their live transfer blog (Friday, 3.03pm) that Spurs have reached an agreement with the wide attacker over a four-year contract after he travelled to London for talks on Thursday.
???? INFO @RMCsport : Accord contractuel entre Lucas et Tottenham ! Toutes les infos ici ? https://t.co/WWgIQK1HYg #RMClive #Mercato #PSG pic.twitter.com/doZKX0Zzkm
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) January 26, 2018
But the two clubs have yet to reach agreement over the fee, with PSG holding out for their £21.8million valuation to be met.
Good move for Tottenham?
Yes, definitely. Armed with 35 Brazil caps and a fine record at PSG and Sao Paulo, Moura is an attacking player who could be a devastating weapon for Tottenham. He would add genuine pace and trickery and the capacity for the unexpected, something Spurs lack when they struggle to break teams down. Aged 25, he has his best years ahead of him and would be a stunning January signing. In another major plus, he would be available for their Champions League last-16 clash against Juventus as he has not yet played in the competition this season. Mauricio Pochettino has consistently played down the possibilities of the January market but it would be quite a coup if Tottenham pulled off this deal.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Arsenal’s attempted hijack after Moura reportedly agreed terms with Tottenham two days ago adds a fascinating late transfer twist. But the Spurs faithful can be hugely encouraged by the fact that their club are likely to see off the late interest from their bitter rivals to seal the deal.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10