According to the latest reports from Football.London, Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a £70m deal for Real Betis’ midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. Reports earlier had emerged that the La Liga side knocked back Spurs’ initial bid of £52m and it seems like the London club came up with an improved offer which might do the trick.
The Argentine midfielder was an unknown figure until the last year. However, his performance in the just gone by La Liga was impressive as he scored 16 goals and contributed with six assists in 46 appearances. The 23-year-old is also a 12 time Argentina international.
Lo Celso has his contract at Betis until 2023, so it is no surprise that they are in a strong position to negotiate a good price for the midfielder. Spurs haven’t spend a single penny in the past two transfer windows, and after an impressive run in the Champions League, we expect Daniel Levy to back Pochettino in the transfer market.
Do Spurs need Lo Celso?
Christian Eriksen is continually being linked with a move away from the club in the past few months. The Dane is going to enter into the final year of his contract soon, and Spurs might have to sell him if they aren’t able to convince him to sign a new deal.
Lo Celso will be an ideal replacement for someone like Eriksen as he can be that creative spark in midfield. The 23-year-old is also known for his impressive work rate, and he should fit in well into Pochettino’s system given his playing style.
Lo Celso’s strengths
The Argentine can wriggle out of tight spaces as he has quick feet and he could be a very dangerous player for the opposition when he gets on the ball in central areas in the attacking third. His goal scoring exploits with Betis also suggests that he is a good finisher in front of goal and all in all, Spurs will get an ideal attacking midfielder if they sign him.
Is he worth £70m?
The fact that he still has a long term contract has pushed his price up. However, he is still 23, and his best years are yet to come. Lo Celso has the potential to become a world beater. Such is today’s market condition that one needs to shell out top money to land prime targets, and we feel that the Argentine midfielder would be a decent acquisition even for the quoted price.
