Tottenham are edging closer to signing Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna as they prepare to launch an improved offer that could seal the move.
According to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham are ready to close the deal for Takehiro Tomiyasu in the week ahead. The Japanese international has been on the Premier League club’s sights for most of the summer, but his participation in the Olympics resulted in halted negotiations.
Tottenham are speeding up their recruitment process ahead of the new season with more players expected to arrive. With the transfer deadline still weeks away, the new Premier League campaign begins at the end of next week, and there are shortcomings in the current squad.
For much of the summer, the future of striker Harry Kane managed to overshadow other important aspects. Spurs require defenders after an underwhelming last campaign. New manager Nuno Espirito Santo, alongside technical director Fabio Paratici had their eyes on several defenders during the window, and after the signing of Cristian Romero, another one could sign straight away.
Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu emerged as a key target for Paratici early on. Spurs offered close to £15 million, but the Italian side are demanding improved terms. Spurs are now ready to raise their bid in the coming days to £17 million and hope the Serie A side accept it.
Tomiyasu has grown keen to join Spurs during the last weeks and has informed his close circle about his intentions. Paratici has also agreed on personal terms with the Japanese international. He is also attracting Arsenal’s interest, although Tottenham looks like the frontrunner. The north London side wants to wrap up things to integrate the player quickly with the squad.
As mentioned earlier, Tottenham have already signed Cristian Romero and hope to add Tomiyasu to their ranks. Veteran centre-back Toby Alderweireld left the club last month for Qatar, while Davinson Sanchez’s future is also doubtful after an underwhelming season.
If the 22-year-old signs, he would become Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer. Before Romero, the Lilywhites signed Atalanta’s Italian goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on a loan-to-buy deal while also completing the permanent transfer of Spanish youngster Bryan Gil from Sevilla.
Tomiyasu’s arrival will boost Espirito Santo’s defensive ranks, especially the right side. His ability to replace or compete with Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty at right-back will be a bonus for Tottenham, although they primarily consider him for the centre-back role next season.
