It's crazy to think what the threat of shock relegation can do to a side. Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in getting their act together this summer and have already welcomed Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka with a host of upcoming names.
Among those other names seems to be Mateus Fernandes. The Lilywhites have won the race to sign the West Ham United midfielder, agreeing a club record deal worth £85m.
A statement signing, but still, Spurs aren't done yet. They have reportedly launched a bid to sign Antonio Vergara from Napoli this summer.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
The latest update comes from Italian journalist Fabio Cannavo, a local reporter in Naples. Although his name may sound like Fabrizio Romano, the fact that he is a local journalist suggests that he should be knowledgeable about all things Napoli. Tottenham are also believed to be looking for another midfielder behind Fernandes, with links to Sandro Tonali continuing, so a move for Vergara would make sense. |
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Finance |
Napoli doesn't make things easy for those in North London. They have reportedly rejected a €25m (£22m) bid for Vergara, despite green-lighting his exit. He earns just £258k a year in Italy at the moment. |
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Understanding |
Vergara is an attacking midfielder, who spent much of last season struggling with injuries. At his best, the 23-year-old is a master creator, having been involved in four goals in eight Serie A starts last season. You are indeed a talented person. |
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Impact |
While Fernandes will provide the perfect link between Roberto De Zerbi's defense and the frontline, Vergara will provide an extra creative spark just ahead of the £85m man. And that balance between a rugged and beautiful midfield will be key. |
Spurs are not afraid to spend big this summer and Vergara is one to watch, as they look to welcome another midfield star.
Napoli respond to Tottenham's Vergara offer
As reported by local Italian journalist Fabio Cannavo and translated by Sport Witness, Napoli have rejected Tottenham's £22m bid to sign Vergara this summer.
The Serie A giants have taken a major U-turn in their first form, which has seen them move closer to the green light for their attacking midfielder. Now they want to extend Vergara's contract, which means Tottenham could make them an offer they can't refuse.
Cannavo said the 23-year-old's new deal will see a significant pay rise from €300,000 (£258k) a year to €2m (£1.72m) a year if he signs. We have to point out that he will still be one of Spurs' lowest earners on that salary.
Why Tottenham should ditch the Vergara move
Midfield is the priority for Spurs this summer and the arrival of Fernandes will be just the beginning. But now that they've agreed to a deal for their top target, they have no reason to rush into a deal for someone like Vergara.
Although the Napoli man is full of potential, Spurs need to look at his injury record. Vergara missed nine Serie A games due to injury last campaign and did not have the quality to come off the bench for a further 17 games. If the Lilywhites are in a desperate mood, then they will look elsewhere.
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Vergara injury history |
Injury |
Missed games |
|---|---|---|
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25/26 |
A partial tear of the plantar fascia |
7 |
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25/26 |
Muscle fatigue |
2 |
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24/25 |
Knee injury |
1 |
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24/25 |
Muscle problems |
1 |
|
23/24 |
Cruciate ligament tears |
30 |
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21/22 |
Hip problems |
6 |
It is an extensive record for a young player and Tottenham would be better off accepting Napoli's situation and looking elsewhere for an additional midfielder.
