Tottenham plot Ajax raid for Chelsea, Liverpool-linked Dutch ‘pearl’ that would smash their transfer record
Tottenham have seated themselves at the top table with regards to entering the mix to sign a ‘coveted’ Dutch sensation commanding a huge fee, per a report.
Ajax have been one of European football’s most consistent suppliers of top talent for many a decade. Their conveyer belt of stars has churned out the likes of Matthijs De Ligt and Donny Van de Beek in recent years, both who were ultimately sold for big money.
And per Sport Witness (citing Spanish outlet Fichajes), the latest academy graduate to attract widespread attention is Ryan Gravenberch.
At just 19, the rangy midfielder has already won eight senior caps for the Netherlands. He has been compared to Paul Pogba in the past and was previously touted as a potential long-term successor to Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool
Per the article, Gravenberch is ‘coveted’ by a plethora of European giants. Barcelona, Juventus and Chelsea are all namechecked, though north London pair Arsenal and Tottenham are now claimed to be in the frame.
Spurs are described as ‘monitoring’ the midfielder’s situation with interest. He is described as an ‘interesting bet’ to continue each club’s squad rejuvenation.
Gravenberch already possesses a ‘dominant physique’, yet is famed for his excellent ‘mobility’.
The plaudits continue to poor in across the report, with Gravenberch termed the ‘pearl in everyone’s eye’.
Predictably, with a seemingly limitless potential and generating interest from so many powerful clubs, Ajax have a potential gold mine on their hands.
As such, it’s stated the Amsterdam club have set a ‘€75m asking price on his head.’ Gravenberch’s contract runs through to the summer of 2024. Therefore, if Tottenham or any interested party are to land the youngster, they will likely have to pay full price.
Tottenham’s current highest transfer remains that of Tanguy Ndombele who cost £55.45m.
Race to 10 goals: Salah leads the way but can the Egyptian keep up his fine form?
Emerson Royal recounts Arsenal transfer conversation
Meanwhile, Emerson Royal has admitted Arsenal made an effort to beat Tottenham to his signature, though revealed why Spurs emerged the ultimate victors.
The full-back hinted that despite Arsenal showing “desire” to sign him, it was Tottenham who made the firmer approach.
“I actually had a conversation with Edu,” Emerson continued. “I did talk to Edu in the same week. We talked, he showed me the desire of the club and such. And, of course, I needed Barcelona, I couldn’t settle anything with anyone, Barcelona had to deal club to club.
“And that’s where Barcelona went and found a deal with Tottenham. I also got to talk to Tottenham, at first I didn’t have any verbal agreement with anyone.
“That’s when Barcelona told me that they had made an agreement with Tottenham. I listened to the proposal. For me it was a good proposal, not only financial, for me that’s what counts least. But it had a very good career project for me. So this is why I chose to come to Tottenham.”
The post Tottenham plot Ajax raid for Chelsea, Liverpool-linked Dutch ‘pearl’ that would smash their transfer record appeared first on TEAMtalk.