Reports suggest Barcelona have moved for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who would have been perfect for Tottenham Hotspur.
The French midfielder has one year left on his contract and, again according to Sport, Tottenham Hotspur were willing to pay €30million to secure his signing.
But Barcelona’s agreement has blown them out of the water, turning Rabiot’s head far enough that Spurs simply are not in his sights anymore.
And make no mistake: the 23-year-old would have been perfect for Tottenham.
He would add the youth they have thrived on in recent years, lining up in age with other important players like Dele Alli and Harry Kane, while also giving Tottenham a little more elite experience thanks to his development at PSG.
Not only that, but the impending departure of Mousa Dembele leaves Spurs in need of another central midfielder, and Rabiot is one of the few available that can replace the composure, technique, and physicality of the Belgian.
It is important to remember, however, that Rabiot was not deemed quite good enough to make France’s World Cup squad, and yet a team like Barcelona are happy to give in to the wage demands that even PSG rejected.
That is what Spurs are up against in their pursuit of progression; Tottenham are not a side with huge amounts of money to spend – especially having built a new stadium – and yet the players they need can be swept up by huge sides with more cash.
But this is what Spurs have to fight if they are to reach the top. It is a very tough game but it is one they are going to have to deal with.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
