Tottenham and Arsenal are reportedly vying for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes ahead of the summer. A player, that Mauricio Pochettino claimed almost broke his nose earlier this season.
Paredes, 27, joined PSG in January 2019 and signed a contract until June 2023 – meaning he is about to enter the final 12 months of that deal. A situation, that is likely to have tempted Arsenal and Tottenham of a move.
He has been somewhat of a rotational player during his time at PSG, playing 113 times since he joined the club. His most appearances in one season came last term, but that only reached a total of 36 in all competitions.
CalcioMercato report Arsenal and Tottenham are keen – and PSG want £21million, but would consider anything above £16.5million. In February, wild celebrations saw Pochettino claim Paredes almost broke his nose.
“I felt two things. The first was joy, then Paredes ran towards me and hit my nose with his chest,” Pochettino said, as per Goal. “And I thought I had broken it, I called our doctor and told him ‘I think I have broken my nose’.”
Pochettino on Paredes: Arsenal need him so much more than Tottenham
The signing of Rodrigo Bentancur has propelled Tottenham’s midfield from mid-table, pushing for the top six, to proper top-four contenders. His combination with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield has been excellent.
Arsenal, meanwhile, still have Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park even at full strength. Thomas Partey had been improving before injury. Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to prove himself. Mo Elneny’s contract ends in June.
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