There is a ‘possibility’ that Raul de Tomas could leave Espanyol this month amid links with Premier League duo Arsenal and Aston Villa, the La Liga club’s CEO Mao Ye tells La Grada.
Now, interest in the old-school number nine is nothing new.
Arsenal came calling for Raul De Tomas back in January – a fact confirmed by Barcelona’s blue-and-white-clad city rivals – while an Aston Villa side who continue to perform well below expectations have also ‘explored’ a deal for the broad-shouldered Spain international (Give Me Sport).
And while Mao Ye did not comment on reports suggesting Espanyol could accept just £20 million for a man with a £60 million release clause in his contract, the CEO certainly set Periquitos pulses racing when he admitted that De Tomas could still be sold before September’s transfer deadline.
Arsenal and Aston Villa like Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas
“There is no Raul de Tomas situation. He arrived later in the pre-season and will need more training time to reach the required level,” he says.
“He has given us a lot of quality and he is a key part of the squad. This week, La Liga begins and we hope that ‘RDT’ will continue to contribute for us.
“There are days left in the market. And there are always possibilities (that De Tomas could leave). But we have him in our squad.”
Madrid-born De Tomas, who spent time at Real before moving on, has scored 35 goals in his last 81 La Liga games, despite plying his trade for Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano. An ill-fated spell at Benfica remains a rare blot on the striker’s otherwise impressive copybook.
De Tomas’ physical prowess, eye for goal and prodigious work ethic would be very well received by Mikel Arteta and Steven Gerrard; Two coaches who expect their strikers to defend from the front, while also posing a threat in the penalty area.
“Arsenal called for Raul de Tomas,” Espanyol director Jose Maria Duran admitted in January. “But we didn’t even want to talk. We won’t let him go now, no way. His release clause is 75 million euros (£60m).”
Gabriel Jesus has made a superb start to life at Arsenal. But depth in attack may be a must if the Gunners are to push for Champions League qualification.
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