Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino hopes to ‘keep’ Rodrigo Becao in Serie A amid reports linking the £17 million centre-back with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, speaking to Udinese Today.
One of the pillars of this overachieving Udinese side, with La Zabrette pushing for a place in the top half for the first time in years, the uncertainty surroudning Becao’s future threatens to become a rather unwelcome distraction. A dark cloud in an otherwise baby blue sky.
Becao’s contract expires in the summer of 2024. And finding an agreement on an extension is proving to be easier said than done.
Becao, Tutto Udinese report, is holding out for a pay rise. One that would put the 26-year-old Brazilian amongst the club’s highest earners. Even of Udinese were willing to meet his demands, interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham risks turning his head.
Spurs and table-topping Arsenal, meanwhile, could both be in a position to offer Becao Champions League football in 2023. Or, in Tottenham’s case, Europa League at best.
Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham United like Rodrigo Becao of Udinese
“The transfer market in January is known to be eventful. Above all, for those disgruntled players who want to play more,” Marino explains.
“Rodrigo is a player we would like to keep with us and consolidate in our team. We have an excellent relationship with him. We will try to do something in line with Udinese.”
Clearly, Udinese are not going to let Becao go without a fight. They may be fighting a losing battle, however, with talks over a new deal dragging on. What’s more, Tutto Udinese say that Becao, also a target for Inter Milan, is prioritising a move to the Premier League. He believes English football could be the ideal place to continue his impressive and ongoing development.
Everton, Fabrizio Romano explains, were ‘interested’ in Becao over the summer. That interest has now cooled, however, following the arrivals of James Tavernier and Conor Coady.
Romano adds that there are currently no talks underway between the 6ft 3ins South American and Arsenal. Or Spurs for that matter. This could soon change, however, with January now just over a month away.
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