Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino wants to keep Radu Dragusin but would ‘understand’ if a £26 million bid was accepted from Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.
Scoring against Inter Milan during Genoa’s final game of 2023, the departure of Radu Dragusin would not only strip Gilardino of his stand-out centre-half, but also of a player capable of making key contributions in both boxes.
Dragusin, the club’s ponytailed powerhouse, found the net with a stunning volley against Hellas Verona a few weeks before stunning Serie A leaders Inter. And he will take some replacing if Tottenham come to an agreement with the Rossoblu this month.
Tottenham Hotspur in Radu Dragusin talks
Florin Manea, Dragusin’s agent, confirmed that Spurs had scouted his client shortly before Christmas. Manea has been in London for talks with Ange Postecoglou’s side too, though there is also interest from Newcastle United and bitter rivals Arsenal.
Gilardino, meanwhile, has not given up hope of retaining Dragusin’s services. That is starting to feel like wishful thinking, however, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the one-time Juventus starlet has agreed personal terms with Tottenham now.
“(My stance) also includes other players in the squad. Not just him,” former Italy striker Gilardino tells Tuttomercatoweb.
“I hope no one goes away. At the same time, I would understand the club if we have to make a sacrifice.”
As things stand, there remains a £5 million gap in the respective valuations of both clubs. Genoa are holding out for £26 million. And, while Spurs would rather pay closer to £21 million, the talks are understood to be moving in the right direction.
Spurs close in
“Understand Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Radu Dragusin on a long-term contract,“ Romano writes on X. “Negotiations ongoing with Genoa, as revealed two days ago.
“Genoa want a 30 million euro fee. Spurs want to spend around 25 million euros. Talks progressing.”
Dragusin, a right-footer, would provide competition for the card-happy Cristian Romero. Spurs are also keen on a left-sided centre-half to ease Postecoglou’s reliance on an injured Micky van de Ven.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
