Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Filip Kostic, with the winger now set to stay with the Bundesliga club this summer.
According to the Frankfurter Rundschau, the Serbian international is leaning towards staying with the UEFA Europa League winners despite strong interest from Juventus with Tottenham also reportedly interested in Kostic, with the attacker likely to remain with Eintracht until the end of his contract in 2023.
As per the report, Juventus are keen on signing Kostic but are yet to submit an offer for the winger, with Frankfurt placing a €20m (£17m) price tag on the attacker, with the Serie A side seemingly turning their attention to Angel Di Maria, who is currently a free agent.
Indeed, the Argentine international has been on Juventus’ radar for some time, and although this news should indicate that Tottenham are now in the clear to sign Kostic, the forward’s decision to potentially stay throws a massive spanner in the works for Antonio Conte.
An attacker who been compared to Tottenham legend Gareth Bale as per the Bundesliga’s official website, Kostic could be an outstanding signing for Spurs given the 29-year-old’s versatility in the frontline and his impressive goalscoring and assist record with Frankfurt.
Indeed, Kostic was key to Frankfurt’s Europa League triumph last season, and with the winger now reportedly open to staying for one more season, this news is a big blow for Tottenham, who could have done with the forward’s qualities for the upcoming campaign.
Frankfurt stay should spur Tottenham to sign Kostic next year
Kostic staying at Frankfurt this summer might be a big blow for Tottenham, but with the attacker’s contract expiring in 12 months, Spurs should be patient and wait to move for the attacker next summer when the Bundesliga superstar will be available for free.
After all, these types of deals are ones that Conte thrives off, and if the Italian manager is still at Tottenham next year, Kostic on a free transfer would be exceptional move for the north London boss.
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