Brazilian midfielder Gerson is committed to Flamengo, amid interest from Premier League duo Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea and Tottenham have been handed a big blow in their pursuit of Gerson ahead of the summer transfer window. In an interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, the 23-year-old midfielder has claimed that he is in no mood to part ways with Flamengo despite widespread interest in his services.
Gerson made his senior bow at Fluminense five years ago before joining AS Roma in January 2016. The Brazilian, though, was unable to establish himself in the Italian capital and after a couple of years, he was back in homeland, as he joined Flamengo last summer.
It is here that the player has finally managed to enjoy regular game time, having turned out 42 times for the Rubro-Negro, while also chipping in with 4 goals and as many assists. His progress has been duly noted by Chelsea and Tottenham, who are reported to be interested in him.
Chelsea seem like they could enter the transfer market for a midfielder, with Jorginho being touted to leave for Juventus. While Gerson is not a holding midfielder and will not be a like-for-like replacement, the Italian international’s departure would enable N’Golo Kante to play at the base of the midfield, thereby opening up a spot for a box-to-box midfielder.
As for Tottenham, they are another club who could be in for a central midfielder this summer, and for good reason. Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has not taken a liking to Tanguy Ndombele, who could be sold this summer by Spurs.
With Gedson Fernandes failing to settle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is clear that Mourinho could do with a midfield addition. Gerson is, thus, a viable target for the north Londoners. Now, though, Chelsea and Tottenham have been handed a blow in their pursuit of the 23-year-old, who is insisting that he is not leaving Flamengo anytime soon.
“After a year with Flamengo, I can promise that I never spoke with another club. My focus is totally on Flamengo. I feel at home, I am happy, I am wanted and I am at a club that is on the level of European sides. We can’t shut doors, football shows this, but today I am very happy and fulfilled to be in the club of my heart.”
Gerson’s comments suggest that he is not going anywhere in the summer transfer window as he is well-settled at Flamengo. With the 23-year-old unlikely to be signed, Chelsea and Tottenham will have to set their sights elsewhere for a midfield reinforcement and it remains to be seen who appears on their radar next.