Tottenham Hotspur have expressed their desire to sign Vanderson, although they could face stiff competition from AC Milan and Spartak Moscow.
According to a report from Globo Esporte, Vanderson is seemingly becoming a hot prospect in the market as many European clubs look to prise him away from Brazil. Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in the services of the talented right-back, though AC Milan and Spartak Moscow are also keen.
However, Gremio have appeared unwilling to hold any talks regarding a potential exit. They are intent on keeping hold of their prized asset, having already rejected a €12 million approach from an unnamed club. The player reportedly has a €100 million release clause in his current contract that expires in 2025.
Vanderson is currently being considered as one of the best raw defensive talents in Brazil, having enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the last 12 months. He was initially promoted to the senior side in November 2020, with the youngster since notching up 40 appearances in all competitions.
The 20-year-old has already featured in 12 league games in the ongoing 2021 season, scoring two goals. His work ethic and attacking quality has certainly impressed Tottenham, who are in the market for a new right-back in the summer.
While Japhet Tanganga produced a Man of the Match performance in the win over Manchester City, the club lacks proper alternatives with Serge Aurier likely to leave the club in the summer. Last summer signing Matt Doherty has also struggled to live up to the expectations, falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho and perhaps even Nuno Espirito Santo.
As such, the Lilywhites are targeting versatile defensive players in the summer, ones who can cover for both centre-back and right-back. Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic had emerged as a potential option for the club, but the Serbian international has signed a new contract with the Serie A outfit and looks set to stay. Takehiro Tomiyasu too was heavily linked but things have gone quiet on that front as well.
Vanderson might not offer much versatility but he could be an asset at right-back due to his pace and attacking prowess. Unfortunately, Gremio’s desire to keep hold of the 20-year-old might see Tottenham miss out on the youngster.
It could be a blessing in disguise given the fact that a major investment in an inexperienced Brazilian is always a risk in the current financial climate. Someone like Tomiyasu, with experience of football in Europe, thus represents a safer approach. It, however, remains to be seen who the Lilywhites decide to go after or deem their current options as enough.