Ilaix Moriba has agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur, who are prepared to enter negotiations with Barcelona over the potential move.
According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a real contender in the race to sign Ilaix Moriba. They have reached personal agreement with the player and are expected to hold talks with Barcelona over the transfer.
The Spanish giants are holding out for a fee of €20 million, with Spurs likely to submit an offer soon. Moriba is keen on playing in the Premier League, so it won’t be surprising to see a move being made official soon, once the two clubs agree upon a transfer.
Moriba was earlier linked with a switch to Chelsea but it appears Tottenham have taken the lead, as the Blues look to prioritise a move for Jules Kounde in these remaining days of the summer transfer window.
Upon arrival, the young Spanish prodigy will become Tottenham’s second investment in the midfield department. Earlier this week, the Lilywhites had roped in another young talent in Metz’s Pape Sarr to reinforce the midfield unit that has often appeared overreliant on the services of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, although the Senegalese ace will be returning to the Ligue 1 club on loan.
The likes of Moriba should add more variety in the middle of the park for new coach Nuno Espirito Santo. It should further enable him to potentially offload Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele, during the closing stages of the window.
As for FC Barcelona, their primary goal was to keep hold of the services of Moriba. But the youngster’s insistence on a bigger pay packet and his attitude over the matter was not favoured by many at the club. As a result, they are now prepared to cash in on him for a fee of €20 million.
His departure to Tottenham should go a long way in helping them fund a move for Bernardo Silva. The Manchester City star has emerged as a target for Ronald Koeman, who is determined to add some more quality to the creative side of things, especially after Lionel Messi’s shock move to Paris Saint-Germain
It will be interesting to see if the Blaugrana express any interest to sign another creative midfielder in Ndombele. It is apparent that the Frenchman is not wanted at Spurs, paving the way for Barca to potentially hold talks over a direct swap deal, although it remains questionable when Koeman would be interested in the ex-Lyon starlet.
