Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly seen an approach for Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul get turned down.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has turned down an opportunity to join Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
De Paul joined Atletico Madrid from Serie A side Udinese last summer and has become a regular fixture in the side, featuring 48 times in his debut season, in which he contributed with four goals and two assists. An ever-present in the Argentina national team setup, the 28-year-old has collected 41 caps and was part of the team that won the Copa America last year.
De Paul had a decent enough debut campaign in Spain, which has led to him attracting admirers in the form of Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina.
Tottenham have made a proactive start to the summer transfer window, having already signed Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, and Clement Lenglet, while Djed Spence is also on the verge of joining the north London club. But the transfer business at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is far from done.
Antonio Conte is looking to add another forward to his ranks, while a creative midfield signing could also be on the cards, with James Maddison a target. The reported interest in De Paul, however, comes as a bit of a surprise. As iterated earlier, Tottenham have already bolstered their midfield department with the capture of Bissouma.
In addition, Conte also has Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp at his disposal, while Rodrigo Bentancur also joined the club in January. Pape Matar Sarr has returned from his loan spell and could also be an option that Conte could count on after featuring in the pre-season friendly earlier this week.
So, even though Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso are likely to leave, Tottenham have enough depth in the centre of the park. However, the report states that the north London giants still made an attempt to lure De Paul to the club in the ongoing transfer window. But it is claimed that the 28-year-old rebuffed Spurs’ advances, along with Fiorentina, as he is happy at Atletico Madrid and wants to stay.
