Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are ready to revive their interest in Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao in January amid his contractual situation.
According to Tutto Udinese, Rodrigo Becao could be up for sale in January amid problems in renewing his contract at Udinese. Premier League trio Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are set to revive their interest in the Brazilian defender in January.
Rodrigo Becao is one of Udinese’s leaders in the team. But he has recently cut an unhappy figure with his contractual situation. The 26-year-old Brazilian defender wants parity with some of the club’s top earners, something Udinese have not been able to offer.
The Serie A outfit want to keep him for the longer term, but the two parties have not reached an agreement yet. Hence, the chances of Rodrigo Becao leaving Udinese in January have increased, with a host of Premier League clubs waiting in the wings.
Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton are set to revive their interest in the Brazilian defender. Spurs wanted him during the summer but could not agree on terms with Udinese.
While Tottenham managed to sign Destiny Udogie from Udinese, they also wanted Rodrigo Becao to become a part of Antonio Conte’s squad. The north Londoners are in the market to reinforce their central defence and want to bring in at least one player in January. And the Brazilian defender has emerged on their radar again.
The 26-year-old seems like a decent bet for Tottenham, who, along with Arsenal and Everton, could offer €15 million. Udinese value him at €20 million, but if he refuses to sign a contract, the Italian club may sell him for a lower fee.
Meanwhile, Everton are interested as they were in the summer. The Toffees could not agree to the terms and signed Conor Coady by the end of the window. The English international has performed well so far, but Frank Lampard might look to reinforce the area with another solid defender.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, are also keen on bringing in a new centre-back. Mikel Arteta’s preferred choices are William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Any new player will have to contend with a bench role. Yet, with plenty of games coming this season, Rodrigo Becao could prove a viable investment.
The Gunners are keen on signing a left-footed centre-half to provide competition for Gabriel. They have shown interest in Piero Hincapie. Rodrigo Becao could prove to be the player, but remains different from Arteta’s required profile.
Hence, Tottenham and Everton could lead the chase, with Spurs being the more attractive destination. But with all three clubs ready to offer €15 million to sign the Brazilian defender, it will be interesting to see where he heads off to next year.
There is no hurry. Rodrigo Becao has two years left on his deal. If Udinese were willing to take $15 million for him, he’d already be gone. The Itaians can hang onto him through this year and if doesn’t sign a new deal, they can sell him in the summer for at least $15 million. If he has a good year, he will probably earn them the $20 million the club supposedly want. It might also be worth keeping him another year and letting him go on a free, unless Udinese can replace him for less $15 million or less.