Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with a move for the Sporting CP defender Pedro Porro, a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.
According to a report from O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Pedro Porro remains a priority target for Tottenham. And Spurs are set to launch a serious move to sign the 23-year-old before the January transfer window closes. The Sporting CP defender is also a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.
Tottenham have been keen on signing the player over the last few weeks. But a move has not materialised yet. Apparently, Sporting’s demands are proving prohibitive to any potential transfer. The Portuguese outfit are reportedly holding out for a fee of €45 million. Porro has a release clause in his contract, and Spurs will have to pay up if they want to secure his services.
It remains to be seen whether the north London club can convince Sporting to accept a more reasonable fee below his release clause. The 23-year-old is a prodigious young talent who has been outstanding for the Portuguese club this season.
Porro has showcased his qualities in the UEFA Champions League as well and he was outstanding for Sporting during the group-stage clashes against Tottenham. It is fair to assume that his performances impressed Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, and the Italian is keen on signing him this month.
The full-back position has been a major concern for Tottenham this season, with Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal putting in underwhelming performances. Conte’s system is heavily reliant on attacking full-backs, and Spurs need to bring in a quality option in that position. And Tottenham are ready to launch a serious attack for the Chelsea and Arsenal target.
Porro will add some much-needed quality going forward, and he has proven himself to be a reasonably good defender as well. He is still only 23 and could improve further under the management of someone like Conte. But Tottenham face stiff competition from Chelsea and Arsenal for Porro.
Chelsea need an alternative for Reece James, who has endured an injury-riddled campaign thus far. But the interest from Arsenal is somewhat surprising, considering Ben White is now the first-choice right-back. And with Takehiro Tomiyasu being the backup, Arsenal might not need to sign another right-back.
Porro has ten assists across all competitions this season, and it is understandable why the Portuguese outfit are holding out for his release clause. Losing a player of his quality will weaken them severely during the second half of the campaign. And he has the potential to justify the €45 million asking price as well.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal across the line over the next few days. Apparently, the defender’s transfer could start to pick up pace after the Lisbon Derby. Sporting are currently focused on the big game, and they are looking to avoid any distractions.
