Tottenham are currently in the lead to sign Roger Ibanez from Roma, as Chelsea and West Ham United are also interested.
According to Roma Giallorossa, Tottenham are considered the leading contender for Roger Ibanez. The north London side reportedly competes with Chelsea and West Ham United for the 24-year-old Brazilian defender, as Roma seeks at least 30-35 million.
Roma will not press hard to keep Roger Ibanez after another good season from the 24-year-old Brazilian defender. Like the previous few windows, the Serie A giants are open to selling their players to generate funds and strengthen their squad.
Ibanez is considered one of their most sellable assets alongside the now-injured Tammy Abraham. They are unlikely to attract any attention for the English striker, but the 24-year-old Brazilian could yet bring in some much-needed funds.
Premier League sides are keeping constant tabs on the Brazilian. Tottenham had recently stepped up their interest in Ibanez and are already talking with Roma about a potential move. The sticking point is the Italian club’s valuation, which they believe is around €30-35 million.
Tottenham are unwilling to pay more than €20 million for the defender, which may seriously undermine Roma’s efforts to bring in the right money. Yet, the two clubs are talking and may reach an agreement, as the report insists. Spurs are leading the chase for the 24-year-old Brazilian.
West Ham and Chelsea are also keen, with Roma already in talks with the Hammers to sign striker Gianluca Scamacca on loan with an option to buy. The London side could ponder conjuring up a deal involving the two players as they seek a new defender.
In any case, they anticipate a busy summer, funded by the potential sale of Declan Rice, with Arsenal favourites to sign him. They are already looking for a replacement in Joao Palhinha and may have enough money to sign at least two more players after the Portuguese.
Ibanez will likely strengthen their backline, as West Ham could lose Angelo Ogbonna in the summer. However, Chelsea’s looming threat for the Hammers are in pursuit of the 24-year-old. The Blues may not necessarily view a central defender as a priority, but Ibanez has the qualities to improve their defence.
He could become a solid target if they end up selling LEvi Colwill, while Kalidou Koulibaly is also expected to leave. While, Chelsea are somewhat stuck with financial scrutiny and may struggle to meet Roma’s valuation of Ibanez. They could also ponder offering Ruben Lodtus-Cheek in part exchange as they have taken up a similar idea for other players.
As things stand, Ibane could leave Roma if there’s an important yet exciting offer from the Premier League. He is a defender with immense quality and one that would improve either one of the London trio’s defences.