Real Betis are reportedly still exploring the possibility of signing Tottenham Hotspur outcast Giovani Lo Celso on loan before the summer transfer window slams shut.
According to Turkish journalist Rudy Galetti, Real Betis are still working on a deal to sign Tottenham playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, and are trying to iron out their preferred loan deal with an option to make it permanent at the end of his tenure, but Spurs would only sanction a loan if there is an obligatory purchase clause.
Lo Celso has had a difficult time at Tottenham, having joined the club on loan from Real Betis in the summer of 2019. After making an impact under Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho, Spurs activated their option to sign the midfielder permanently in the following January transfer window in a deal worth over £27 million.
However, the 44-cap Argentina international struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, eventually being loaned back to La Liga, signing for Villarreal, where he performed at an excellent level when fit and available.
After returning from a two-year loan spell at Villarreal, the 27-year-old is at a career crossroads and faces a decisive summer as his future continues to be a subject of speculation.
The Yellow Submarine opted against making a permanent move for him, but there are no shortage of offers on the table from England, Spain, and Italy, with even Barcelona rumoured to be interested as part of their midfield rebuild. However, La Blaugrana’s financial issues proved to be a decisive block.
Lo Celso impressed new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou during pre-season as he netted twice in three friendlies, and there were reports that the Spurs have ruled out letting him go this summer. With a move to Barcelona seemingly off the cards, Lo Celso was ready to fight for his spot at Spurs in the new season.
Yet, the Argentine midfielder has not featured in the first two league games of the season and is prepared to move on from Spurs for regular minutes elsewhere.
Serie A Champions Napoli are keeping tabs on Lo Celso, but they haven’t taken any concrete steps towards his pursuit, and look to be more focused on signing Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo.
Betis have been credited as one of the potential suitors for Lo Celso, and the move appeals to the player the most. Los Verdiblancos have identified Lo Celso as a potential replacement for Sergio Canales, who signed for Mexican side Monterrey earlier this summer.
The Andalusian outfit are keen to sign Lo Celso on loan with an option to buy structure. Tottenham are willing to loan him out, but any deal for their prized midfielder must meet one criteria. The Lilywhites are insisting on an obligation to buy in any agreement to loan out the midfielder.
Negotiations will continue between the two clubs as Betis seek to thrash out some kind of arrangement to secure Lo Celso’s services before the closure of the summer transfer window.
