Despite Arsenal securing a UEFA Champions League spot, while Tottenham were made to settle for the UEFA Europa League, a target for both north London sides is now leaning towards a move to N17.
Real Madrid are even believed to be considering a swoop for the player in question as well, but it is Spurs who could end up winning the race.
So, which Arsenal target is now tempted to join Tottenham? Let’s take a look…
Joan Garcia more tempted to join Tottenham than Arsenal
A story from AS in Spain now claims that Espanyol No.1 Joan Garcia is actually more tempted to sign for Spurs than the Gunners this summer.
It comes after respected journalist Ángel García broke the initial news of Tottenham’s interest last week.
The Spanish news outlet suggest that Tottenham have already made a bid for the 23-year-old, who has a €25m (£20m) release clause written into his contract.
AS describe Garcia as being happy to continue at Espanyol and in no rush to decide on his future as he prepares to take part in this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
However – should his release clause be triggered – it sounds as if Tottenham would be his preferred destination, despite AS mentioning that Arsenal and Real Madrid would also like to sign him.
Guglielmo Vicario is Ange Postecoglou’s No.1 in north London, although a standout No.2 is lacking as Fraser Forster approaches the end of his career, while Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman are unproven in the Premier League.
Spurs should wait
In our view, Spurs should attend to other business before triggering Garcia’s £20m release clause.
That is a fairly hefty fee to spend on a No.2 who may only feature in a handful of games next season, if Vicario remains fit and healthy like he did last term, making 40 appearances in all competitions.
Therefore, other areas that are in need of reinforcements, such as the left of defence and the centre-forward department, should be focused on before Tottenham take £20m out of the transfer budget.
To bolster that point, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) mean clubs need to be more careful than ever about how they spend their money.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou hails £55m striker who Tottenham looked at signing two years ago
As a result, Postecoglou must prioritise which positions are most urgent before signing another goalkeeper, especially as the Australian already has the aforementioned Vicario, Forster, Austin and Whiteman at Hotspur Way.
