Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer windows couldn’t be more different if they tried. Although the Midlands have yet to secure their first signing of the summer, the Lilywhites have been making statement signing after statement signing.
Now, the two sides will go head-to-head in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Ibrahim Mbaye. With Villa looking to start their own business and Spurs looking to add to theirs, the 18-year-old is quickly becoming one to watch.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
It looks like PSG are ready to sell Mbaye for as little as £30m this summer, and that is appealing to Tottenham and Aston Villa. Both clubs are now studying offers to secure his signature. |
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Finance |
The Premier League duo are not fully satisfied with PSG’s asking price. Both are set to submit offers worth £21m – £9m short of PSG’s valuation. However, that is expected from the opening bid. |
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Understanding |
You will struggle to find another 18-year-old in world football who has won the Champions League twice. Mbaye is already a serial player and played his part in Europe last season, making four appearances as a tricky and exciting centre-back. |
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Impact |
It’s a chance to make a statement for whoever wins the race. Mbaye is one of the best young talents in Europe and his exit could help fund PSG’s pursuit of Liverpool’s Yan Diomande. |
Mbaye will be a top player in the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether Spurs, Villa or another side will win the race for his arrival.
Spurs and Aston Villa are ready to sign Mbaye
According to United In Focus, Aston Villa and Tottenham are preparing to sign Mbaye from PSG this summer. The French giants are ready to give the green light for a fee of 35 million euros (£30m), while the aforementioned bids are expected to cost only 25 million euros (£21m).
Whether there is a middle ground is now the big question. Of course, it is only natural that there is a gap in the calculation of the first offer, as Aston Villa and Spurs intend to negotiate with the European champions.
It remains to be seen whether Mbaye will look for any move, as he may get the chance to leave France.
Mbaye will be out of money with Leao at Spurs
Of course, it is important to note that Mbaye is not the only winner on Tottenham’s radar. They are also looking at Rafael Leao at AC Milan and have already started talks over a deal worth more than £50m.
That should not rule Mbaye out though. The PSG man will be more expensive and more powerful than the Portugal international, who struggled to find his best form in Italy last season.
Dubbed “magnificent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Mbaye could be the attacking midfielder Spurs have been looking for to add the cherry on top of what has been an excellent summer so far.
