Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Yannick Carrasco in a late transfer swoop.
Diego Simeone wants to keep the experienced Belgian international, but a release clause could give Spurs the upper hand if they are willing to pay for his services.
Carrasco is an ideal fit for Antonio Conte because he can play wing-back or in a more advanced wide role. Despite being used frequently from the bench by Simeone, he contributed 12 goals in La Liga last season and has appeared in all three of Atletico’s league matches this season.
Reuters journalist Fernando Kallas has claimed (h/t Express) that Yannick Carrasco could be leaving for Tottenham and Atletico Madrid are mentally prepared to lose him in the final 48 hours of the window. He said:
“Yannick Carrasco could be on his way to Tottenham.”
“According to several reports, Atletico Madrid is still concerned about losing Carrasco in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.”
“He has a [£51.4m] release clause but it’s still very uncertain. He could be going to the Premier League for £51.4m.”
If Spurs are to pay his hefty release clause it would make him their second-most expensive signing of the summer, trailing only Richarlison. However, it has also been reported that Atletico Madrid are willing to let go of him for £25m, a fee well below his release clause in order to meet La Liga’s salary cap. So Spurs could actually be able to get him for half his value!