'The deal will close' - Journalist makes big Spurs exit claim as club decide announcement date

Journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER has made a major Tottenham Hotspur exit claim involving midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as Villarreal eye a permanent deal.

The Argentina international was a revelation for Villarreal and manager Unai Emery after joining them on a temporary spell in January for the second half of 2021/2022, prompting their interest in snapping up Lo Celso permanently.

Fabrizio Romano backs that the La Liga side wish to seal a deal for Lo Celso who appears to no longer be in manager Antonio Conte’s plans, coming as he eyes a major overhaul at N17.

The Premier League side, as per a major update from Márquez, have agreed a deal ‘in principle’ to sell Lo Celso.

According to the reporter, taking to Twitter, the permanent deal ‘will close’ for around €15-18 million (£13m-£15m) plus bonuses.

What’s more, Villarreal have apparently decided on the date of his signing announcement – if all ‘goes well’.

Marquez explained:

“The last fringes of the signing of Lo Celso for Villarreal are closing,

“In principle, the deal will close at 15-18 million (approx) plus bonus.

“Tottenham initially asked for 24, Villarreal has already decided on the date of the announcement, if all goes well.“

Fabio Paratici, tasked with backing Conte in the market, will also have to find a way to balance Tottenham’s books with outgoings – even despite their major £15om equity increase.

News of Lo Celso’s close departure will go some way to doing this, but the disappointment for supporters will be losing the South American for such a meagre fee – especially given Spurs have allegedly handed a Villarreal a big discount.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing as after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out