Tottenham held talks with £26m star’s agent as transfer ‘edges closer’
Genoa defender Radu Dragusin is thought to be attracting interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
Defensor Radu Dragusin of Genoa has received approaches from Arsenal and Tottenham to talk about a January transfer for the 21-year-old, according to his agency. Dragusin is proving to be a valuable asset at the back for Genoa, an Italian team that appears headed for relegation in the upcoming months. Dragusin has played every minute in Serie A this season.
Before relocating permanently to Genoa in the summer, Dragusin spent the previous season there on loan from Juventus. However, he is already being mentioned as a possible January departure. According to reports, Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly keeping an eye on him ahead of the winter market, as his impressive performance is drawing interest from the Premier League.
The two opponents from north London have already gotten in touch with him regarding Dragusin’s availability, according to his agent Florin Manea. Recently, Newcastle has also communicated with Manea, and in preparation for the January transfer window, they have held “almost weekly” meetings where Dragusin has been discussed.
“I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams,” Manea explained. “Moving in the right direction. I had conversations with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle. I’ve had talks and mails with them as well. Certain teams inquire [about Dragusin].”
According to reports, Radu Dragusin might face off against Arsenal or Tottenham in January.
This season, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has relied heavily on Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at the back, with the two starting together the majority of the time. But without new acquisition Jurrien Timber, who is presently sidelined due to a long-term knee injury, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior are the only obvious substitutes.
Tottenham, however, is rumoured to be searching for defensive additions as Micky van de Ven is expected to stay sidelined until the next year. In January, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe would also want to bolster his defence in response to injuries to Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman.
It is estimated that dragusin may be had for as little as £26 million next.
Although some of the top clubs in the nation obviously like the Romanian defender, Dragusin’s potential move to the Premier League in January is still up in the air. He has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Genoa, according to Italian publication TMW, which states he can depart for a cost of almost £26 million next year.
Recently, Dragusin acknowledged that Virgil van Dijk, the star player for Liverpool, has influenced his style of play and said that he would love to try himself in the top division of England if the opportunity arises.
Dragusin told AntenaPLAY, “This [Premier League] is the championship I like, which is to my liking.” “I watch that league, and my goal is to compete there in the future. I’m in Genoa, and the national team is my favourite team. Though nothing is documented, there are a lot of rumours. I’ve never had an idol or role model. I claim to be comparable to Van Dijk, but I don’t have a hero.
qualifiers, helping his country complete an unbeaten campaign to secure their place at next summer’s European championships.
After showcasing his skills for his country and club, Dragusin is now drawing interest from several Premier League teams.
According to Florin Manea, the player’s agent, Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring the defender’s circumstances, and he is also admired by AC Milan and Newcastle United.
“I have been in London for a while and have almost weekly meetings with important teams,” Manea said to Fanatik. We are drawing nearer.
“I had conversations with Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle. I’ve had talks and mails with them as well. Some teams inquire [about Dragusin].
“I want to state unequivocally that Radu will play in a very strong, not-so-powerful club by next summer! in the world’s top ten. He is aware that Milan really likes him, but he still wants to play in the Premier League.
“They have to accept the fact that Genoa has very high claims initially. An offer to extend the contract is on the table. We were in agreement with one another, but we also stated that if a club were to approach us and offer us about €30 million (£26 million), we would like to leave.”
Brighton & Hove Albion was reportedly one of the Premier League teams scouting the young center-back, according to a recent report.
Although Dragusin’s current contract expires in the summer of 2027, it appears that Genoa has extended an offer to him.
