According to reports in Turin-based newpaper La Stampa, via Calciomercato, Juventus have joined Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Brazil international has already hinted that he could leave the Bundesliga champions at the end of the season and he is said to be attracting interest from the Premier League duo.
However, Juve are understood to have already launched a €25m (approximately £21.7m) offer for the 26-year-old’s services and their relationship with Bayern could make them the frontrunners.
Why’s that?
The two clubs have done lots of business in recent seasons with Arturo Vidal moving from Juventus to Bayern in the summer of 2015, before Kingsley Coman followed him just a few months later.
Then last summer Mehdi Benatia went in the opposite direction on loan and has recently made his move to the newly-crowned Serie A champions permanent.
Why would Spurs want him?
Well, despite suffering from hamstring and knee injuries during the current season that have meant that he has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line-up, the winger has still scored seven goals and provided a further nine assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.
As he usually plays on the left, but is able to play on the right too, he would certainly boost Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking options with Moussa Sissoko especially failing to impress following his £30m move from Newcastle United last summer.
His pace and dribbling ability could be key to helping Tottenham once again compete for the Premier League title next term, as well as progressing further in the Champions League.
Do they still stand a chance?
Of course they do.
Even though Juventus have a good relationship with Bayern and have launched an offer for the forward, there is no doubt that Tottenham can offer more than the current £21.7m bid, and they would also guarantee him regular first team football and Champions League football too.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, Costa is certainly the calibre of player Spurs should be looking to sign this summer in order to strengthen their squad and they shouldn’t be put off by the interest from Juventus.
The north London club has established itself as a top team now and they must show they have the ambition to move to the next level.
