Report: Tottenham are now trying to sign eight-goal star who 'was and still is an Arsenal fan'
According to Corriere dello Sport (print edition, January 28, 2022, page 25), Tottenham have started gathering information about Hellas Verona star Antonin Barak.
That claim has been backed by Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, who revealed on Twitter that Spurs have opened talks with the Serie A side to get a deal done before Monday’s deadline.
Tottenham, frustratingly for their fans, are yet to complete a single signing this month. They have been linked with multiple names and a couple of deals even looked imminent at one point, but they’ve all collapsed.
Antonio Conte will not be a happy man if there aren’t any new signings by Monday. Fabio Paratici, the sporting director, is doing everything he can to get deals done, and Barak could well be an option.
Tottenham open talks to sign Antonin Barak
The Serie A has been Conte and Paratici’s main focus in this window. Spurs have been linked with a number of players in Italy since the start of the month and Barak is reportedly the latest one on their wish list.
The Czech international, who stands at 6ft 3in tall, has been brilliant for Hellas Verona this season. Barak has scored eight goals and has provided four assists so far, which is a really good return for an attacking midfielder.
The 27-year-old can also play as a centre-forward, in central midfield and also as a number six. That sort of versatility is probably why Conte is keen, and Schira has revealed that a deal could be done for just £16.6 million in this window.
Barak’s an Arsenal fan
Just like Harry Kane, Barak too supported Arsenal as a kid. The only difference is that the Czech international is still a Gooner, at least that’s what he said in an interview four years ago.
The now 27-year-old said in October 2017, as quoted by The Sun: “I was and still am an Arsenal fan. I went crazy for Thierry Henry. These days, I watch Andres Iniesta for his vision and first touch.”
“I know that I need to develop, and it doesn’t bother me where I end up, we’ll see. In Italy, there are a lot of important teams. In Europe, Arsenal and Barcelona appeal to me.”
If Conte’s wishes materialise in the next two days, Tottenham could end up with an Arsenal fan in Barak and a Chelsea fan in Dejan Kulusevski. However, if they both come in and perform well, Spurs fans won’t care.
