Tottenham are considering a renewed move for Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias after seeing a €21 million bid rejected during the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old centre-back was the subject of an offer for 80 per cent of his economic rights, but Athletico turned it down and are understood to want closer to €30 million before agreeing to a sale.
Tottenham have been monitoring Dias for some time and sent representatives to watch him in person during matches against Atlético-GO in the Copa do Brasil and Vitória in the Brasileirão in April. The club’s scouting department is understood to regard him as a player capable of developing into one of the leading defenders of his generation.
Tottenham maintain interest in Arthur Dias
The London club are expected to continue tracking the Brazil Under-20 international and could return with another offer in a future transfer window. Any renewed approach, however, is likely to depend on whether Tottenham are prepared to meet Athletico’s valuation.
Dias has now received a further boost to his profile after being named in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. He is one of eight players selected for the senior team for the first time.
The defender’s inclusion follows a period of close observation by Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation, with the national set-up placing an emphasis on introducing younger players during the new international cycle.
His senior call-up could increase interest in the Athletico prospect, while also strengthening the player’s bargaining position should Tottenham revive their pursuit. The club are looking to build for the long term, and Dias would fit their strategy of investing in promising young talent.
A move to the Premier League would represent a significant step in the teenager’s career, but Tottenham must first decide whether his potential justifies the sizeable gap between their rejected proposal and Athletico’s asking price.
