Palmero President Claims Tottenham Interested in Striker
With both AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur hammering out a deal with Dutch striker, Vincent Janssen, reports have surfaced that Mauricio Pochettino is interested in Palmero’s Franco Vázquez.
It’s not so much that Tottenham aren’t interested in getting as much help as possible to lessen the burden that Harry Kane has shouldered since November 2014 — leading Mauricio Pochettino’s attack with 59 goals in 101 appearances. However, Spurs are quite busy at the moment with another striker they’re currently after.
Related Story: Tottenham Close in on Vincent Janssen
This isn’t the first time that Tottenham have been linked to Palmero’s Franco Vázquez, due to having a thin strikeforce up top with Kane the only out-and-out center-forward on the squad currently. But with ongoing talks with AZ Alkmaar’s Vincent Janssen, it seems weird to want one more striker at the age of 27.
Vázquez’ age isn’t too old per se, but for the striker position, it certainly doesn’t gel with Harry Kane who is 22-years-old and should Janseen join the club on a £12 million transfer fee if it’s finalized, is only 21.
Having a striker who contributed eight goals and six assists in 36 Serie A games would be a nice addition to have but not for the price that Maurizio Zamaprini, Palmero’s club president, is asking for.
"“It’s definitely more likely Vazquez will go to England – I’m asking for €25 million (£19.5 million) for him,” Zamparini told Corriere dello Sport (via Sky Sports).“I have lower offers, but for me he’s worth as much as (Domenico) Berardi. I can see him doing well anywhere. He’s underrated and I don’t know why.”"
Domenico Berardi, the 21-year-old striker for Sassuolo, appears close to joining Juventus on a £16 million move. Not that Berardi has anything to do with Tottenham, but if Maurizio Zamparini is comparing Vazquez’ talents to that of Berardi, this transfer might not seem likely for Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham.
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In fact, it’s more likely that Spurs could pass on the Argentine-born Italian international, Franco Vázquez, and try to complete a deal for Dutch international, Vincent Jansssen, as soon as possible.
Not only is Janssen six years younger, but was able to score more goals in the Eredivisie. Which doesn’t necessarily mean he’s better, but projecting the young striker’s production within a few years, Vincent Janssen could do just as well as Harry Kane has shown.
Even if it’s only a fraction of what Kane has done so far in a little under two years as a full-time starter.
And not that these last two quotes matter, but it does give you that sense that something seems off just a bit regarding Vázquez and potentially playing with him.
"“Unfortunately he’s not one who talks much and he doesn’t have the kind of character to impose himself. I’m in touch with Tottenham and I’ve asked them for €25 million, so let’s see,” Zamparini continued.“He could even do well with Leicester. [AC] Milan and Roma were interested, but if I see that Berardi is moving for €25 million, then I would go for Vázquez.”"
Next: Sebastian Rode Chooses Dortmund over Tottenham
Tottenham doesn’t need another Italian international on the squad to help Franco Vázquez adapt to his new surroundings if Spurs completed this signing. But obviously, having three Belgian players prior to Toby Alderweireld’s arrival definitely helped speed things up on how Mauricio Pochettino operates as the club’s manager.
It’s not the end-all be-all on whether Vázquez should join because he doesn’t talk much like Maurizio Zamparini said, but not being able to communicate would definitely be a problem that will only be compounded by his age and looking like the third choice striker if he joins Spurs following the potential signing of Vincent Janssen.