Villarreal are keen to keep Tottenham loanee Giovani Lo Celso at the club next season but do not have an option to buy him outright this summer.
That’s according Estadio Deportivo, who explain that the midfielder has ‘achieved’ his objective of rediscovering his best form in Spain.
He’s been a key player under Unai Emery since his arrival, playing a key role under the coach, who he worked with at Paris Saint Germain and has flourished under once more.
He’s gone from being a ‘misfit and secondary player’ at Tottenham to a ‘key player’ for the Yellow Submarine, helping to make the difference in their run to the Champions League semi-finals.
On paper, ‘it is clear’ that the Argentine has to return next season, but Villarreal do not have any option to buy him and will have to negotiate a deal with Spurs.
The idea is to keep him on loan for another year, particularly as Tottenham are not willing to sell for anything less than the €50m they paid Real Betis.
Those are figures, at least according to what’s been stated in England, that Villarreal ‘would not be willing to reach’ under any circumstances.
Keeping Lo Celso is seen as a ‘difficult task’ because of that figure and the fact Lo Celso needs some convincing as well.
While he would be happy to stay in La Liga, where ‘he feels more comfortable’, he knows there will be ‘no shortage of suitors’ for him.
He absolutely does not want to return to Tottenham, and another year on loan would suit him and Villarreal, but Spurs have to sanction it, something which might not be on offer as they are ‘already rubbing their hands’ after his performances in the second half of this season.
