Villarreal took Giovani Lo Celso on loan from Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day of the January window.
His performances in the second half of the season have convinced the La Liga side to make an effort to sign him this summer.
In order to ‘strengthen this summer’, the Tottenham Hotspur man and Edinson Cavani have been identified as targets for Villarreal.
That’s according to Téléfoot journalist Julien Maynard, who states Unai Emery’s side will face ‘important competition nevertheless’ to sign the duo.
Meanwhile, El Periódico Mediterráneo explain the former PSG man is the ‘No.1 objective’ for the Yellow Submarine and detail the plan to take him away from Tottenham Hotspur.
Pour se renforcer cet été, le Villarreal d’Unai Emery a ciblé deux anciens Parisiens : Edinson Cavani et Giovani Lo Celso.
Importante concurrence néanmoins sur ces deux dossiers. #Mercato— Julien Maynard (@JulienMaynard) May 25, 2022
The attacking midfielder arrived at the ‘express request’ of the former Arsenal coach, who knew him from his time at PSG. Emery has now written Lo Celso’s name in capital letters for his project at Villarreal next season.
As it stands, there is no agreement with the South American or with Tottenham Hotspur. The latter intend to ‘get rid of him’ as the player is not included in Antonio Conte’s plans.
Villarreal are ready to offer close to €18m, plus a percent on the future sale. It will not be a ‘simple operation’.
Even though he has adapted very well at the Spanish club, the circumstances meant he had to largely operate as a second striker, which is not his preferred position. 
In addition to this, Real Betis have ‘shown interest’ in Lo Celso. Due to their economic situation, they could sign him on a loan deal, an option that Spurs ‘do not contemplate’.
Villarreal, on the other hand, could ‘approach €18m’ for their manager’s ‘number one target’.
Emery’s side will have to get approval from Lo Celso and then find an agreement with Spurs to carry out the deal this summer.
