Jose Mourinho very keen on signing Carlos Vinicius - but Tottenham struggle to match Benfica's asking price
Jose Mourinho is very keen on making Benfica star striker Carlos Vinicius their main signing this window, with the Spurs boss hoping to add some competition for striker Harry Kane.
As previously reported, Tottenham Hotspur are one of the sides that are most keen on signing Benfica’s Brazilian striker, although they have not yet managed to match Benfica’s asking price.
Benfica have been holding out for 60 million euros for the Vinicius, and while they may be willing to accept bids in the region of 50 million euros, Tottenham have failed to match that fee, their offer falling several millions short of what Benfica are looking for, which may prove a major deterrant in their efforts.
Vinicius remains a major target for Tottenham’s Portuguese boss though, and there is the possibility that both clubs will be able to reach a middle ground to ensure that the transfer is able to go through, with a transfer of benefit to both clubs.
Mourinho recently said “I want, I need a striker”, and that he “honestly believes” that they are going to get one, while Benfica are actively willing to sell Vinicius, having significantly invested in the squad this summer with several new signings.
Indeed, Benfica have already signed the likes of Everton Cebolinha, Pedrinho, Darwin Nunez and Luca Waldschmidt this window, and are therefore looking to make some money through sales to help balance the books. Spurs may therefore be able to strike a deal with Benfica.
Three English Premier League clubs have already made enquiries for the services of Vinicius - with one unnamed side even making an official bid of 45 million euros. That club is understood not to be Tottenham though, with reports indicating that the English side that made that bid have since pulled out, having already signed a striker this window.
It means that Tottenham Hotspur are now the front-runners to sign 25-year old Vinicius, and have for a long time been widely seen as a very possible destination for the Brazilian forward, with Mourinho in particular being a major factor in a potential move. And the London club have recently stepped up their interest as a result. Mourinho, however, will need to convince those above him to increase their offer to secure Vincius’ services.
Additionally, Spurs, who lost their opening Premier League match to Everton, are expected to have plenty of players on their shortlist as their search for a new striker intensifies, and may feel that they can secure better value for money elsewhere.
Carlos Vinicius had a stunning debut season in Portugal, finishing as Primeira Liga top scorer with 18 goals and 5 assists in 32 games, averaging a goal or assist every 78 minutes.
However, despite a quality debut season with the Lisbon giants, Jorge Jesus does not count on the striker, with Darwin Nunez, Luca Waldschmidt, Haris Seferovic and Goncalo Ramos already at the club, while Benfica are also looking at the possibility of signing another striker.
No potential transfer for Vinicius will go through before Benfica face PAOK on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League qualifier, with Vinicius included in the 25-man squad.
