According to reports from multiple Italian media outlets, Tottenham Hotspur appears to be making significant strides towards finalizing a deal for Radu Dragusin.

Recent coverage suggests that Genoa is quite intent on driving the price as high as possible, with claims emerging that the Serie A club is seeking as much as €35 million for the defender, a figure that may be viewed as ambitious.

Earlier reports in Italy had indicated that a sum ranging from €25-30 million would be sufficient, a sentiment echoed by the player’s agent in public statements regarding the asking price.

It is anticipated that Tottenham and Genoa will reconvene for further discussions, with the precise mode of these negotiations—either through intermediaries or direct engagement—yet to be clarified. This next phase aims to reconcile the divergent positions of the two clubs.

Napoli had also expressed interest in Dragusin, but with the escalating figures, they seem to have been outpaced in the pursuit. Similar to Spurs, Napoli finds itself in need of a defender, and the rising valuation has seemingly complicated their efforts to secure Dragusin’s services.

However, not everyone in Italy shares the sentiment that Napoli will suffer greatly from missing out on the defender. Former Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce has expressed his belief that the club requires a player who can make an immediate impact rather than someone with potential.

In a statement quoted by Sport del Sud, Santacroce remarked, “There is talk of an investment of €20 million plus the price of the Norwegian Ostigard. Honestly, it seems like too significant an investment to me, and, although it must be said that he is still young and very strong. Today’s Napoli needs a seasoned player, and, in my opinion, Dragusin would not be the kind of addition Azzurri need at present. The Neapolitan defense requires substantial experience and the composure that is currently lacking. A specific name? I truly admire Demiral and believe he would be well-suited for the situation. You don’t need promising players, but rather established profiles. Otherwise, there’s a lot of risk.”

Whether this perspective includes a tinge of regret remains unclear, but Tottenham will undoubtedly aim for Dragusin to prove his worth both in the immediate term and in the future, should the deal materialize.