Roberto De Zerbi confirms Pape Mata Sarr ‘asked to leave’ and there are reports the player agreed personal terms with Juventus, but Tottenham Hotspur want some obligation to buy.
There had already been suggestions on Friday that Sarr was on the Bianconeri radar to reinforce the midfield, which became more urgent after primary target Franck Kessie instead signed for Atalanta as a free agent.
Sarr and Juventus pressuring Tottenham
It is now beyond doubt that Sarr is pushing for a transfer to Juventus, especially after Tottenham coach De Zerbi confessed in a press conference that he was one of three players who had “asked to leave” the club.
Transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano also states that Sarr agreed personal terms with the Serie A side, but again that was never going to be the issue.
The problem now is that Juventus want it to be a loan with option to buy at the end of the season, whereas Spurs are determined to include some sort of conditional obligation.
It is likely the clubs will be able to work out a formula for the transfer, although it is a race against time to get it done by transfer deadline day.