Neither Spurs nor their bitter rivals Arsenal managed to snap up Hernanes, but Lazio’s offer was also rejected…
Arsenal and Tottenham target Hernanes, Lazio’s talented Brazilian playmaker, was the subject of a mega bid from Napoli over the summer, reports Give Me Sport.
The 28-year-old shone last season in Serie A, and was regualrly involved from the bench during Brazil’s Confederations Cup win during the summer.
Lazio president Lotito though has claimed that rivals Napoli tried to sign him for £22m, but were quickly rebuffed.
“[Napoli president] Aurelio De Laurentiis had submitted an offer that is not compatible with the value of the player,” said Lotito.
“I explained to him that the player was not for sale and the deal is closed immediately.”
Although Lazio are clearly keen to keep hold of the attacker, it may be that the lure of Champions League football eventually proves too much for the Brazilian come January – and Arsenal and Spurs both have money available if they really wanted the player.
Last season the Brazilian was on top form, and it’s no surprise he attracted so much interest from the north-London pair. Not only did the freekick specialist score 11 in the league, he also created 57 chances, averaging two defensive actions per game (which is quite good for an attacking midfielder). This season he has started where he left the last, scoring a goal, creating four chances and earning a 90% passing accuracy.
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