'Every player dreams of Champions League' - Arthur Dias reacts to Tottenham transfer links
Brazilian defensive starlet Arthur Dias has now directly reacted to the speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham and other European clubs. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the best young defensive starlets in Brazilian football over the last 12 months.
The teenager's impressive displays for Athletico Paranaense have seen him break into the Selecao side, with the youngster winning his first two caps for his country during the recent international break. According to reports, Spurs failed with a late move for Dias in the final days of the summer transfer window, and could reignite their interest in the player in January.
However, far from ruling out a move to Europe, the youngster confessed that his long-term ambition remains to play in the Champions League one day. When asked about the speculation over his future, the centre-back told UmDois Esportes (as relayed by Sport Witness ): "Those questions about offers and other clubs wanting me, I leave all that to my agent.
I'm focused on Athletico, and I have a contract to fulfil. MORE SPURS STORIES Every player dreams of playing in the Champions League and in a huge league, but I'm very focused.
I leave that to my agent, and I'm very happy to be getting this interest because it means I'm doing an excellent job on the pitch. Without my teammates and the coaching staff, I wouldn't be where I am.
Of course, there's also my desire to win and my ability, but I'm very happy." Spurs will face plenty of competition for Dias Tottenham are not the only English club eyeing the Brazilian, with reports indicating that Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also watching Dias ahead of the winter. Additionally, several outlets have claimed over recent weeks that Barcelona have joined Spurs in the race for the young defender after scouring him extensively this season.
According to Fichajes,a €21m (£18m) proposal from Tottenham for Dias was turned down in the summer, which suggests that the 19-year-old will not come cheap.