Tottenham plan to ruin Arsenal dream transfer window as Daniel Levy eyes stunning £76m hijack

TottenhamchairmanDaniel Levyis plotting an audacious move to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, it has been claimed. Spurs have spent north of £100million so far this summer, but Levy is keen to back new head coach Thomas Frank and is considering launching a bid for the out-of-favour Brazil international.

Rodrygo, 24, has been linked with a move to the Premier League after dropping down the pecking order at Los Blancos. The former Santos man started one game at the Club World Cup and played just 92 minutes across the entire tournament as Real suffered semi-final heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr and Brahim Diaz were often preferred at the inaugural club competition and that has increased speculation around Rodrygo's future. Reports in Spain have suggested that Real Madrid are prepared to cash in, even though Xabi Alonso has reiterated that he is part of his long-term plans.

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Liverpool and Arsenal are among those that have expressed an interest in signing Rodrygo, who has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists in 269 appearances during his time at Santiago Bernabeu. But now, Tottenham are expected to become the latest to enter the race, with Levy shifting his focus to the Real Madrid star.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Levy is looking to exploit his 'good relationship' with the La Liga side to lower Rodrygo's £76million price tag. It's added that, despite interest, Real haven't received an offer for the Brazilian.

Rodrygo is enjoying a well-earned break in the United States following a long season and he is expected to make a final decision on his future after holding more talks with new Real head coach Alonso. Real kickstart their La Liga campaign against Osasuna on Tuesday, August 19, but it's unclear whether Rodrygo is going to feature.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are hoping to strengthen ahead of their return to the Champions League. They have signed five players so far, spending around £122m in the process. Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel arrived on loan in January but have penned permanent contracts, while Luka Vuksovic has finally made the move from Hajduck Split, Kota Takai has joined from Kawasaki Frontale and Mohammed Kudus has signed from West Ham.

Spurs want to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and triggered his £60m release clause earlier this month, but Nuno Espirito Santo's side believe Tottenham made an illegal approach for the England international.

A conclusion in Tottenham's bid to bring Gibbs-White to north London doesn't seem close, and therefore Spurs have instead shifted their immediate focus to others, such as Rodrygo.

While a move for Rodrygo would bolster Frank's attacking options, it would dent arch rival Arsenal's hopes of having a dream summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta's men have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke in a spending blitz worth around £124m, and are closing in on moves for Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal have strengthened in all-but every position they would have wanted to apart from the left-hand side. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both flattered to deceive last season and the Gunners have been linked with a move for the likes of Rodrygo, Rafael Leao and Anthony Gordon.

However, Tottenham snatching Rodrygo from under their noses would represent a major blow for Arsenal, as the Gunners look to finalise their summer spending with left wing addition.