It has been a concerning start to the season for Tottenham Hotspur. They spent close to £400m in the summer, but made some questionable decisions in the transfer window. Putting the ball in the back of the net remains an issue, while several players are still struggling with form and fitness.

Pedro Porro sustained a hamstring injury in the home defeat to Aston Villa before the September international break. He is yet to recover from the muscle problem, while his fellow full-back Destiny Udogie’s form and fitness have been up and down for the past two seasons. Despite his chronic inconsistency, Udogie has been linked with a return to Serie A. Also, Porro reportedly wants to return to Spain at the end of the season.

Amid the uncertain futures of the club’s starting full-backs, Spurs are keeping tabs on one emerging full-back in Europe.

Tottenham, Arsenal interested in Barcelona starlet

According to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham and Arsenal have both scouted Barcelona full-back Xavi Espart and compiled detailed reports this season. Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also following his progress.

A product of the La Masia academy (like Xavi Simons), Xavi Espart has emerged as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Spain, catching the eye of clubs with his technical quality, tactical intelligence and versatility. Barcelona handed the teenager a long-term professional contract until June 2030, which includes a release clause worth more than €100million.

This shows the Spanish champions’ desire to keep Espart and help him develop. They remain in a position of comfort after handing the defender a new contract. However, the report adds that Barcelona would be ready to accept far less than his buyout clause of €100million-plus. The Catalan giants need an offer in the region of €40m-€50m plus bonuses before they would even consider entering discussions for the versatile full-back.

Arsenal’s interest in the Barcelona talent is understandable, given the fact that Mikel Arteta likes defenders who are multi-dimensional. He wants defenders who can operate as full-backs and step into midfield when required.

As for Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi has just one recognised right-back in Porro following Djed Spence’s departure in the summer. Archie Gray has deputised for the injured Porro, but he hasn’t pulled up trees when essaying the right-back role. Thus, the Lilywhites are keen on Espart, who has been compared to Germany great Philipp Lahm by Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.

However, the Spaniard’s €100million-plus release clause is expected to be a major obstacle for the North London duo. If Barcelona open the door for Espart’s exit for a standard price, it’d then be interesting to see if Spurs can beat the Gunners to his signature.