You may remember that, back in August 2022, Burnley boss Vincent Kompany confirmed his interest in
the Lyon-born Georgia international.
At the time, however, Georges Mikautadze was simply too expensive for a team operating on a Championship budget.
Now, with Premier League football returning to Turf Moor, Burnley are returning for their long-time
target with far more financial firepower at their disposal.
An opening bid of £13 million was not enough for Metz to cash in, however. There remains a £4 million
gap in the valuation of both clubs, though that ‘gap’ feels distinctly bridge-able.
“I understand Burnley have had a bid of 15 million euros rejected by FC Metz for Georges Mikautadze,”
says Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, who broke the news of Everton’s interest in El Bilal Toure last
week.
“The board of directors of the French club are waiting for 20 million euros. (Metz) feel ‘really confident’ of getting this amount.”
Burnley make big bid for Georges Mikautadze
Tavolieri adds that Burnley face competition from clubs in Serie A – potentially AC Milan – and the
German Bundesliga. Wolves have also been linked, though Financial Fair Play issues could prevent Julen
Lopetegui’s side from stumping up the £17 million required.
Reports in Italy briefly mentioned Arsenal as a potential destination for Mikautadze too, though that
particular trail has gone cold over the course of the last month or so.
Mikautadze scored 24 goals in all competitions last season; firing Metz to promotion back to Ligue 1. The
penalty-box poacher won both the division’s Player of the Year award and the Golden Boot.
If he is to end up at Burnley, Mikautadze could fill a void created by Nathan Tella’s return to
Southampton. Tella top-scored during a stunning loan spell under Kompany in 2022/23.
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While touching on a range of topics – confirming a 100 million euro offer for Frenkie de Jong and
admitting that he expects Clement Lenglet to join Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis – there was
also something to prick up the ears of Burnley supporters during Laporta’s wide-ranging interview
with Esport3.
The Premier League newcomers want a new goalkeeper this summer.
And, after missing out on Vincent Kompany’s former Anderlecht starlet Bart Verbruggen to Brighton
and Hove Albion, Sport reports that Burnley have turned to Spain U21 international Arnau Tenas.
The Catalan-born 22-year-old is now officially a free-agent; his Camp Nou contract expiring on
Saturday.
There are, however, similarities between Tenas’ situation and that of fellow Spaniard David de Gea at
Manchester United. In short, do not rule out fresh terms being belatedly agreed.
Burnley eye Barcelona goalkeeper Arnau Tenas
“We offered him a renewal,” Laporta explains. “He is an excellent footballer. He is captain of the (B
team), and always generates a good environment.
“(This week) we will speak with him and with (his agent).”
Tenas, meanwhile, will not have a firm answer for either Barcelona or Burnley until the U21 European
Championships comes to an end later this month.
“What I can tell you is that I am with the national team,” Tenas says. “And, when I finish this
tournament, I will make a decision.”
As you might expect given his La Masia roots, Tenas is a goalkeeper very confident with the ball at his
feet. And any glovesman in a Kompany team must be capable of operating almost as an extra outfield
player, given the manager’s possession-orientated gameplan.
If Burnley opt for a more experienced option, the Clarets could go for Royal Antwerp’s Jean Butez. Butez
kept 27 clean sheets in all competitions as Antwerp secured the Jupiler League title for the first time
since 1957 last season, and the Belgian champions will not stand in his way if Burnley step up their
interest.
“Jean had his best season ever,” CEO Sven Jaecques tells Gazet van Antwerpen .
“At the age of 28, he has reached a good age to make a transfer. And (he has) already indicated that he
wants to take the next step.
“If that opportunity comes, we will not block Jean. Provided that the right price is offered.”
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