It was a dry spell for UEFA Champions League runners up, Tottenham at the transfer season last time, as the Lillywhites have not signed a single player in the 18 months since the arrival of Lucas Moura in January 2018. Hence Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring in some reinforcements for the North London outfit. However, the club still holds financial constraints and is not ready to splash the cash on each and every exciting prospect. The Argentine tactician must be very calculative with his approach this summer.
Spurs business in the summer also depends on the departure of any of their current team players and the one making the rounds in rumours- Christian Eriksen. The Danish midfielder has revealed that he is looking to step up in his career and has declined a new contract extension. Hence it means the 28-year old will be on his way out with one year left on his contract Spurs will look to cash out on him. It has been suggested that Real Madrid could be his top destination and if Eriksen departs, it will allow more cash for Pochettino to manoeuvre his transfer dealings this summer.
Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele tops the charts for Spurs but a lot of top clubs are interested in the French box-to-box midfielder and considering the financial muscle of clubs like Manchester City, Paris Saint Germain, Juventus etc it will be difficult for Tottenham to compete at that level. Hence the Argentine has made a shortlist where players like Donny Van de Beek and Roma youngster Nicolo Zaniolo are also included. Reports suggest that their agents have been contacted and talks are ongoing with the club’s representatives.
Both midfielders are exciting prospects, Donny van de Beek had a breakthrough season at Ajax last time out, inspiring his side to the Champions League semifinals before bowing out against Spurs in the second leg. The 22-year old midfielder netted 17 times along with 10 assists in all competitions for the Dutch side as they also won the Eredivisie title. Van de Beek is a central midfielder who thrives in a free role, and his creativity and play-making skills can be of great use for Pochettino. Whereas the Dutch international can also play in a deeper role and also as a no.10, hence his versatility can make him a better option if they fail to land Ndombele by any chance.
Zaniolo, 19, joined Roma in the Nainggolan deal from Inter. Since then the lanky play-maker has only risen above the ranks. His impressive performances for the Giallorossi earned him his maiden Italy call-up recently. Zaniolo scored six times and created twice in all competitions and the stats will only get better from here for the youngster. Strong on the ball and has the ability to play as the No.10 or on the right side of midfield. His strong physical stature allows him better ball retention and makes him a threat in the air from set pieces. He can really be a great signing if Pochettino can convince the young lad.
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Both midfielders have enough potential to thrive at Spurs. Filling the void of someone like Christian Eriksen would be a big responsibility and hence Donny van de Beek might have an edge over Zaniolo considering the similarity of play between the Dutch youngster and Eriksen.
Last but not the last, the Londoners want Ryan Sessegnon, who was a Manchester United target as well. The 19 year old left-winger or left-back was part of the Fulham squad that got relegated recently and was wanted by a host of clubs including the Red Devils. He could be a potential replacement to Danny Rose, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Everything depends on where Eriksen is headed next and if Levy can arrange the goods for his manager to land at least one of their midfield targets in this summer transfer window.
