Much has been made of Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer plans in recent weeks, and whatever the outcome may be will become clearer after the final nine games of the season.
It’s thought that Spurs will be restricted to free-agent and swap deals unless any funds can be sourced from major sales as the pandemic has hit top-flight teams financially.
One position that’ll be high on Jose Mourinho’s priorities will surely be finding a backup striker to Harry Kane. The English talisman went down on New Year’s Day and was set to miss the remainder of the campaign before lockdown put a halt to it.
What position should be TOP priority this summer?
Goalkeeper
Centre-back
Defensive mid
Striker
In his absence, Spurs crashed out of all cup competitions and have sunk to seven points adrift of the top four.
Alasdair Gold claims the north Londoners “looked at” bringing in big Russian target man Artem Dzyuba but couldn’t make it work, and believes they’ll be back in for him this summer.
In a recent Q&A, he commented on potential interest in an out-of-contract duo, Thomas Meunier and the Zenit striker, he said:
“They certainly have been in both. Meunier has been a long-term target and would provide Aurier with plenty of experienced competition – he took his spot at PSG.
“Spurs looked at bringing in the big Russian international Artem Dzyuba in January but couldn’t make it work. Both players will be considered in the weeks ahead but as free transfers are going to be like gold dust for a lot of clubs.”
Dzyuba would certainly bring Fernando Llorente vibes. He’s 31, standing at 6 foot 5 inches tall. His numbers for the campaign are mightily impressive, too.
He has provided 15 goals and 12 assists in just 28 appearances in all competitions, this includes strikes against Benfica and Lyon in the Champions League, via Transfermarkt.
Former Arsenal and Spartak manager Unai Emery tipped him for huge things back in 2012, lauding him as a “big-time player” in an interview with R-Sport (via SportsKeeda).
If we’re looking for someone to play second-fiddle to Kane, then look no further. There won’t be many willing or better options out there, particularly in what will be a very sought-after market.
What do you think? Should Spurs push for Dzyuba or is someone of Olivier Giroud’s ilk a better choice? Let us know…
As the Spurs went with speed in their last “2nd striker” signing, I’m good with Dzyuba happening. I do worry that he’ll be like Llorente, but you can never predict which type of player will adapt to Spurs and the PL and which ones will fail.
While he caught my attention last winter, I would not want to see Giroud where Spurs’ colors being part of two teams that I despise.
Please fix that poor spelling mistake above to “wear.”