It’s fair to say Tottenham need to strengthen in all areas of the pitch following a torrid season. After going through three managers, Spurs retained their Premier League status by the skin of their teeth following a final-day win over Everton, with West Ham plunging into the Championship instead.
Until Roberto De Zerbi arrived, it was Tottenham who looked more likely to drop into the second tier, an unthinkable prospect for a club still considered by some to be a member of English football’s so-called ‘big six’. Following the trauma of the campaign, Spurs fans won’t be getting carried away.
However, an air of positivity has emerged amid confidence in De Zerbi and his methods. That hope would increase if the club could enjoy a good summer in the transfer market.
The midfield is an area in need of attention, with extra quality and more strength in depth required to cope with the rigours of a long season. A couple of deep-lying midfielders would be welcome additions.
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Youngster Archie Gray fits the mould but is still developing and needs the support of an experienced middleman, either alongside him or to take his place at times. De Zerbi had Alexis Mac Allister and Pascal Gross at Brighton and Adrien Rabiot at Marseille before leaving for AC Milan last season.
A move for World Cup winner Mac Allister shouldn’t be ruled out. Mac Allister has been linked with Real Madrid, only for his father and agent to insist there had been no contact.
The Argentine, who cost the Reds £35million, had a disappointing season at Liverpool and could be available for the right price, given the Reds’ need to freshen things up following a dire title defence. The likely arrival of Andy Robertson, his ex-Anfield teammate, could help.
View 3 ImagesDe Zerbi got the best out of Alexis Mac Allister(Image: Getty Images)
Highly-rated Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, would be a quality option too. Manchester City’s £50million man Nico Gonzalez also looks like being available, especially if Elliot Anderson signs from Nottingham Forest.
Going back to another player De Zerbi has worked with, Carlos Baleba could be in Spurs’ sights following the waning of Manchester United’s interest in the Cameroonian. He would add some much-needed physicality to the midfield.
View 3 ImagesBrighton’s Carlos Baleba could be on the move(Image: Getty Images)
Assuming De Zerbi sticks with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, two of Mac Allister, Gonzalez and Baleba could operate behind number 10 James Maddison, who will be desperate to make up for his injury-ravaged season. Such a midfield would further increase fans’ growing confidence.
Spurs’ potential dream midfield: Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez and James Maddison
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