Tottenham Hotspur are already looking ahead to new incomings despite the summer transfer window closing just two months ago – and that has seen Thomas Frank take particular interest in one star to better his attacking ranks.
Tottenham signed a plethora of new players to deal with Champions League football after winning the Europa League last season, as well as switching to manager Thomas Frank’s style of play following on from Ange Postecoglou’s sacking.
Some of those signings have hit the ground running, such as Joao Palhinha, who has returned to the Premier League with panache, though Xavi Simons has found his top-flight spell to be largely underwhelming.
It’s a correlation that seems to be affecting their entire attacking unit – and the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday means that it’s no surprise that West Ham skipper and 19-cap England star, Jarrod Bowen, is wanted by Tottenham chiefs to fix that issue.
Sources: Jarrod Bowen is wanted by Tottenham to bolster their front line
TBR Football understands that West Ham United won’t allow Bowen to leave in January, which scuppers any immediate plans of a Tottenham move for the England star.
The Hammers captain has been their most vital player since his move to the London Stadium, and if they are to stay in the Premier League, they’ll want him to stay until at least the end of the season.
But although the Hammers won’t sanction a sale in January, Spurs’ interest remains. Back in April, our sources confirmed Tottenham would happily take Bowen, and the club are in the market for a new wide forward in January.
Tottenham have asked about Bowen’s availability on multiple occasions, letting his representatives know that they’d be interested in a deal.
That isn’t feasible at present but long-term plans could be put in place for a move across the capital.
TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey said: “West Ham sources acknowledge players could leave, but Jarrod Bowen will not be one of them – the club know they can’t even consider letting him go in January.
“Tottenham love Bowen, but they are not alone and whilst I don’t see him going in the New Year, come the summer – it’s going to be hard to see West Ham keeping hold of him.”
If a move is lined up after the season has finished, Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League once again will help their sales pitch.
Worrying Tottenham stat is the reason Thomas Frank wants Jarrod Bowen
Tottenham’s game with Chelsea on Saturday ended in defeat, with the home players being booed off the pitch and it led to Micky van de Ven eventually snubbing manager Thomas Frank after the game.
But the real issue, when diving into the statistics, is that only Mohammed Kudus from the entire Tottenham team managed to get a shot away.
Although he didn’t score, the Ghanaian was the only player to trouble Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal, forcing a save in first half stoppage time.
Randal Kolo Muani played for 73 minutes without a shot. Meanwhile, Richarlison’s half-hour cameo, Xavi Simons being subbed on and then off with 66 minutes of game time, alongside Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson’s late appearances, all came without a single attempt.
Jarrod Bowen, meanwhile, already has three goals so far this season and as a more attacking, goal-happy wide man, he would be a superb signing.
Tottenham haven’t really settled on a wide attacker since Son Heung-min’s decline and eventual departure, and goals are badly needed in North London.
Only Richarlison has more than him in the competition’s history by eight, albeit with two-and-a-half more seasons under his belt. And, with the Brazilian failing to properly muster a first-team spot, that could be an opportunity for Bowen to come in and make it his own.