Despite already securing the services of Mohammed Kudus this summer, there’s still a huge lingering sense of disappointment at Tottenham Hotspur so far this summer.
Morgan Gibbs-White emerged as a key target for Thomas Frank’s side, as the Dane looks to improve the forward options at his disposal in North London.
The hierarchy even went to the length of triggering his £60m release clause, leading to Fabrizio Romano confirming he was set for a medical at the club.
However, his move has now been cancelled after Nottingham Forest lodged an appeal for an illegal approach, resulting in the 25-year-old signing a record-breaking contract with his current employers.
As a result, missing out on his signature has seen other targets being considered for the number ten role, with Frank evidently wanting to improve such a position ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder
Despite having James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already on the books at Spurs, other attacking options are being considered to provide depth within the final third.
The likes of James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Jack Grealish have been touted with moves to North London, still remaining on their shortlist despite interest elsewhere.
They’re not the only ones currently in their sights, leading to Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey being named as another target, according to TBR Football.
They claim that the Lilywhites are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old forward, who could be able to depart Villa Park if an acceptable offer is presented this summer.
The report also states that Unai Emery’s side are currently demanding a £40m fee to part ways with the academy graduate who’s notched 14 Premier League goals in his career to date.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White
There’s no denying that, given the work conducted for Gibbs-White’s signature this summer, that the Forest star was the number one target to strengthen their squad.
Frank has previously stated his admiration for the England international, likely being gutted to miss out on his services after the hierarchy demonstrated their ambition, given years of inactivity in the market.
£60m in today’s market would’ve been an excellent price tag for a player of his quality, but if the club are to be successful next campaign, they will need to rapidly move on to other targets.
Such a situation has seen Ramsey emerge as a key target for Frank’s side, potentially allowing them to forget about the disappointment currently being felt in North London.
However, any move for the Villa star would allow the club to land their own version of the Forest star, potentially replicating a deal that saw the 25-year-old move to the City Ground.
Ramsey could join the Lilywhites for a similar fee as Gibbs-White did a couple of years ago, whilst also moving away from his boyhood club in order to further his career.
The similarities are there for all to see, but when delving into their underlying figures from 2024/25, the Villa academy graduate has managed to better the former target in various areas, arguably being a better addition for Frank’s side.
Ramsey, who’s been dubbed “ridiculous” by Squawka, managed to complete more passes, registering more into the opposition box per 90 last season, arguably being a more creative option for the Lilywhites.
The number ten role also requires individual brilliance, something which the 24-year-old possesses, as seen by his higher tallies of take-ons completed and carries into the opposition’s box per 90.
Whilst the attacking role requires talent with the ball, it also comes with the demands of being effective out of possession, something which the Villa gem has demonstrated, winning more tackles per 90, potentially being a superb all-round option within the current Spurs side.
He may not provide the immediate excitement like a deal for Gibbs-White did, but Ramsey is a hugely talented player who could add further quality to the current first team squad in North London.
If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could even surpass the levels produced by the Reds' talent, potentially seeing the disappointment of missing out on his signature become a blessing in disguise.