Tottenham are keeping tabs on Ligue 1 starlet as a potential option to replace Brighton-linked Luka Vuskovic.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer business may have taken a twist this summer, with reports emerging that Luka Vuskovic has agreed personal terms with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Luka Vuskovic returns to Spurs this summer following an excellent loan spell with SV Hamburger in the Bundesliga. The Croatian international heads back to White Hart Lane at a time when he is ready to fight for a spot in Roberto De Zerbi’s first XI and get minutes.
However, with Tottenham adding Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth and continuing talks with Brighton over Jan Paul van Hecke’s signing, doubts over getting first-team opportunities under De Zerbi has led to Vuskovic seeking a permanent exit from the club. An exit appears to be on the cards, with Brighton tabling a £30 million bid for the teenage prodigy earlier this week.
While Tottenham have rejected the Seagulls’ opening £30 million bid and are holding firm on their valuation of Vuskovic, the N17 bosses have seemingly identified the Croatian’s talent as a potential replacement.
Tottenham identify RC Lens youngster as potential Luka Vuskovic replacement
According to a report from SportsBoom, Tottenham are interested in signing RC Lens defender Ismaelo Ganiou as a potential replacement for Vuskovic. Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the youngster, who recently concluded a strong debut season in Ligue 1.
Signed for RC Lens last summer, Ismaelo Ganiou went on to make 23 league appearances. He put in some eye-catching performances for his side, chipping in with three goals in the process. The report adds that all the aforementioned clubs have begun talks with RC Lens to discover the terms of a possible deal. The Ligue 1 side have set a valuation in the range of €35-40 million for their defensive talent.
Should Tottenham make a move for Ismaelo Ganiou?
There has always been a long-term vision for the squad building at Tottenham, but this summer appears to be a bit different. The acquisitions of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi suggest De Zerbi wants seasoned campaigners who can quickly adapt to his system and produce instant results on the pitch.
Even with that change in approach, there must be some future-proofing in position, and that means having young guns in the roster who could become first-team regulars. A talent like Vuskovic with high potential is already there, but it looks like he is unsure about getting opportunities at Tottenham next season following their recent transfer business. The Hotspur Way chiefs face a real battle on their hands to keep hold of the Croatian prodigy this summer, with Brighton keen to add him to their defensive ranks.
If Vuskovic pushes to leave, the North Londoners could then look to replace him with Ganiou. However, like Vuskovic, Ganiou may seek guarantees over regular first-team minutes. In that case, Tottenham will be helpless, and the Burkina Faso man could then opt to join our London rivals, Crystal Palace.