Tottenham are in a five-way Premier League battle for highly-rated Ligue 1 midfield talent.
Tottenham Hotspur are moving quickly in the summer transfer market, with reports emerging that the club have reached a verbal agreement to sign Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool in June.
The speed of thrashing out an agreement with Robertson is striking and reflects the urgency with which Roberto De Zerbi and the Spurs recruitment team are approaching a summer transfer window that is going to be one of the most crucial in the upcoming years. The North London outfit have also reignited their interest in Manchester City winger Savinho after failing in multiple attempts to land him last year.
De Zerbi wants to bring in players that fit into his vision and style of play, and the club bosses are trying to find those profiles. Spurs have been widely identified as lacking genuine composure and control in central midfield throughout the entirety of the past disastrous season. It looks like they have identified a young player in Ligue 1 capable of addressing that glaring issue.
Tottenham extensively scout LOSC Lille midfielder
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham have extensively scouted LOSC Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau. They will face competition from Premier League rivals, Brighton, Brentford, Aston Villa and Everton for his signature.
Ngal’ayel Mukau has enjoyed a meteoric rise in French football, establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s most coveted midfield talents. The 21-year-old was a regular in LOSC Lille’s side, scoring one goal in 30 league appearances and playing a key role in their third-place finish in Ligue 1. He did well to balance domestic duties with European adventure in his breakthrough campaign, featuring 11 times in the Europa League.
The youngster will look to continue his strong form with DR Congo in the World Cup. The Belgium-born talent’s rapid progression has led to European scouts taking notice, sparking a big battle between the Premier League clubs for his signature. The report adds scouts from various clubs have been ‘hugely impressed’ by Mukau’s all-action displays, particularly his ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch.
Long-term Joao Palhinha replacement
De Zerbi has made it clear that he wants to keep Joao Palhinha at Spurs. The Portuguese international spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Tottenham from Bayern Munich, and he has expressed his desire to stay at the club as well.
Even if the Lilywhites turn Palhinha’s loan into a permanent deal, it is worth noting that he will turn 31 in July. Thus, he cannot be viewed as a long-term solution to the midfield problems. Signing Mukau, in that regard, would be perfect. He would bring tenacity, running power and bite to Tottenham’s midfield. At just 21, the DR Congo international also fits the profile of a player who can develop a lot under De Zerbi’s watchful eyes and fulfil his vast potential.
If the club are serious about reinforcing their midfield unit with long-term quality and durability, Mukau should be top of the list.