/https://sportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net/uploads/2025/07/imago1064253456-1-687bbd5828fb6818286500.jpg "Spurs 'plot' shock move for former Blues midfielder as part - Sports Mole")
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to target Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, despite his former allegiance to Chelsea.
Spurs were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon, though the match mattered little given it was Son Heung-min's final outing for the club.
His exit marks a significant turning point for Tottenham, who are set for summer of change in all departments under the direction of Thomas Frank.
Forwards such as Mohammed Kudus have arrived, but Spurs could also make additions in the middle of the pitch in order to improve their defensive performances.
Football Insider report that Frank could look to bring in Atletico Madrid's Gallagher, though any deal with the Spanish giants will be diffficult to pull off due to the fact they have already loaned Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami, and the midfielder could cost in excess of £50m.
Does Gallagher make sense for Tottenham this summer transfer window?
Gallagher has been deployed in a number of midfield roles throughout his career, though he is arguably at his best as a number eight that is given license to charge into the penalty area.
The Englishman is relentless without the ball, and his energy in the middle of the pitch could be important for Spurs if they wish to improve defensively.
Tottenham ended last season in 17th place with the fifth worst defensive record of any team in the top flight (65), with many of their defensive frailties being exposed during counter-attacks.
It should also be noted that while Gallagher could improve the Londoners out of possession, he is able to operate in more advanced areas of the pitch, and Spurs may need additional depth there given James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle.
What will Tottenham's midfield look like under Frank?
Even if Tottenham fail in their pursuit of Gallagher, Frank will likely be boosted by the arrival of fresh faces in midfield considering a loan deal for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha is thought to be close to completion.
The Portuguese star is at his best as a number six and he would arguably be Spurs' best defensive player in that area of the field.
Palhinha's addition could indicate that Frank does not believe his side's weaknesses are due to the players available to him in the backline, but rather stem from a lack of protection ahead of them.
Tottenham are likely to start an XI that are more physically combative, as well as more willing to engage in duels to win back possession, and it would not be surprising if they did not concede as often.