Tottenham could battle Aston Villa and Newcastle United for a decorated Ligue 1 midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to maintain their top-flight status under Igor Tudor this season. Staying in the Premier League is crucial for Spurs, as it would significantly influence how they approach the summer transfer window in the coming months.
There are several gaps in the squad that require plugging in the off-season. Chief among them is the lack of a reliable central midfielder. They are clearly missing a workhorse who can contribute effectively at both ends of the pitch. Conor Gallagher was signed from Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window in the wake of Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, but it is fair to say that the ex-Chelsea man has failed to make the desired impact at White Hart Lane.
Joao Palhinha’s form has dipped since the turn of the year, leaving his future uncertain. Whether Tottenham decide to sign Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich in the summer remains to be seen. Yves Bissouma, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the season, and the club are unlikely to offer him an extension. If Palhinha is let go alongside Bissouma, the Lilywhites would certainly require an experienced head in the middle of the park next season.
Tottenham set to battle Aston Villa and Newcastle United for Lyon star
According to an exclusive report from SportsBoom, Tottenham are interested in signing Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also keen on the 31-year-old after his impressive performances in a Lyon shirt this season.
Corentin Tolisso has been on a goalscoring spree of late, netting four times in his last five league games. This has taken his tally to 11 goals in all competitions for the season, while he has also chipped in with three assists. The Frenchman is showing he still has a lot to offer at a high level at 31, which has caught the attention of Premier League clubs, as well as Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
The central midfielder will cost around €30 million, which should be reasonable for the aforementioned clubs for a player of Tolisso’s quality, experience, winning mentality and leadership. It is worth noting that he won the treble with Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season. However, Tottenham could only be in contention for the experienced ex-France international’s signature if they stay in the Premier League. Even if they retain their top-flight status, a lack of European football would complicate a move to North London.
That being said, Spurs appear as good as defeated already in the race to sign the Lyon skipper. Also, if the Lilywhites are to sign a central midfielder who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, the club bosses must target a younger profile than someone in the ilk of the ageing Tolisso.