Tottenham Hotspur must look to seal the bargain of the summer transfer window by signing Rayan Cherki this summer, and upgrade on James Maddison in the process.
Spurs have had their worst domestic season in decades as they currently sit in 16th place in the Premier League following 19 defeats in 35 games this season, but they remarkably have the opportunity to reach the Champions League via the back door after reaching the Europa League final this week.
The result of that cup final against Manchester United will not only have a huge influence on who the manager is next season, with Ange Postecoglou clinging to his job at the moment, but also on the club's plans for the summer transfer window.
There are expected to be several outgoings and incomings regardless of the result, but the club do have the chance to make a real statement by bringing in the uber-talented French playmaker Cherki this summer to bolster their forward areas.
Maddison Needs More Competition
Cherki could be the perfect upgrade
Since arriving from Leicester City in a £40m deal, James Maddison has been a key member of the Spurs team but still the team has been lacking a creative spark for the most part.
After picking up a knee injury in the first leg win over Bodø/Glimt following his goal, the England international will now miss the rest of the season - including the Europa League final - in a major blow to Postecoglou and the team. Dejan Kulusevski is likely to be tasked with the number ten role for that game, but the lack of creativity in the squad in central areas is evident.
That should see the club looking to make moves in the summer transfer window to strengthen that position, and the obvious target is Lyon sensation Rayan Cherki.
The 21-year-old has been labelled 'unplayable' this season, while former Chelsea man Frank Lebouef has previously called him "one of the most skilful players on Earth" and Athletic journalist Alex Barker said he is a "future Ballon d'Or winner". So it's mental that he is expected to be available to sign for just £25m this summer.
Cherki would add explosiveness, trickery and creativity to a side that lacks it, and with his ability to play wide he could also line up alongside Maddison when he's fit. But considering Maddison's £170,000-a-week wages, and a growing injury record, it's a deal that should be considered as a replacement for the English playmaker.
It also can't be ignored that Maddison's injury record isn't the greatest. He's only ever managed to start 30 Premier League games once in his career back in 2018/19, while he has picked up four injuries over the last four seasons that have seen him miss at least two months of action.
Cherki can come in and immediately improve the squad, while also ensuring that if Maddison isn't available there isn't a drop off in quality or creativity.
There will never be a better opportunity to sign a player of this quality and pedigree than this season, and Daniel Levy should prioritise this transfer above all else.
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