Tottenham learned the hard way against Arsenal about how far away they are from the top of the Premier League but this signing could help close the gap.
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Thomas Frank learnt the harshest reminder of how far his Tottenham Hotspur team has to go to compete at the top of the table after the chastening defeat to Arsenal.
The current injury list doesn’t help the Spurs boss’ cause, however, a clear recruitment plan is needed to close the gap in the Premier League and to become contenders rather than also rans. A young squad now needs experience and proven talent to help improve performances and an Italian international could be on the market if recent speculation is to be believed.
Spurs should target Federico Chiesa
Spurs have been linked to Antoine Semenyo, however, with Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal also interested, competition is fierce and Frank will probably miss out unless they move quicker than the other teams said to be watching the Bournemouth winger. What the German could do with is a versatile forward capable of covering a number of positions and who can score goals and provide assists. In a World Cup season, every player wants to be playing regularly which is why Spurs could target a frustrated Liverpool star.
Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy having found himself on the outside looking in despite Liverpool’s struggles this season. With Arne Slot having signed Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, Chiesa has found himself further down the pecking order.
The 28-year old has two goals and three assists this season despite only featuring in 366 minutes worth of action. Capable of playing on either flank, as a no.10 or central striker, the 51-times capped international has been urged to leave Anfield by Italy boss Genarro Gattuso to reclaim his place in the squad. Spurs also wanted him back in the summer so he is clearly appreciated in North London.
Fabrizio Romano on when Chiesa could leave Liverpool
Even on loan, Spurs could offer a way out for Chiesa with transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano suggesting that January could be the window in which his time at Liverpool comes to an end. Speaking on his YouTube channel over the weekend, Romano said: “What I can tell you about Chiesa is that the player continues to demonstrate publicly, as do those close to him, that his will is to stay at Liverpool. He wants to play in Liverpool and stay in Liverpool.
“It’s clear that if a month or a month-and-a-half from now – well into January – Chiesa still won’t have found the playing time he’s hoping for, and if Liverpool were to make another signing – a winger like Semenyo who’s a player Liverpool are targeting – in that case we need to be careful about Chiesa.
“I believe Italian clubs will be able to try again during the January window. The door was closed in the summer, by Chiesa and Liverpool, [as] they wanted to continue together.
“Today the door remains closed, but if you ask me what happens on January 20th, based on the circumstances, we should monitor the Chiesa situation in the final days of the window.”
Even if Liverpool don’t sign Semenyo, Spurs should be offering Chiesa a way out at a club where his ability would be appreciated.