Journalist Ben Jacobs has named the various defensive midfielders on Tottenham’s radar and explained why the Lilywhites’ decision on who to go for may depend on Thomas Frank’s assessment of Archie Gray.
It has been reported over the last few days that next on Tottenham’s agenda is signing a top-class number six, which is an area that Frank is keen on strengthening.
That claim ties in with reports that Spurs are now trying to offload Yves Bissouma, who has just a year left on his contract.
Several outlets have stated over the last couple of weeks that Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz is on Tottenham’s wishlist, with many sources also claiming that Luiz is keen on a move to Spurs.
Archie Gray decision could influence Tottenham’s pursuit of a number six
Ben Jacobs has now confirmed that Luiz has indeed been discussed as an option internally at Tottenham Hotspur, but he is not seen as someone who would be an upgrade on the midfield options that the North Londoners currently have.
The journalist pointed out that Frank is an admirer of Archie Gray and asserted that Tottenham’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder will be influenced by whether the Danish coach sees the 19-year-old primarily as a midfield option.
Jacobs said on the Last Word on Spurs: “Douglas Luiz has also been discussed as one option, wage is a bit of a factor there, and there are some concerns that he wouldn’t necessarily be an out-and-out starting upgrade on what they already have.
“Then there’s the role of Archie Gray, which is going to be very important in all of this too, because if he’s determined to be predominantly a defender, even more urgency to add a number six.
“My understanding was that when he was signed and Ange Postecoglou was pitching, it was very much as a midfielder. Let’s see whether Thomas Frank has the same idea for him.
“Thomas Frank will know a lot about Gray simply because he wanted him at Brentford. They had a medical for him at Brentford, and then, as I revealed at the time, Tottenham hijacked the deal. I think his role is going to be key to how Tottenham move and how much urgency there is for a new number six.”
Tottenham are eyeing Wolves star and a Bundesliga midfielder
Over the last week, we have also seen reports suggesting that Tottenham are eyeing Joao Palhinha, while some publications claim that Spurs have not ruled out an audacious move for Adam Wharton.
Jacobs has now thrown two more names into the mix, revealing that the Lilywhites are also monitoring Wolves’ Joao Gomes as well as Mainz star Kaishu Sano.
He added: “I’ve reported before, there is also some appreciation for João Gomes at Wolves, which is doing the rounds on social media. What I also said, as importantly, is he signed a new five-year deal at Wolves in April.
“The feeling at the time was, this was not an extension to protect value and still an openness to go in the summer; this was very much about extending in April to keep João Gomes at Wolves for at least one year. That’s why I think it’d be very difficult if Tottenham are to enter that race.
“Kaishu Sano, who is at the Bundesliga side Mainz, is another player that Tottenham really like. He’s an extremely combative number six who is capable of moving between the lines, winning aerial duals, but a bit like Moises Caicedo, is a very progressive passer, who you sort of see a lot of underrated attacking qualities about.
“He’s not just your standard engine room and ball winner, he’s also very good at after he’s won it, getting his head up and working out where there’s an incisive pass to be played and that’s why he is so effective playing in a counter-attacking side.
“That also may be another name to watch, but I’d be surprised if Tottenham don’t close the window with a new six, but as I say, the kind of six, the age of six, the profile of the six and the value of the six may be partially defined by what kind of role and position. Archie Gray is given under Thomas Frank.”
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