Spurs eyeing huge Simons upgrade who’s “one of the best 10s in the world”

Tottenham Hotspur could be set for an overhaul of the attacking department in the months ahead, with multiple changes being made by Thomas Frank and the hierarchy.

With the January window now open, Brennan Johnson has already departed North London in a £35m deal to join fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.

However, the outgoings could continue in the next few days, with fellow attacker Mathys Tel being continuously linked with the likes of FC Paris, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

Additions may also be needed away from the departures, with current options Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison both set to miss extended periods through injury.

As a result of all the latest developments, numerous options have been considered by the board, which could lead to multiple deals for various attacking talents this winter.

Spurs want move for elite-level attacking midfielder

In an attempt to bolster the Spurs frontline, the hierarchy have turned their attention to Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, with the Greek star having an incredible campaign in 2025/26.

The 23-year-old has made 18 league appearances so far this campaign, subsequently registering 16 combined goals and assists – with such a tally the highest in the division.

It’s been reported that his current employers don’t want to lose their star man during the current window, but may be forced to sell if they receive an offer in the region of £35m.

Tzolis isn’t the only forward currently being considered by the Lilywhites hierarchy, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another player currently on their radar.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Frank’s men still hold an interest in the Brazilian attacking midfielder this winter, despite missing out on his services during the summer window.

The report also states that the 28-year-old wants a move away from the London Stadium, after telling Nuno Espírito Santo he was unavailable for last weekend’s FA Cup clash with QPR.

However, it also confirms the player currently wants a return to his homeland to join Flamengo, with the Hammers also wanting to sell him to a club outside the Premier League.

Why Paqueta would be an upgrade on Simons for Spurs

Spending big money on a new attacking midfielder hasn’t been alien to Spurs in recent times, with the Lilywhites forking out a reported £52m for the signature of Xavi Simons last summer.

The Dutch international arrived with huge expectations amid the size of the transfer fee, but his move to North London has failed to take off in recent months.

The 22-year-old has featured in 15 league outings to date, only scoring once and registering a further three assists – with one of his efforts coming in his first 11 outings.

He’s also been sent off in recent times, subsequently receiving his marching orders against Liverpool after being adjudged to have raked down the calf of Virgil van Dijk.

However, he still has time to turn his fortunes around under Frank in the months ahead, but his chances could well be limited if a deal for Paqueta is completed.

The Brazilian international would certainly provide healthy competition for Simons in the months ahead, whilst even potentially taking his starting role in the near future.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats in the current campaign, the West Ham star has dominated the Lilywhites talent despite featuring for a side in the relegation zone.

Paqueta, who’s been dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, has posted more combined goals and assists, along with a better shot on target accuracy rate.

Such numbers showcase that he’s a bigger goal threat in the final third, which could hand Frank another clinical option in his hunt for success in North London.

The Brazilian has also completed more key passes and passes into the final third per 90, which could allow those ahead of him to benefit from his chance creation.

Paqueta’s tally of more take-ons completed and more through balls also highlight his talent in possession, something Frank’s men have struggled with in recent weeks.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the West Ham star could cost this winter, but it’s evident that he’s already a better player than Simons, and could easily take his starting role.

Given the departures that have already been completed in North London, further reinforcements are desperately needed, with the Brazilian having all the tools to provide the goods.

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