Sports
Tottenham hold talks with Arsenal target as Frank ‘craves his progressive passing’
Tottenham have reached out to the representatives of an Arsenal transfer target as Spurs boss Thomas Frank scours the market for creativity, according to a new report.
Tottenham looking at signing attackers in January
Frank is under growing pressure at N17, and one of the key points of concern has been their lack of attacking fluidity.
Spurs were recently booed off after a tepid 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in the London derby, where they managed just one shot on target all game, and it was a similar story away to Arsenal last weekend.
David Raya barely had anything to do and was rarely troubled in the Gunners net, barring Richarlison’s incredible goal of the season contender from the halfway line, and the statistics paint a pretty grim picture of their attacking prowess overall.
According to FBref, the Lilywhites have attempted the second-fewest shots in the Premier League so far this campaign, and rank 17th in the division for xG (expected goals), so this quite simply has to change.
|
25/26 Premier League |
Spurs |
League rank |
|---|---|---|
|
xG |
11.0 |
17th |
|
Non-penalty xG |
11.0 |
16th |
|
Progressive passes |
413 |
12th |
|
Shots |
110 |
19th |
|
Shots on target |
40 |
15th |
|
Average shot distance |
15.6 yards |
17th |
As a result, it is believed that the north Londoners could look to sign a striker and winger when the winter transfer window opens.
Spurs are reportedly in the mix for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo as one option, following news of the Ghanaian’s £65 million release clause, which will be active during the early period of January.
Meanwhile, in terms of a new striker, FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa has been repeatedly linked with a move to Tottenham, with co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange apparently prepared to shell out his release clause.
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Time will tell whether these reports come to fruition, but they will face stiff competition from some of Europe’s big hitters for both men.
On top of Semenyo and Aghehowa, Spurs are now also taking an interest in Elche sensation Rodrigo Mendoza, according to TEAMtalk.
Tottenham hold talks with Rodrigo Mendoza and want his ‘progressive passing’
As per their information, Tottenham have registered their interest in Mendoza by contacting his agents, joining Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City in pursuit of the highly-rated 20-year-old who could be available for just £17.5 million in January.
Frank views the Spanish youth international as a potential solution to Spurs’ midfield needs, and the club apparently ‘crave his progressive passing’ to provide creativity from deeper positions.
Sources close to the representatives of Mendoza are quoted in the report confirming contact from all four Premier League clubs, and Mendoza’s modest release clause makes him an attractive proposition.
The Elche academy graduate has impressed during nine La Liga appearances this season, scoring once and demonstrating qualities that have drawn comparisons to both Sergio Busquets and Pedri.
His ability to carry the ball forward ranks him in the 93rd percentile among La Liga midfielders for successful dribbles per 90 minutes, with Mendoza playing a key role in helping Elche win promotion back to the Spanish top flight last term.
However, Elche recognize that financial difficulties could force them into a sale, with the cash-strapped club anticipating interest from bigger sides.
January could see multiple Premier League suitors test their resolve, including Tottenham, who are now firmly in the mix.
It will be interesting to see where he could fit into a Spurs midfield that already includes exciting talents Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, who operate in a similar roles, but Mendoza may even perhaps prove to be an adept replacement for the exit-bound Yves Bissouma.
