He also has a strong goal scoring record.
Tottenham are apparently considering a bid for a £52 million defender desired by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
Spurs’ center-back issues exposed
Spurs‘ dearth of options at center-half behind their preferred starting duo has been highlighted by an injury to star summer signing Micky van de Ven, as well as a three-game suspension for Cristian Romero. Van de Ven‘s hamstring injury, which is projected to keep him out until early 2024, is a devastating blow for manager Ange Postecoglou, who was off to the best start by a new head coach in Premier League history.
Many may have expected this quandary after Tottenham‘s failure to buy another defender during the summer transfer window. The north Londoners failed to sign Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly on deadline day, and they appear to be suffering the price today.
Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor predicted this in an interview with Football Insider earlier this year, stating that Tottenham needed to acquire up to three new centre-backs.
“I think anyone could come in and transform that defence,” the former Villa striker asserted.
“Dear Eric Dier, I’m not sure why he’s being talked about for a new contract. Romero is the type of player who, if I were manager, would be on his last chance. He simply wishes to kick everyone. He knows he’ll be punished, but he still does it.
“I believe Spurs require three centre backs. Guehi could be one of them, but I’d get more. If you want to win trophies, you must have numerous excellent centre-backs. Consider Arsenal’s loss of Saliba, which cost them the title.”
Agbonlahor’s final statement is crucial, as Arteta‘s loss of Saliba at the close of last season was a vital reason in Arsenal finishing second to eventual treble winners Manchester City.
Similarly to Spurs’ absence of van de Ven, whose pace and power are critical to Postecoglou’s aggressive high line, the Lilywhites don’t look the same.
Spurs considering a move for Inacio
Tottenham may re-sign Kelly in January, among other targets, but new targets are emerging in the news on a fairly constant basis as the winter window approaches. Another has emerged in the form of Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio.
Despite being only 22 years old, the Portuguese international has made nearly 140 appearances in all competitions for Sporting. He has supposedly caught Johan Lange’s radar at Spurs. According to The Mail, Tottenham are mulling a January transfer for Inacio, with Arsenal also interested in Ruben Amorim‘s left-footed defensive standout.
Inacio is regarded as having a “good eye for goal,” having scored 11 goals and provided eight assists for his team. (Goncalo Inacio statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt)
According to some estimates, the 6 foot 1 ace’s release clause would cost roughly £52 million to wrest away from Portugal (A Bola).
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