Levy pushing ahead for top Tottenham defensive target as talks begin

Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Joachim Andersen,

Joachim Andersen is Tottenham Hotspur’s top target to strengthen in defence this summer and they have initiated contact with Lyon, according to reports.

Andersen spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Fulham from the French side. Although Scott Parker’s men were relegated, Andersen caught the eye with his performances. As such, he is firmly on Tottenham’s radar as they aim to improve in defence.

Jose Mourinho was not happy with his defensive options before he lost his job in April. As Tottenham look to appoint his permanent successor, they will be keen to ensure they improve that area of the pitch.

At present, Antonio Conte looks like their main target, which would only increase their need for new defenders. Conte favours a back three formation, so Spurs would need to pack out their centre-back options.

And it appears Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has a clear objective in mind regardless of whether it is Conte or someone else who takes the reins.

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Real Madrid, PSG and Juventus could be involved in a three-way transfer deal, while Kieran Tripper could be on his way to Man Utd and West HJam and Southampton are being linked with Junior Firpo.

Andersen has been heavily linked with Tottenham and according to BT in his native Denmark, the north London outfit are in the “driving seat” to sign him.

They claim it is “almost certain” that he will return to the Premier League rather than be reintegrated at parent club Lyon. The Ligue 1 outfit would like to receive a fee in the region of €30m.

Now, Tottenham are in “concrete” discussions for the 25-year-old. Their managerial situation will not affect their pursuit and they will hope to secure Andersen’s signing this summer.

They may have to wait a while, though, as he is currently focusing on Euro 2020 with Denmark. His agents will continue to work in the background, but it may well be the case that a deal would only go through after the tournament.

Mutual interest between Tottenham and Andersen

Joachim Andersen Denmark international, March 2021

Last week, two reputable journalists confirmed both the club and player’s interest in making a move happen.

Fabrizio Romano named Andersen as Spurs’ main centre-back target for the summer, and The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke revealed the feeling is mutual.

He told the View from the Lane podcast: “Joachim Andersen has chosen that he would like to come to Spurs, but Spurs don’t at the moment have a deal with Lyon.”


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Adding further fuel to the fire, The Telegraph claimed Lyon are ‘willing to sell’.

The pieces all appear to be in place should Tottenham decide to act on their interest.

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