Tottenham given choice of two excellent Premier League signings as second target makes transfer hint
Tottenham will be able to choose between two impressive Premier League goalkeepers when replacing Hugo Lloris after they both made big hints about their futures and potential transfers.
Lloris is now 36 years old and in the final few years of his career. He has already decided to hang up his gloves with France, and it surely won’t be too long before he does the same at club level. The veteran keeper is currently recovering from a knee injury which is expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks.
In response to Lloris’ injury, Tottenham have been linked with a shock move for free agent Ben Foster. He would provide cover for Fraser Forster while Lloris recuperates.
However, Spurs must also begin searching for Lloris’ successor who can take them to the next level over the coming years. And on this front, there has been lots of news recently. TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey says this summer is Jordan Pickford’s ‘big chance’ to take that big next step in his career.
Spurs are ‘admirers’ of the England number one. However, they face competition from Manchester United and Chelsea to organise a deal with Everton.
If Spurs end up missing out on Pickford, then they do have a couple of quality alternatives. The first is Brentford’s David Raya. And on Friday, he confirmed he has rejected the offer of a new contract from the Bees.
“I don’t think it’s the right time to sign a contract at the moment,” Raya admitted. “I’m really, really happy and right now I’m just thinking about doing the best for the team and trying to push for Europe.
“I was offered a new contract last year and one in January but we didn’t reach an agreement. I would like to see what happens in summer, however I’m happy at Brentford.”
Tottenham could pursue Aston Villa star
While Raya is comfortable where he is, the fact his contract expires in June 2024 means Brentford may have to sell him at the end of the current campaign. And Spurs will be one of the clubs who make contact.
Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emi Martinez is also on Spurs’ radar. And just like Raya, Martinez has suggested he could leave his current club to play for a team competing in Europe.
“New club? I’d like to win a title with Aston Villa, it’s difficult. We will see what happens”, the shot-stopper said during an interview with L’Equipe. “The feeling that today I have the level to play in the Champions League and try to win it.”
It would be a huge achievement if Martinez could help Unai Emery’s team to get into the Champions League in the next few seasons. However, this is unlikely given the fierce competition for a top-four finish in England. As such, Martinez may have to leave for a club like Spurs if he wants to compete in the Champions League.
Spurs may be in fifth place right now, but they are still within reach of the UCL qualification spots.
It would be great for Spurs if they could bring in Pickford, Martinez or Raya as Lloris’ replacement in goal. All three of those keepers have proven themselves to be top performers in the Prem, which means the Spurs defence would be able to fully rely on them. This is something that cannot be said of Lloris at times.
Meanwhile, Spurs’ interest in a Premier League playmaker has been leaked by one of their coaches.
