Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League • England
Tottenham plotting controversial move for former Arsenal star; Levy reckons €32m fee will prove a bargain
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly considering an approach to Marseille to bring Matteo Guendouzi back to the Premier League.
The north London side face a difficult summer trying to attract new signings with their managerial situation still in turmoil. Indeed, Levy is seemingly no nearer settling on the next incumbent to take charge of the club following the departure of Antonio Conte in March.
A host of big names have been linked, although perhaps the biggest of those, Julian Nagelsmann, is now out the running. However, there is interest in the likes of Arne Slot, Thomas Frank, Xabi Alonso and Julen Lopetegui.
Either way, Levy will need to get that appointment finalised before he starts planning potential transfers.
Despite that, the Spurs supremo has seemingly already negotiated the terms on a first signing of the summer. And they are reportedly in agreement over a €20m move to bring in a well-known Frenchman.
Levy is seems will not stop there either. The club are also plotting a potential goalkeeper upgrade with Hugo Lloris’ time coming to a close. To that end, reports on Tuesday evening suggest a move for Brentford’s David Raya is very much in their sights.
The club are also considering midfield reinforcements too. The injury suffered by Rodrigo Bentancur has hit Spurs hard, with back-up options like Oliver Skipp and Yves Bissouma not offering the same quality.
As a result, Tottenham are reportedly pressing ahead with a swoop for James Ward-Prowse amid claims that akey clause is missing.
Either way, with the summer window drawing ever closer, Levy is in a race against time to get a new manager in place.
Levy also plotting shock Tottenham swoop for Matteo Guendouzi
Now reports in France claim Levy is also plotting a move to bring former Arsenal star Guendouzi back to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old left Emirates Stadium in controversial circumstances, having fallen foul on Mikel Arteta’s discipline.
Indeed, he underwent a series of loans, including Hertha Berlin and Marseille, before finally sealing a permanent switch to OM.
Since moving back to his homeland, however, Guendouzi has knuckled down and taken his game to another level. Fulfilling the early promise he showed with Arsenal, the midfielder has featured in 41 games this season, scoring five times. Having got married and had a child, it seems family life has also played a part in helping to ground the once-problematic star.
His form though has not gone unnoticed. Earning recognition with France too, it seems a move away from Marseille is on the cards this summer.
According to Mohamed Toubache-Ter, he claims Spurs are just one of a number of sides considering moves. Per the French journalist, Tottenham, along with Newcastle and Aston Villa, are all battling to compete for his signature.
And having signed him for €11m (£9.6m) Marseille are reportedly open to his sale if their €32m (£27.8m) valuation is met.
Guendouzi fee considered a bargain
Whether any club matches that price remains to be seen. However, it’s reported that Levy feels the asking price represents good value for money in this day and age. The line for top-class midfielders has recently cranked-up several levels off the back of Chelsea’s £105.7m signing of Enzo Fernandez.
As such, Levy seemingly sees the price for Guendouzi as far from extortionate.
Whether Tottenham actually follow up and make a move will surely depend on the go-ahead from their next manager.
However, a move to sign the former Arsenal star would be seen as hugely controversial with few players in recent years playing for both sides of the north London divide.