The Tottenham Hotspur fans are eager to see a new attacking talent arrive at the club this summer to finally end the second-striker conundrum, and recent reports suggest a prolific talent could be available for as little as £24.5 million.
Tottenham have been linked with a summer bid for Anthony Martial for the majority of the summer so far, but their interest is yet to result in a formal bid or declaration of interest. Manchester United’s French attacker is undoubtedly a quality talent with enormous potential to blossom into a fine Premier League goalscorer, but Pochettino should focus his interest on proven talent if he wants to finally end his silverware hoodoo next season.
One of the main reasons for Tottenham’s reported interest in Martial is due to his versatility to operate at both centre-forward and on the left-wing in a inside-forward position – he has also played on the right-side for the Red Devils with limited success. However, there is reason to suggest that Pochettino should instead turn his attention towards Dries Mertens before the month is over.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Mertens has a clause in his contract which would allow him to depart Napoli for just £24.5 million, although that release clause will expire at the end of the month. With the 31-year-old currently on international duty with Belgium at the World Cup, there is very little time for Tottenham to conclude a deal, but they simply must match the quoted price in order to secure the signing of a player who would undoubtedly transform their attack next season.
Mertens played as a left-winger for the majority of his career until he adapted to a centre-forward role during the last two seasons. Napoli’s talisman has flourished within his new position at the spearhead of the attack, and the fact he notched 22 goals and provided 12 assists in all-competition last season serves to illuminate his effectiveness.
Spending £24.5 million on a 31-year-old player is certainly a prospect which will trouble Daniel Levy as he attempts to oversee a smooth financial transition into the new stadium, but Mertens’ form for the Serie A title-challengers last season proved that he possesses the ability to continue his fine form well into his thirties.
Martial would cost at least double the price of Mertens and, with no guarantee that he will eventually develop into the world beater he is widely predicted to become, Tottenham would complete a better deal by bringing the Belgian forward to the club instead of Martial in both footballing and financial terms.
Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
