The Tottenham Hotspur fans in the Transfer Tavern are growing concerned by rumours linking Toby Alderweireld with a transfer away from the club, and they are beginning to discuss a handful of alternatives as a consequence of those reports.
Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have formed the backbone of Tottenham’s defence in recent years, but there is a looming feeling that the end of their partnership is rapidly approaching. With Alderweireld seemingly refusing to sign a new contract, it seems likely that his future will be played away from the club, and the likes of Matthijs de Ligt have been tipped to replace him this summer.
Regardless of whether Alderweireld remains at the club or not, Mauricio Pochettino has some solid foundations for a future defensive unit with talented young players like Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth on his books. However, the Lilywhites will need to add at least one more centre-back of pure quality to ensure that they maintain their status as a top-four club once Vertonghen and Alderweireld have moved on.
With that in mind, Pochettino should recommend Daniele Rugani to Daniel Levy this summer, as he should be available for €40 million according to Italian media outlet Calciomercato. The report claims that Arsenal are also interested in the player who has shown huge promise with Juventus in Serie A, but he found himself on the fringes of the first-team last season and could be enticed by the prospect of first-team football.
Unai Emery will be eager to resolve the Gunners defensive problems this summer, especially now that Laurent Koscienlny is beginning to look a shadow of his former self at 32-years-of-age. Rugani’s composure in possession and technical ability make him an ideal candidate to slot into Arsenal’s traditional style of football, and at 23 he has the potential to become an indispensable talent for years to come.
However, Tottenham should join their local-rivals in the race for his signature if they want to continue putting Arsenal in their shadow. Rugani still has plenty to prove in the game and he would certainly need some time to adapt to the speed and intensity of the Premier League, but with Pochettino’s trust he would become a rock at the heart of Tottenham’s defence if Levy is willing to finance a fair-priced €40 million deal.
Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
