Tottenham are battling Liverpool and Newcastle United for the signing of Ligue 1 talent.
At the start of the week, Tottenham Hotspur sealed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for a club-record fee which could reach £100m. The Lilywhites had a bid of around £80m rejected by Newcastle United, but reached agreement on a deal where they are expected to pay an initial £92.5m plus a further £7.5m in potential add-ons tied to Champions League qualification.
Tonali’s arrival comes after Spurs signed Matheus Fernandes in an £85 million deal from West Ham last week. The club has already splashed the cash on two talented central midfielders with best years ahead of them. The duo have significantly bolstered the north London side’s midfield unit, which was bypassed easily multiple times last season.
The signings of Tonali and Fernandes have also put the futures of a couple of players in the same position in jeopardy. Lucas Bergvall is seeking a new adventure after sensing his opportunities to play regularly next season have become limited. In addition to Bergvall, it is worth noting that Joao Palhinha’s loan from Bayern Munich hasn’t been turned into a permanent deal, while the club has released Yves Bissouma.
So, there remains a possibility of further additions in midfield, and they are now linked with an African talent.
AS Monaco midfielder on Tottenham’s radar
According to a report from Africa Foot, AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara is attracting serious interest from Tottenham, Newcastle United and Liverpool. Newcastle United appear to be frontrunners, having already begun discussions with AS Monaco’s management for the African talent, while Tottenham and Liverpool are monitoring his situation.
Lamine Camara has become a key figure for AS Monaco since arriving from FC Metz two years ago, and he enjoyed another productive Ligue 1 campaign. The Senegalese international scored three goals and assisted as many times in 24 league appearances. His composure, technical quality, tenacity and relentless energy have caught the attention of scouts across England.
The report adds that the 22-year-old is under contract at the Principality Stadium until 2029. AS Monaco are ready to open negotiations at €44million for the player. Camara’s future is set to be decided in the coming weeks after Senegal’s cruel exit from the World Cup against Belgium in the Round of 32.
Tottenham must test AS Monaco’s resolve for Lamine Camara
Tonali and Fernandes would enhance the technical flooring of Tottenham’s midfield, but De Zerbi lacks a player of Camara’s profile. An all-action midfielder, Camara looks to offer discipline with energy, and calm with aggression. He can keep the play ticking over with short, crisp passes, break the opposition’s moves and switch play when required. Out of possession, the Senegalese provides mobility, bite and physicality.
Having a player like Camara would bring much-needed balance to this Spurs side. He’d also improve the depth of the squad. However, with Newcastle in talks with Monaco to sign the player, Tottenham must look to engage.