Tottenham Hotspur splashed big cash in the summer transfer window, but the squad still looks as if it needs work.
Spurs have been abject going forward, scoring only twice in five Premier League games. None of those were netted by an attacker, which means Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke still remain goalless in the Premier League. Defensively, Roberto De Zerbi’s side remains suspect too, having conceded eight goals in five fixtures.
Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke were extremely poor in Tottenham’s 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa. In the same game, Pedro Porro suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out for weeks. The Spanish international will miss the weekend’s game at Manchester United, with Archie Gray likely to deputise at right-back.
Spurs chose against replacing Djed Spence with another right-back in the summer after he moved to Inter Milan. As a result, Gray has been used as a cover for Porro, and the jury is still out on whether the England Under-21 international is a good fit for the right-back role.
Chelsea could sell full-back in January amid Tottenham interest
The Lilywhites might look to address the right-back problem when the transfer window reopens in January, and they have been handed a surprise boost in their pursuit of a target.
According to a report from Flashscore, Chelsea could decide to sell Malo Gusto in the January transfer window.
There is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Malo Gusto, who stayed at Stamford Bridge after failing to secure a move in the summer. Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea boss, tried to lure the 23-year-old to Manchester City. However, the Sky Blues baulked at Chelsea’s £75 million asking price for the French international, while Liverpool explored only a loan deal.
Gusto has since remained a part of the squad and has made three Premier League starts this season. But another spell away from the first XI could force the full-back to consider his future at Chelsea. The Blues must now decide whether he remains part of their long-term thinking or cashing him in January would benefit all parties involved.
Clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG all remain interested in Gusto, the report adds.
Gusto could be a strong addition for Spurs
Tottenham surprise their fans by raiding Chelsea on transfer deadline day for Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk. Tosin has joined the Lilywhites on a permanent deal, while Mudryk is on a season-long loan with a £75 million buy option. The double deal has once again opened the door for future transfer dealings between the bitter London rivals.
Spurs’ interest in Gusto makes total sense. The Frenchman has caught the eye of top European scouts following his physical and tactical growth in English football. Known for his dynamism, versatility, athleticism, defensive recovery pace, attacking flair and ability to handle 1v1 wide scenarios, he has developed into a reliable full-back.
De Zerbi wants his full-backs to cover large grounds, invert into central zones during build-up play, read the game well and impact at both ends of the pitch. Gusto has these qualities to thrive in De Zerbi’s demanding system, making him a smart fit at Tottenham.
As things stand, no official approach has been made to Chelsea for the full-back, nor have any negotiations been held, with the interest of the suitors not going beyond the monitoring stage.