Whilst Tottenham Hotspur have completed the big-money addition of Mohammed Kudus already this summer, a new number ten has been the priority for Thomas Frank in recent weeks.
Morgan Gibbs-White was once the Lilywhites’ main target in such a position, even leading to a £60m transfer fee being agreed with Nottingham Forest for his signature.
However, the move was put on hold, leading to the player himself penning a new deal at the City Ground - leading to Eberechi Eze subsequently becoming their next target to fill the role.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates scoring their first goal with a shirt in support of their injured teammate Taiwo Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates scoring their first goal with a shirt in support of their injured teammate Taiwo Awoniyi
He too looked set to move to North London, but Arsenal jumped ahead of Frank’s side in the race for his signature - subsequently inflicting yet more pain on their bitter rivals in the market.
With just a couple of days left in the summer window, the hierarchy need to act quickly, especially if they are to land a new attacking talent to aid Frank in his quest.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder
Over the last couple of days, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a potential option forSpurs, which would see them complete another raid on their London rivals.
It’s been reported that talks have been held with the Hammers over a deal for the Brazilian international, who could be available for just £40m this summer.
lucas-paqueta-west-ham-premier-league
However, he’s not the only player in their sights before deadline day, with Ademola Lookman another player they admire, according to talkSPORT.
They claim the Atalanta star has been on their radar for some time this summer, potentially being a viable option after his transfer to Inter Milan collapsed in recent weeks.
The report states that the Lilywhites are prepared to step up their interest in the coming days, leading to a £40m fee being mooted for the Nigerian’s signature.
It states that Fabio Paratici is the one driving the move and pushing the club towards signing him.
Why Spurs’ latest signing would be a better signing than Paqueta
Spurs’ interest in Paqueta may come as a surprise to many, but given the links to Gibbs-White and Eze - it’s clear the hierarchy have been pursuing a deal for a Premier League-proven option.
lucas-paqueta-west-ham-premier-league
The Hammers star has spent three full years in England’s top-flight, offering a consistent flow of goals despite their failure to rise up the table under various managers.
The 27-year-old has notched 20 goals and 14 assists since his transfer from Lyon in the summer of 2022 - with Manchester City previously being interested in his signature.
However, he could be set to depart in the coming days, especially after their poor start to the season, which has seen them lose every game - resulting in Spurs’ interest.
Despite the interest in Paqueta, the Lilywhites hierarchy must prioritise a move for Lookman, with the former Leicester City star undoubtedly a bigger talent in 2025.
Ademola Lookman 2024-25 stats (timeless)
When comparing their respective stats from last campaign, the Nigerian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas - potentially being a bargain at his current £40m asking price.
Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by commentator Matteo Bonetti, posted more combined goals and assists last season, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate - undoubtedly providing a more clinical option in front of goal for Frank’s men.
How Lookman & Paqueta compared throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shot on target accuracy
Key passes made
Passes into the opposition box
Take-ons completed
Carries into the final third
Carries into the opposition box
Crosses completed
Stats via FBref
He also completed more key passes per 90, whilst registering more passes into the opposition’s box per 90, which would see him offer the creative outlet the hierarchy have been hunting for all summer.
The Atalanta star’s dominance is further highlighted in his higher tallies of take-ons and crosses completed - subsequently able to create chances out of nothing, before having the end product to tee up a teammate in North London.
£40m for a player of Lookman’s quality is an excellent price, with the board getting themselves a bargain and finally landing the number ten they’ve craved in recent months.
If he can replicate his numbers from Serie A last season, it would be another shrewd piece of business - handing the new manager the tools to make his debut year at the helm one to remember.