Tottenham Hotspur Transfers: Where do Spurs need to strengthen in the summer?
Tottenham Hotspur's season isn't over as yet, but chairman Daniel Levy and manager Mauricio Pochettino's thoughts would have already turned towards the summer's transfer window.
Although Spurs did not buy any players in either last year's summer window (a first for a Premier League club) or the winter window, they will need to strengthen some key areas of their squad, if they are to compete for top honours next year. In addition to the players, Levy has to ensure that Pochettino signs a new long-term contract to stay at Tottenham.
What They Need
Striker
Tottenham have three strikers on their books right now, but both Fernando Llorente (whose contract ends this summer) and Vincent Janssen have not lived up to expectations and will be allowed to leave this summer. Bringing in good forwards however, may not be easy as it sounds, since any player coming in would be given the thankless task of deputing for Harry Kane, and playing only League Cup and perhaps FA Cup matches.
Central Midfielder
An area in which Spurs have been very well stocked in recent years is now looking threadbare. A box to box midfielder, who can pass, move the ball quickly, and help out both in attack and defense is sorely needed. According to ESPN, Spurs have been linked to Valencia's Carlos Soler in recent days, but with other European clubs also interested, it could be difficult to reach a deal.
Attacking Midfielder
Christian Eriksen has been Tottenham's main source of creativity over the last four years, and the team looks out of ideas when he is not playing. Dele Alli can play the number 10 role, but is more of a second striker rather than a creator. Spurs were linked with Aston Villa's Jack Grealish in the last summer window, and it will be no surprise if they were to renew their interest this time round as well. Sources have also linked them with Real Madrid's Dani Cebellos, but a deal is only expected to materialize should Christian Eriksen goes the other way.
Central Defender
Toby Alderweireld contract expires next year and he also has an option to leave for £25M in the last two weeks of this summer's window. If Alderweireld does leave, or if the team decides to cash in on him, Spurs will need to bring in reinforcement(s). So far, they have not been linked with any defender, but expect that to change in the coming weeks, as the contract situation becomes clearer.
Winger
Although Spurs have Lucas Moura and Son Heung Min, Pochettino will be eager to add a new winger to the roster, preferably one with the ability to take on opposition full backs and create spaces down the flanks. Its priority is not high on the agenda, but the team could do with such an addition. A move could be made for Barcelona's Malcom, but it's still early days yet.
Right back (if Trippier leaves)
Kieran Trippier has been linked with a whole host of European clubs, and if Spurs decide to sell him, they may need to bring in a player to replace him. It could also be the opportunity Kyle Walker Peters has been waiting for, who hasn't had many chances to impress the manager until now.
Others Linked Players
A few other players have been linked to Tottenham over the last few weeks, but deals for them may be unlikely.
Ryan Sessegnon: Spurs have been admirers of the full back for some time now, and as per the BBC, will bid for him this summer. However, Pochettino already has Danny Rose and Ben Davies at this position, so a deal will likely only materialize if Spurs get Sessegnon for cheap.
Andre Gomes: Spurs have been linked to Barcelona's midfielder, but its hard to see where he fits in, and whether or not he will be an upgrade over any existing player.
Tottenham have had a stellar season (regardless of what happens in the Champions League final), but with the new stadium completed, it is time for the club to reach the next level. The best way of doing that will be to back Pochettino in the transfer market.