According to the latest reports from the Sun, Andy Carroll has emerged as a shock transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs are going through a major injury crisis at the moment as Harry Kane is set to be out for a lengthy period. Dele Alli also got injured in their last gasp win against Fulham, and Mauricio Pochettino has only Fernando Llorente as his strike option. The Spaniard is already in the final six months of his contract; therefore, Pochettino needs to look at bringing in another striker for backup soon.
Carroll though is an interesting choice as he himself has struggled with injuries at West Ham United. The striker is one of the best target man in the Premier League and his prowess in the air is almost unmatched. However, injuries have brought him down of late.
Reports from the Sun also add that Manuel Pellegrini could be a bit sceptical in selling the English striker as Marko Arnautovic has been unsettled after the big money offer from China. Therefore one isn’t sure whether the Chilean manager would sanction a move for the 30-year-old striker.
Carroll is in the final year of his contract and reports say that Spurs can land him for £2m this month. Therefore for that price, this could turn out to be a bargain signing for Mauricio Pochettino. The former Newcastle United striker is currently fit and running and has made some cameo appearances here and there. But Arnautovic has continued as the no. 1 striker for the Hammers.
The move could also depend on what Carroll wants for himself. Once a free agent in the summer, quite a few clubs could be after him. At Spurs, he is likely going to be in the shadows of Harry Kane, and he would hardly see any game-time when the England international is fit. Therefore Carroll might think of moving somewhere where he can play a more important role.
On the other hand, Spurs can offer him a chance to play in the Champions League and compete for top honours so that could also attract the former Liverpool forward. Spurs have done well in the Premier League given the fact that they haven’t made any signings in the last two transfer windows.
On another occasion, they could have been in a real title race as they have 51 points in 23 games. But Liverpool and Manchester City look relentless this season, and it could turn out to be another season for Spurs where they might have to be satisfied with just a Champions League spot. With the injury crisis, the signing of Carroll looks a decent one especially when he is available on such a bargain. However, we also expect some moans and groans from the fans given his injury track record in the last few years.
