Despite doing no business at all in the past two transfer windows, Tottenham Hotspur were chasing Premier League glory until recently when a series of disappointing outcomes placed them in the ‘top four’ race alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. But the Lilywhites are finally back to winning ways after scripting a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace in their new stadium. They must now be hoping for a busy summer to stay relevant in the title battle.
According to The Telegraph, Spurs are plotting a swoop for Andre Gomes, currently on loan at Everton from Barcelona, having impressed in his first season in the English environment. Owner Daniel Levy is willing to sanction a £30m move for the 25-year-old Portugal international in order to add strength to their midfield that has often let down manager Mauricio Pochettino in an array of intriguing contests.
Gomes failed to make his mark for the Catalans but revived his career with the Toffees who are fighting to clinch a top-half finish in the league under Marco Silva. Although Everton have largely underperformed this season, the Portuguese has been lauded for his performance, ability to retain possession and creating space with swift movements as well as passing attributes.
While Barcelona would be keen on offloading the misfit midfielder, clubs could circle like vultures to get a deal done for him once the season reaches its conclusion.
The player, too, played it diplomatically when asked about his future.
“Every day is a new challenge and every weekend in the Premier League is a new challenge. So I try to think only in the present. If I think further ahead than that then I will probably lose my mind in some way. So I am trying to finish the season in the best way possible, give my best in every training session and in every game. We will see in the end.”
Spurs, meanwhile, have enough options in the middle of the park but require an experienced individual to operate in a box-to-box role. Eric Dier is suitable as a defensive midfielder whereas Victor Wanyama has lost a starting role following successive fitness concerns. Moussa Sissoko has failed to live up to expectations while the duo of Hary Winks and Oliver Skipp would need more time before being relied upon week in week out.
Gomes enjoys bursting forward and linking up play from outside the box which would free up Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, allowing them to be more instrumental in the attacking third and contribute in Spurs’ free-flowing football with hitman Harry Kane spearheading the frontline.
