According to a recent report by TodoFichajes, Tottenham Hotspur fancies a summer move for AS Monaco centre-back Guillermo Maripán. The same source has also stated that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is ‘very interested’ in acquiring the services of the Chilean defender when the transfer window reopens later this year. It is believed that Monaco are open to letting Maripan leave and would demand a fee close to €20m for their prized asset.
Maripan’s Decent Form In French Football This Season
The 26-year-old has enjoyed an impressive debut season at the Stade Louis II after making a switch from Alaves last summer. He has caught the eye for producing some commanding displays at the heart of Robert Moreno’s midfield. The Vitacura-born talent has featured in 24 matches for the French outfit this term and has got two goals to his name across all competitions.
Defensively, Maripan has found a run of consistency after averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game in the Ligue 1 this season. He has also been quite tidy with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 88% in league football so far (stats via whoscored). Hence, the Chilean will offer Mourinho the option to play a more attacking brand of football if the Tottenham boss can find a way to lure him to the English capital in this off-season.
The towering centre-back has also earned 24 senior caps for the Chilean national team, registering two goals for his country in the process. If the Monaco star can maintain his high standards next season, then we can expect him to play a crucial role for Chile in next year’s Copa America after the competition got delayed due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The Chilean International Bring To The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Maripan lacks pace and mobility, but he more than makes up for it by using his incredible upper body strength that allows him to overpower the opposition and win a lot of headers in the air. He is quite aggressive when going in for challenges and showcases excellent defensive awareness which makes him such a solid presence inside his own penalty area.
The South American sensation is often quick to read the danger and can pull off some vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team. He is also not shy to commit to the cause by putting his body on the line when trying to block a goal-bound attempt from the opposition.
A defender of Maripan’s physicality will not only add more bite and steel to Mourinho’s defence but also enhance the overall quality of his squad. He will provide some healthy competition for the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sánchez and Japhet Tanganga at North London in the years to come. Plus, the Chilean could also serve as a perfect long-term replacement for Jan Vertonghen, who looks set to leave the North London club at the end of this campaign.
Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for Mourinho to orchestrate a move to bring the Ligue 1 defender to the Premier League before the start of the new campaign.
