5 players Tottenham Hotspur could target in the January transfer window
After a lengthy break in club football due to the FIFA World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur finally returned to action on Monday with the resumption of the Premier League as Antonio Conte’s side was held to a 2-2 draw by Brentford. The North London outfit slipped to fourth place in the league and after a good start to the campaign, Spurs will hope to finish in the top four.
In order to further boost their credentials to finish in the UEFA Champions League berths, the Lilywhites may yet dip their toes in the January transfer window. As per reports, the club would like to add more bodies in midfield, another centre-back could be on the agenda and a winger as well, to provide more support to the likes of Harry Kane.
Spurs have previously been linked with Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and the USA international could be on his to North London. They are also known to be in the race to sign Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, who is also on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain so that should be an interesting battle.
Conte’s side has also been linked to a host of midfielders who impressed at the World Cup, including Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister, France’s Andrien Rabiot, and Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat.
Here are the top five players Tottenham could target in the upcoming January transfer window:
#5 Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
Spurs may well be planning for a double swoop from Juventus, having been linked to two of their midfielders, with Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie both on their radar. Having shone for France at the World Cup, in the absence of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kane, Rabiot’s stock has certainly risen, and he has also performed well since joining the Old Lady in 2019 on a free transfer.
A good ball carrier, the Frenchman would be a good combative presence, he’s certainly a player Conte would like. Having clocked 2057 minutes with his current employers and on national duty, including the World Cup and Nations League, the 27-year-old also scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists, and he had a good pass success rate of 86.1%. Given Juve’s precarious finances and the fact that Rabiot’s deal expires in the summer, Daniel Levy would be wise to make a move for him next month.
#4 Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)
Milan Skriniar has been attracting interest from all over Europe
Inter Milan has been hell-bent to hold onto central defender Milan Skriniar who continues to be linked to the many top clubs all over Europe. He came ever so close to signing for PSG last summer, and still remains a top target, while Spurs are also known to be in the race to land the Slovakian’s signature.
The central defender has won 1.3 aerial duels per game this season, to add to his 92.9% passing accuracy, which further highlights just how good he is with the ball at his feet. Skriniar will become a free agent in the summer, and while Inter remains confident that they can agree on an extension, should things go south, then Spurs should definitely make a move for the defender, who will be eligible to sign a pre-contract in January, with clubs outside of Italy. Hence, the Nerazzurri may be forced to sell their prized asset on a cut-price deal if they can’t come to terms.
#3 Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina)
Having starred in Morocco’s dream run into the semifinals of the World Cup in Qatar, Sofyan Amrabat has earned himself plenty of admirers. His agent confirmed that there is plenty of interest in the Fiorentina midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether he decides to stay put or look for a new adventure.
The 26-year-old was all over the pitch making tackles, recovering the ball, and recycling possession. Those are the abilities that would also appeal to Conte, but Fabio Paratici would have to be quick in his moves as Amrabat is on the radar of plenty of clubs. His current deal expires at the end of next year, and the Italian club also have the option to extend his contract for a further year, so any potential suitors may have to fork out a handsome sum to pry the Moroccan hero away from his current employers.
#2 Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Alexis Mac Allister played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar and he too has seen his stock rise massively after his heroics on the biggest stage. The central midfielder is on a contract that runs through 2025, with an option to extend for one more season.
Spurs are rumoured to be monitoring his progress since he already has experience of playing in the Premier League, but their North London rivals Arsenal are also mooted to be in the running for Mac Allister’s services.
Alexis Mac Allister could leave Brighton in January after shining for Argentina
The 24-year-old nearly averages 2 shots per game in the Premier League this term, had a passing accuracy of approximately 89% and he has also scored five goals, showing his eagerness to support the attack. While the Argentine is not the most combative midfielder, he is a workhorse and would add more bite to Conte’s side.
#1 Weston McKennie (Juventus)
Given the turmoil behind the scenes at Juventus, the Old Lady have seen plenty of their players being linked to other clubs, including Weston McKennie, who has blown hot and cold during his time at the club.
The former Schalke midfielder seems the most likely to depart Turin in January and Spurs have been linked to the USA international. He joined the club in 2021, and since then, McKennie has failed to nail down a place for himself in the side, being in and out of the playing XI frequently.
Having made two appearances in the Serie A this term, he has fared much better in the Champions League scoring twice in four appearances. With the player keen on a move away and looking for more minutes, the North London club may be able to able a cut-price deal next month.