Tottenham seem to be closing in on Atletico Madrid ace Kevin Gameiro according to Spanish outlet Don Balon. The Spanish report suggests that we are willing to bid £26million for the 30-year-old Frenchman.
This wouldn’t come as the best bit of news for Spurs fans as Gameiro has not been prolific in front of goal for the La Liga side. Just 16 goals from 41 games in all competitions seems to be enough for Diego Simeone to get rid of the striker and it is surprising as to why we are after the Frenchman.
The portal even goes on to suggest that we are in advanced negotiations for the player and a deal could be complete pretty soon. While we have been looking at players to cover for Harry Kane, Gameiro’s signing would certainly lead to more questions about our transfer policies.
A replacement for Janssen but is Gameiro good enough?
We do need a quality replacement for Vincent Janssen as the Dutch striker has struggled to perform under Mauricio Pochettino. But more importantly, we need cover for Harry Kane, who once again picked up the Golden Boot in the Premier League.
Kane might have been the star of the show, at least for the forwards, but his absence from the team via injury was a major worry and the need for another striker is important. We will be playing in the Champions League as well and the need for a quality second option is necessary.
The money being quoted for Gameiro is certainly a little high, given that he has struggled to find the back of the net even at Atletico and there is no guarantee he would do well at Spurs.
He might have experience of playing in the big leagues but we all remember how Roberto Soldado did, and that will always be a concern.
£26million is extremely high for a player who is 30 already and it would be better if we keep Janssen and give him a chance next season rather than bringing in Gameiro.
Not at all sure we should, or will, get rid of Janssen. He’s young, has had two big steps up in classin two years, and has maybe just done the hard part already in having the year’s experience. Poch is on record as saying overseas players do need that year – and especially true for young ones. He is obviously determined and prepared to work hard and to listen. He looked leaner and sharper at the end of the season. I know it’s a risk as his standing is still quite high ATM and so losses could be minimised, whereas if he starts the season and flops he would depreciate much more. Personal opinion, give him another go whether we buy or bring through another striker or not.
In regard to Gameiro, I’m not convinced by the link. He doesn’t fit the profile at all of the type of player Levy likes sanction. Maybe if he is prepared to back Poch and Poch is adamant. But TBH it looks more like Atleti using our name to flush potential buyers out.