Tottenham have started making moves behind the scenes to improve their squad for the next season.
Tottenham Hotspur are eager to strengthen their squad once the club secures its Premier League status by the end of the month.
It is fair to say that the North Londoners can no longer afford any major slip-ups at this stage of the season, as Roberto de Zerbi looks to guide them to safety. The club require fresh additions in several areas of the pitch, and they need them urgently. However, if relegation is confirmed, Tottenham would find it significantly harder to invest in exciting talents and top-quality players.
It is clear that the Lilywhites require a squad overhaul in the summer, beginning with the creative midfield department. Following Xavi Simons’ ACL rupture, and Mohammed Kudus’ suffering a season-ending injury after returning to training from a quad problem in April, Spurs must prioritise the addition of a creative attacker.
Roberto De Zerbi cannot rely on James Maddison to produce the goods consistently next season, especially given the England international has not played this term after recovering from an ACL injury. Thus, the Italian must bring in a playmaker who can provide a different dimension in the final third.
Tottenham learns the asking price of Real Madrid’s prodigious talent
Recent reports suggest that Tottenham are monitoring Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono. The North London outfit are keeping a close watch on the teenager’s situation in the Spanish capital and believes he may be tempted to seek a move ahead of next season in pursuit of regular game time.
Considered one of the most promising talents of this generation, Franco Mastantuono only joined Real Madrid from River Plate last summer. However, in a season of adapting to the demands of European football, the Argentine has not got a run of games under his belt. He has not enjoyed the backing of interim Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa after Xabi Alonso’s sacking, resulting in the teenager getting frustrated.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid have rebuffed Tottenham’s opening offer worth €45 million for Mastantuono. This is because they view the creative midfielder as one of their key future prospects and do not want to give up on him after just one season.
Los Blancos are open to a loan with a substantial purchase option worth €70 million. They would consider a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for €70 million, contingent on Spurs qualifying for European competition next term. Signing the teenager, who is considered Lionel Messi’s heir in Argentina, would not be straightforward for Tottenham.
Is a Franco Mastantuono loan deal for Tottenham feasible?
Tottenham could do very well to have a creative and versatile talent like Mastantuono in their ranks next term. Technically gifted, energetic, combative, flexible and with a sweet shot on his left foot, the Argentine would be a fine fit in De Zerbi’s system. The Italian tactician has nurtured several young talents during his managerial career, and he’d love to work with the Madrid man.
However, as Madrid are not ready to sanction his permanent departure due to obvious reasons, the best Spurs could do is sign Mastantuono on a season-long loan with an option to buy. If the ex-River Plate star does well and convinces the N17 bosses that he can have a long-term future, Tottenham may then agree to pay a substantial fee to sign him permanently from Madrid. If he doesn’t live up to the expectations, the 18-year-old will head back to Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
It is unclear if the Lilywhites are prepared to agree to the terms laid down by Madrid, although they must also convince the Mastantuono to make the switch to White Hart Lane.