Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder has been unsuccessful to date, with Thomas Frank unable to land any of his transfer targets in such a position.
The need for a new attacking option in the role was evident before the Dane’s arrival, but after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, such a need has grown tenfold.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been the new manager’s main targets throughout this summer, but the former agreed a new deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter joined North London rivals, Arsenal.
With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, owner Daniel Levy desperately needs to hand the manager the tools and money he needs to land the player he desires.
As a result of missing out on the aforementioned duo, the boss has turned his attention to various other targets, but the Lilywhites face a race against time to complete a deal for their signatures.
Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer
Over recent days, Spurs have made their move to land Como star Nico Paz, stumping up a £61m offer to land the Argentine before the September 1st transfer deadline.
However, the offer was swiftly rejected by the Serie A outfit, with the player now expected to remain with his current employers for at least the 2025/26 campaign.
The youngster isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another target they’re eyeing, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist confirmed that the Lilywhites have reached out to the Hammers to discuss a possible transfer, with talks seemingly heading in the right direction for the 27-year-old.
It has previously been reported that the Brazilian could be available for as little as £40m before the transfer deadline, potentially seeing Frank’s side land themselves a bargain transfer.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus
Despite failing to land a new attacking midfielder in recent weeks, Spurs have already conducted shrewd business in the transfer market to date – completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.
The hierarchy forked out £55m for the Ghanaian’s signature earlier this window, with such a figure seeming to be a bargain given his early-season form in North London.
He’s yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, but has already racked up two assists in his first two league outings – with both coming in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening day.
However, he could also be aided in his attempts at the club if the hierarchy back manager Frank in the market, potentially landing a number ten who could provide Kudus with needed opportunities in front of goal.
A deal for Paqueta could see a reunion between the pair, after they operated together in the Hammers first team for two years – before Kudus joined Spurs this summer.
Any move could hand the new addition the platform for added success in North London, with the Brazilian’s figures from the 2024/25 season showcasing the creative threat he possesses.
Paqueta, who’s been labelled “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, ranked in the 94th percentile for through balls completed per 90 (0.7), whilst also ranking in the 81st percentile for passes into the final third (5.1).
Games played
33
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
78%
Progressive passes
5.9
Passes into final third
5.1
Key passes made
1.4
Through balls completed
0.7
Take-on success
45%
Goals per shot on target
0.7
Both tallies highlight his desire to break the lines and thread balls into dangerous areas, which could massively aid Kudus in trying to build on his impressive start to life under Frank.
He also achieved a pass accuracy rate of 78%, with 5.8 of his passes per 90 being described as progressive – further showcasing his ability to cause the opposition havoc at any given opportunity.
Paqueta has shown evidence that he’s capable of finding the back of the net himself, posting a goal-per-shot-on-target rate of 0.7 – which saw him rank in the top 6% of all players in England’s top-flight last season.
Kudus’ assist tally already this campaign could allow the big-money addition to return the favour to his former teammate in forward areas, should the Lilywhites hierarchy land the Brazilian.
The prospect of the pair linking up once again is certainly something for the Spurs fans to get excited about, with their partnership potentially playing a huge role in their potential success in 2025/26.
£40m would be a bargain transfer fee for Paqueta, subsequently landing a player with top-flight experience which could prove vital in any chances of Premier League title glory in the years ahead.