Tottenham Hotspur have identified Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie as a potential target for this summer transfer window, according to Daily Mail.
Tottenham have a long-standing interest in McKennie, ever since Fabio Paratici became the Managing Director of Football and are looking to add more options to their midfield despite Yves Bissouma joining them from Brighton and Hove Albion for £25million, excluding add-ons (BBC).
Juve were reported to have been ready to part ways with McKennie for the right price even though he is an important part of their midfield. The Serie A giants value the USA international in the region of £34million at this moment, although they could change their stance regarding a potential sale.
That is due to the Bianconeri’s new signing Paul Pogba, who has joined after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer (ESPN), has picked up a knee problem.
The Frenchman’s injury is said to come as a blow for Tottenham, who may now instead keep McKennie beyond the summer window.
Our View
We currently have four reliable options in our midfield, with Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bissouma forming the quartet. However, having just four midfielders would be very risky in a long season as injuries and suspensions could play a role.
While Antonio Conte only uses a two-man midfield pairing, it is good to have at least five midfielders. That would give enough safety net while also instilling healthy competition among the players in the squad.
Others like Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks would probably leave as they are not in Conte’s plans for the future (Daily Mail). Their departures would free up spots in the team where McKennie could have a role.
However, it can be argued that we do not need to sign McKennie at all. Pape Matar Sarr has displayed some solid performances in the pre-season so far. Perhaps, Matar Sarr could be that squad player for us in midfield as Conte can slowly integrate him into the first team set-up.
