Tottenham face some key decisions when it comes to their midfield this summer, with the transfer window offering a chance to shuffle some options around.
Ange Postecoglou has already seen just how key the centre of the pitch can be to his team both in and out of form.
Last season saw a partnership of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr light up the Premier League in the opening months.
However, once injury and international tournaments hit, some of that form dissipated and Tottenham regularly found it tough to control games the way they wanted.
A midfield shakeup has been on the cards, with youngsters Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray joining as options to help in the future.
When it comes to quality in the present day, Spurs have been linked with a host of options to help bolster the squad.
The latest of which comes from a report claiming that Tottenham are interested in Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
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Why Tottenham should sign Manuel Locatelli
Locatelli’s career to date has been an interesting one, with his rise to stardom seeing him pushed to the very top with Juventus and the Italian national team.
There were natural comparisons to legendary figure Andrea Pirlo, with plenty of hopes that he could live up to those claims.
Since his permanent move to the Bianconeri, Locatelli has struggled to hit his top form and faces a fight to be in the plans of new boss Thiago Motta’s plans.
Should that create a chance for an exit, Tottenham should pounce to add the type of dynamic midfielder that is missing from their ranks so far.
Locatelli’s ability to pick out short and long passes can help manufacture dangerous one-on-one chances for forwards against their opposition defenders.
Given the struggle of Postecoglou’s system in breaking down lower blocks, having this specialist passing option in midfield could be useful in setting others up.
That’s without mentioning the fact that Locatelli is still just 26 years old and has plenty of experience in winning at the top level.
It may prove to be a move that is value for money if they can restore the Italian international back to his best.
Tottenham need transfer sales
While signing Locatelli could certainly bolster the squad, the reality is that he shouldn’t be signed until players are moved on.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has already made the switch to Olympique Marseille, though the squad change only starts there.
Oliver Skipp is another option facing an uncertain future at the Tottenham academy star struggled for minutes last season.
Giovani Lo Celso is similar, with rumours continuing over the playmaker’s potential next destination.
A loan for Alfie Devine would also have to be found, with the youngster facing plenty of players ahead of him in the pecking order.
In all, it leaves Tottenham needing to move others on before they can look at bringing new signings into the club.
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