Tottenham eye perfect Pochettino style attacker

Tottenham are set to chase Napoli attacker Lorenzo Insigne when the summer transfer window opens

Tottenham is still chasing a Premier League title on the pitch as the season winds down, but the clubs’ higher-ups are already starting to plan for the summer. Daniel Levy and company have identified Napoli attacker Lorenzo Insigne as a big-name transfer target for the summer.

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The Italian international would be a perfect fit under Argentinian manager Mauricio Pochettino. His ability to create chances for his teammates as well as finish with goals of his own would be a huge boost for the Tottenham attack. His form for Napoli this season is a big reason why his side sits just four points behind Juventus in the Serie A table.

The Mirror reports that Levy is prepared to back his manager significantly in the transfer window as long as the club achieves Champions League qualification. The reported focus will be on quality, as opposed to quantity as Spurs believe they are just a player or two away from being very competitive in Europe’s biggest competition. The club are eyeing Insigne as a second striking option behind front man Harry Kane who would also garner significant playing time in the attacking midfield.

Insigne’s proven ability to play alongside a dominant number nine in Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain is a big reason why he’d be such a natural fit at White Hart Lane. If Spurs are going to spend big money this summer, they can’t afford to have that player sit on the bench for long stretches. That is why the club is wise to target an attacker who can function both as cover for Kane but also as a supplement to the Tottenham talisman.

Many players can do one or the other, but it takes a special player to do both. Insigne has already proven his ability to perform both tasks in Serie A. His play before Higuain’s arrival was good enough to get him into the Italian national team, but it’s gone up a few notches after the striker’s arrival. This has been the best season of his career as evidenced by his output of 11 goals and 10 assists in 25 Serie A matches.

Prying the player away from Napoli will require to Tottenham to act swiftly and decisively once the transfer window opens. The club will be hesitant to sell Insigne based on his talent, but likely will refuse to move both he and Higuain in the same window. The interest in Higuain could be strong as well, so there will significant motivation to get a deal done early before those offers materialize in earnest.

Even if Lorenzo Insigne doesn’t end up at White Hart Lane this summer, the club’s interest in him tells you a lot about their transfer plans. They’ll be on the lookout for an attacking player who can serve as protection for Harry Kane both by replacing him on the pitch and sharing it with the English striker.