Tottenham transfer news: West Ham star would be perfect addition

By Rucker Haringey | Nov 11, 2017

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United evades Isaiah Brown of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion at London Stadium on October 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Manuel Lanzini could be great at Tottenham

As it turns out, Tottenham may not need to leave London to complete their attacking corps in January. Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on West Ham star Manuel Lanzini as one of Spurs’ top January transfer targets.

Reports from England claim Pochettino has been interested in his countryman since he first arrived at the North London club. Bitter relations between the two London clubs will make striking a deal complicated to say the least. Pochettino will need to rely on his Argentine heritage to try to convince Lanzini to push for the deal on his end.

If Tottenham could swing a deal, it could go a long way towards ending Spurs’ silverware drought. He’s just the sort of attacking talent that could transform Pochettino’s attack from good to great.

The lack of a third attacking midfielder to play alongside Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli is a significant weakness for Tottenham. Son Heung-Min is too inconsistent to hold down the job full-time and it’s unclear when/if Erik Lamela will ever return to full fitness.

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Pochettino has somewhat mitigated the problem by playing five at the back, but he’d certainly like the ability to play a more dangerous 4-2-3-1 formation when the situation calls for it.

Lanzini would give Pochettino another real creator in the attacking midfield. Having him as a starter, or even as a high-impact substitute could be a real boost for Spurs. Lanzini’s ability to pick a pass or find the back of the net himself would be a huge advantage against opponents who try to park the bus against Spurs.

Purchasing Lanzini would also give Pochettino the opportunity to rest Eriksen upon occasion. Currently, he is forced to include the talented Dane during any meaningful match. That doesn’t afford Eriksen the rest necessary to play his best football at all times.

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It’s unfortunate that the lack of goodwill between the two London clubs could scupper what might be a productive transfer deal for everyone involved. West Ham aren’t going anywhere this season and could use an infusion of cash to remake the club in David Moyes’ image. Tottenham could certainly use Lanzini’s talent to help them close the gap on Manchester City.

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