Playing for 90
Fansided

Tottenham should make bargain swoop for La Liga rebel

By Rucker Haringey

SEVILLE, SPAIN - AUGUST 22: Steven N'Zonzi of Sevilla FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs round second leg match between Sevilla FC and Istanbul Basaksehir F.K. at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on August 22, 2017 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - AUGUST 22: Steven N'Zonzi of Sevilla FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs round second leg match between Sevilla FC and Istanbul Basaksehir F.K. at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on August 22, 2017 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Sevilla’s loss could be Tottenham’s gain

There’s little doubt that Tottenham should be in the market for a midfielder to replace Mousa Dembele sooner, rather than later. The talented Belgian has served the club well, but his body is beginning to betray him. Fortunately, Steven N’Zonzi’s poor relationship with Sevilla is coming along at just the right time for Mauricio Pochettino and company.

The French midfielder has confirmed that he wants to return to England after a conflict with Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo. Arsenal and Everton are thought to have already made contact with the La Liga club about acquiring the midfielder in January.

Tottenham need to jump into the mix immediately. N’Zonzi has a £35 million release clause in his current deal, but Sevilla will be happy to let him go for less. It’s very possible Spurs could secure his services with a bid of something much closer to £25 million.

In this market, that’s an incredible bargain. N’Zonzi is squarely in the prime of his career and has proven he’s capable of playing a big role for a Champions League club. He may not be quite the goal scoring threat that some Spurs fans would like to see in a Dembele replacement, but he can handle the physical aspect of the game rather well.

More from Tottenham Hotspur

At 28 years of age N’Zonzi would be a terrific bridge between Dembele and the talented young midfielders in Tottenham’s academy. Just as Harry Winks has burst onto the scene this year, several other starlets are waiting in the wings at Spurs. The likes of Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Oliver Skipp aren’t ready for big time football quite yet, but they may be in another season or two. Their ascension to the squad could occur just as N’Zonzi’s game is starting to fade due to age.

Tottenham should also be motivated to sign N’Zonzi to make sure he doesn’t end up signing with Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is always fond of bringing French talent to North London so it’s natural that he’ll make a play for the physical midfielder. Signing N’Zonzi to strengthen their own squad and keep him away from the dreaded Gunners is an ideal transfer deal for Tottenham.

Next: Barcelona jump in the mix for Danny Rose

Some might worry whether or not N’Zonzi is too much of a hothead to thrive at Tottenham, but I believe Pochettino can get the most out of the talented midfielder. N’Zonzi should be one of Spurs’ top transfer targets once the January transfer window swings open.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur