Tottenham would like to sign a Nice right back this summer

Tottenham face a lot of competition to sign Youcef Atal, but the Nice right back could be a huge boost to Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.

Youcef Atal has been one of the best players in France this season, but don’t expect him to stay at Nice for long. Tottenham and a host of other European powers are interested in signing the Algerian right back this summer.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the 22-year-old fullback has captured the interest of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. The report claims that any potentially successful bids for Atal must begin at £34 million. That sum would cost Spurs a significant amount of their summer transfer budget, but it might be a worthwhile purchase for a player who could potentially walk right into Pochettino’s starting XI.

To say that right back has been a weakness for Tottenham this season would be an understatement. Kieran Trippier has endured a nightmare Premier League season after his heroic efforts for England in last summer’s World Cup. He’s struggled mightily on both ends of the pitch against quality opponents this year. Quite a few clubs seem to be interested in Trippier’s services and it’s possible Spurs will part ways with him.

Serge Aurier arrived from PSG with hopes of displacing Trippier in the starting XI, but inconsistency and injuries have derailed his campaign. It wouldn’t surprise anyone at Hotspur Way to see him jettisoned this summer. If Spurs can recoup the £25 million they spent to acquire Aurier they’ll almost certainly let him go.

Kyle Walker-Peters should be in position for more playing time next year, but the club cannot afford to rely on him as a regular starter. Purchasing Atal would relieve Pochettino of taking that risk. He profiles as a player who can make an immediate impact in the Premier League.

Statistically speaking, Atal has been Nice’s best player this season. His Whoscored.com player rating average of 7.47 in 25 Ligue 1 appearances illustrates just how good he’s been. Not only has Atal managed to chip in six goals but he’s also been a really steady player for the club’s back line. His ability to dribble the ball forward past defenders and intercept passes on the other end of the pitch would be welcome additions to Pochettino’s squad.

Signing Atal this summer won’t be easy, but it’s the sort of signing that could power Spurs to a trophy next season. Don’t be surprised to see him emerge as one of the club’s top transfer targets as the summer progresses.