Tottenham Hotspur are now plotting a summer move for an “absolutely phenomenal” player, with manager Roberto De Zerbi personally keen.
Tottenham eyeing summer signings after defeat at Chelsea
Just one point at Stamford Bridge would’ve effectively guaranteed Tottenham’s safety, as a draw would’ve moved them three points clear of West Ham United, and they have a vastly superior goal difference to their London rivals.
However, Spurs came up short in a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, on a night where Joao Palhinha received criticism from Jamie Carragher after fouling Josh Acheampong on the 31-minute mark.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “A man of his experience making a foul there is absolutely ridiculous. One of the most infuriating things in football, that, guy going absolutely nowhere and you give a foul away.”
Palhinha has been one of De Zerbi’s key players, starting the last three Premier League games, but it is unclear whether the Portugal international will remain in north London beyond the end of the campaign, with it being revealed he is willing to take a wage cut to secure an exit.
Should the former Fulham man depart, De Zerbi will have to bring in a new option in the middle of the park this summer, and a Premier League star has now emerged as a target.
Tottenham enter race to sign “absolutely phenomenal” midfielder
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are now eyeing a surprise move for Matt O’Riley, with De Zerbi considered a big fan of the Brighton midfielder, who is valued at around £35m, although there could be competition from Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
Spurs have been discussing a move for the Irishman in recruitment meetings, and there are encouraging signs that a deal will be possible, with Brighton said to be open to a departure for the right price.
Celtic will benefit from a hefty sell-on clause if the deal goes through, with the Dane receiving major plaudits from former manager Brendan Rodgers near the end of the 2023-24 season.
“He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that.
“But from an individual perspective his goal return… I think someone said he had scored his first goal [of last season] in January of last year.
“So to look at his numbers now, it’s huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else. It’s very well deserved.”
The 25-year-old chipped in with 27 goals and 35 assists in 124 appearances for Celtic, but he hasn’t been able to establish himself at Brighton, being sent out on loan to Marseille earlier this season, which raises doubts about whether Tottenham should pursue a move.
Read next: De Zerbi also driving move for Serie A midfielder
De Zerbi driving Tottenham to make move for £35m Serie A star within days
Spurs are planning a move for an “incredible” player.