Ange Postecoglou will know better than most that investment is needed at Tottenham Hotspur this summer if Spurs are to progress further, rather than rest on their laurels – and a no.10 is required.
Postecoglou has watched his Tottenham side play some gorgeous stuff this season, putting them right in the mix for the top four and Champions League qualification. Even if they finish fifth, they should qualify.
But, there are gaps in the side. Adequate cover at full-back, another centre-back, the need to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield – with Juventus very interested in the Danish midfielder – and a striker.
Plenty to be done. But most of all, Tottenham need cover for James Maddison. He is integral to Spurs, and without him, they have struggled. The London side have lost seven Premier League games this season.
Albert Gudmundsson shines for Iceland in international break
Maddison has played in 18 of those 28 league games – injured for 10. Just three losses came in the 18 when Maddison was on the field, but four losses came in the 10 games without the England international.
Spurs lack another no.10 and with European football on the horizon, they need to bring in strength in depth. Cover for Maddison, competition. Albert Gudmundsson of Genoa is the man they are targeting.
Spurs are leading the race for Gudmundsson, who had been rated at £30m. But, the Serie A star’s form during the break has seen Genoa move the goalposts. CM say Genoa have increased his price tag.
Juventus and Inter Milan also want the Iceland star – who has been described as “devastating”. He was excellent during the break, scoring a hat-trick against Israel last week, earning praise from Radu Dragusin.
How much is too much for Gudmundsson – as Genoa up price
Understandably, with the spotlight now on Gudmundsson as he shines for club and country, Genoa have decided to increase his price. But how much is too much? £30m is a bit low for a player of his quality.
Gudmundsson is no spring chicken at 26. But he is a player with 36 caps for his country, and proven in both Italy and The Netherlands – with AZ and PSV. He is still yet to reach his peak, but already starring.
Tottenham got themselves a bargain when buying Maddison, for a fee of £40m. But if Spurs could bring Gudmundsson to the club for a similar price, then it is value for money. North of £40m, is too much.
What Spurs do have that could benefit them, is a good relationship with Genoa. Buying Dragusin in January, while Djed Spence remains on loan at the Serie A club. Perhaps, Spence could be included.
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