Tottenham Hotspur eye London rival’s defender in summer

Tottenham Hotspur are busy rebuilding their squad under Jose Mourinho. While they may struggle to secure high profile signings, the transfers and incomings will definitely continue at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Jose Mourinho has maintained that he will not spend extravagantly on players. In fact, this expression is a result of Levy’s iron fist and pandemic affected economy. Such a situation is a gift for Mourinho.

On one hand, he can continue his rants and continue pushing players under the bus, eventually fading into oblivion amidst split dressing rooms and irate footballers. On the other hand, he can get back to building players from scratch – something he did in his time at Porto and Inter Milan.

It looks like he has chosen his path to reclaim the tag the ‘Special One’ – to be the architect of a new chapter with Spurs. He has already brought in Gelson Fernandes on loan, Steve Bergwin as well as Sessegnon, and is continuing his pursuit for youngsters.

Tottenham Hotspur busy tracing youngsters

Jose Mourinho is interested in Arsenal right-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles to equip the back 4 further. According to The Sun, Spurs is one amongst others who are interested in Arsenal’s young right-back. While Mauricio Pochettino worked very well to cement Keiran Trippier at this position, Simeone picked him up. Soon Pochettino left too and their then back-up Serge Aurier has been managing since.

A few positions have had fresh additions since Jose arrived. The fresh addition has been Southampton’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. The 25-year-old moved to Spurs for £15 million and that opened the exit door for another youngster –Tanguy Ndombele.

The Frenchman will fetch around £67.5 million and that is expected to be Jose’s fundraiser for future transfers. While AC Milan has bid for Aurier, Mourinho is already desperate to have his back up if and when he leaves – Niles from Arsenal.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles: A perfect second-fiddle

Arsenal has struggled in defense for long. But one player refused Barcelona for Gunners – Hector Bellerin. But injuries have been serious impediments as Arteta looked for a ‘back-up’. That’s where Niles stepped up.    

The 22-year-old has made 32 appearances this season with 1 goal and 2 assists. He has a passing percentage of 80.4% and has worked his socks up the entire Arsenal academy hierarchy. He played a major role in their FA Cup win against Chelsea too.

Arsenal’s academy players have played well enough to secure silverware in their ‘injury-studded’ season. This includes goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Naturally, Arsenal will be reluctant to sell either of them and if they do, it will be for a big sum.

As per Transfermarkt, Niles has a value of £13 million. Arsenal are looking to get around £30 million for the…