Tottenham Hotspur have entered contention to sign an Atletico Madrid star, after making a very poor start to the Premier League season.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have failed to win any of their opening six matches, which means they are currently sitting inside the relegation zone, although the Italian believes they did more than enough to beat Manchester United on Saturday.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, he said: “For sure we didn’t deserve to lose the game, we deserved to be 1-2 goals up in the first half. We suffered in the second half, especially in the first part, and then when we conceded the goal, we had five minutes before, potential chances as well to score. Then, after the red card, we showed the right reaction, but we played a great game.”
|
Match statistics |
Tottenham |
Man Utd |
|
xG |
0.80 |
1.62 |
|
Total shots |
12 |
12 |
|
Shots on target |
3 |
4 |
|
Big chances missed |
3 |
1 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
32 |
23 |
De Zerbi was backed heavily during the summer, with Spurs spending big money on the likes of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, but there wasn’t a statement signing in attack, and the lack of goals has been an issue so far this season.
The Lilywhites have scored just three Premier League goals thus far, and they are now looking to rectify the issue by signing an Atletico Madrid star.
Tottenham plotting move for Giuliano Simeone
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Tottenham are now considering a move for Giuliano Simeone, and De Zerbi is regarded as a huge fan of the forward, who is capable of playing on both wings and at striker.
However, Manchester City and Manchester United held talks regarding a deal for Simeone during the summer, so there could be competition in the race for his signature.
Moreover, the Argentina international is said to be very happy in the Spanish capital, and a move is further complicated by the fact his father, Diego Simeone, is the Atletico Madrid manager.
Former Alaves coach Luis Garcia is known to be a big admirer of the £43m-rated forward, saying: “He runs for 90 minutes without stopping. He’s a pain. He’s got a very high level. He makes something out of nothing at any moment.”
The Rome-born forward, who rakes in £51,000-a-week at Atletico Madrid, has emerged as a key player for the Spanish side, picking up two goals and two assists in eight La Liga appearances this season, whereas De Zerbi’s current forwards have been struggling in front of goal.
Solanke’s goal against Man United on Saturday was his first in the Premier League this season, whereas Richarlison has been frozen out after clashing with De Zerbi.
As such, it is clear to see why Spurs need to improve their attack, but signing an out-and-out centre-forward should perhaps be the priority, given the issues surrounding Richarlison and Solanke.
