Tottenham Hotspur could launch a move for Marc Guehi this summer…
What’s the word?
That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who claimed that the Crystal Palace colossus is among Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte’s central defensive shortlist, where other names such as Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol feature.
Unfortunately for Spurs, the 21-year-old signed a long-term deal to 2026 at Selhurst Park, so he would not come cheap.
CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, currently estimates his worth to be around €70m (£60m).
Should Spurs move for Marc Guehi?
Two birds with one stone
As Gold goes on to state in his report, Guehi would hugely help two of Conte’s big issues at Spurs. The first is their need for a new centre-back and the second is their need to bolster their homegrown quota.
The former Chelsea graduate recently earned a senior call up to Gareth Southgate’s England side and has captained Patrick Vieira’s Eagles at times this season.
So with the north London outfit looking to improve their homegrown numbers, Guehi instantly fits the bill.
Only three other players outscored the 21-year-old centre-back in southeast London in terms of average WhoScored rating for the season. It was his ball-playing ability that shone through, though.
As per FBRef, the Englishman made 61.7 live passes per 90 at an accuracy rate of 87.5%. And when you then throw in defensive figures of 1.62 tackles and interceptions, and 1.28 blocks per 90, he emerges as a pretty solid all-rounder; one that would suit Contes’s system to a tee.
Standing at 6 foot tall, it’s no wonder the defender has been lauded as an “absolute tank” and “massive” by England U21 shot-stopper Josef Bursik.
He alongside Cristian Romero and fellow countryman Eric Dier, who was surprisingly snubbed from the latest Three Lions squad, could make for a formidable trio heading into next season.
English talent does come at a premium in the Premier League but when they can fix two glaring problems, then it should be money well spent. Paratici and co must seriously consider Guehi this off-season.
AND in other news, Contact made: Romano reveals Spurs talks for 8-figure “wonderkid”, he’s “unbelievable”…
