Spurs make enquiry for “phenomenal” talent

This season marks a new era for Tottenham
Hotspur football club, as Thomas Frank leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign after his appointment from Brentford.

It’s already been the perfect start for the Dane, picking up three points in the Premier League opener against Burnley – with a Richarlison double and a strike from Brennan Johnson securing the win.

However, if the side are to continue their charge this campaign, the hierarchy will need to once again back the manager to make the changes he craves to his side.

Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have made moves from West Ham United and Bayern Munich, respectively, whilst Mathys Tel also made his loan move permanent from the latter.

However, despite the £85m already splashed during this window, the Lilywhites could’ve forked out a much bigger sum, had they managed to complete a deal for another big-money talent.

Spurs’ failed move for Gibbs-White this summer

Earlier this summer, Spurs made a surprise move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, with a deal for his signature seemingly progressing rapidly at the time.

The Lilywhites had gone from being interested in a move for the 25-year-old, to agreeing a deal, and the player himself set for a medical with the North London outfit.

However, the deal wasn’t plain sailing, with the club’s decision to trigger his £60m release clause one that caused controversy with Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The Greek businessman put a halt to the move, after claiming Frank’s side had made an illegal approach for his signature, subsequently threatening legal action against the club.

A deal for Gibbs-White’s signature subsequently fell apart, leading to the England international signing a new three-year contract at the City Ground – becoming their highest paid player in their history.

After missing out on his signature, other options have been considered by the Lilywhites’ hierarchy, leading to numerous other options being considered in recent weeks.

Spurs’ hunt for a Gibbs-White alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze has been the biggest target for Spurs in recent weeks, with the Crystal Palace star seemingly set for a departure from Selhurst Park between now and the end of the window.

Talks have been held between the two clubs over the last few days, leading to claims that an agreement has been reached to sign the 27-year-old, with a £60m fee currently being mooted.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights this window, leading to Roma talent Lorenzo Pellegrini being labelled as the latest target, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.

They claim that Spurs have made an enquiry to land the Italian midfielder, who made 34 appearances for the Serie A outfit throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that his current employers will be looking to offload him this window, opening the door to a switch to North London with just one year remaining in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White

After James Maddison’s ACL injury, it has left a huge hole in the number ten position at Spurs, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

A move for Gibbs-White would’ve provided added competition for places in the side, but at present, Frank’s side don’t currently have a recognised attacking midfielder to fill the void.

However, after missing out on his signature earlier this window, the need for another talent in such an area is desperately needed before the window’s September 1st deadline.

Whilst Pellegrini won’t be many supporters’ first choice this window, at 29, he could be the perfect squad option, especially if Eze completes his own move to join the club.

To sweeten the deal for the Lilywhites faithful, he’s been labelled as a similar player to Gibbs-White by FBref, able to offer a cheaper alternative to the Englishman.

When delving into their respective stats from the 2024/25 season, the Italian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a superb addition to the current squad.

Pellegrini, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri, managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, with more of which per 90 being defined as key passes.

Such figures highlight the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering Frank’s side a more creative option to the Lilywhites within the final third.

He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst also completing more carries into the final third – subsequently being able to drive with the ball into dangerous areas, adding another dimension to the club’s attack.

The Italian has also completed more crosses per 90, whilst drawing more fouls per 90, showcasing the threat he carries when having the ball at his feet – with the opposition unable to contain his talents, as seen by the fouls drawn tally.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Pellegrini would cost this summer, but it’s evident that any move could be a shrewd piece of business that would aid the club in their hunt for success.

If he can match the levels produced by Gibbs-White in the Premier League, it would be an excellent deal, subsequently softening the blow of missing out on the Forest star.