Tottenham don’t want anything to do with latest transfer rumour

Whenever a former or current Chelsea player is linked with a move to Tottenham, supporters usually hold their collective breath, hoping the rumours fade faster than daylight in December. 

This time around rumours are swirling about the possibility of Alvaro Morata joining the Lilywhites. The former Chelsea striker, now on loan at Juventus but permanently on the books at Atletico Madrid, scored 24 goals in 72 appearances during his time in west London.

By no means prolific with the Blues, a goal every three matches is still a decent return from a front man. Though Morata’s goal scoring record plays second fiddle to the fact that he was, and will always be perceived, as a sworn enemy.

Pegged as a possible Harry Kane replacement, Morata, 28, still has a few years left in the prime of his career. His age, however, is overshadowed by his former allegiance to one of Spurs’ most loathed and bitter adversaries.

If Morata, like Kane, was one of the world’s most highly touted forwards, there might be more support for his potential move to Tottenham. He’s not though. Far from it in fact.

Morata is still highly regarded as a capable striker, someone who is guaranteed to consistently add to his goal-scoring tally. The Spaniard has scored 171 goals in 455 career appearances, equating to more than a goal every three games. Those stats on their own are pretty impressive, but not nearly resounding enough for Spurs supporters to want a former enemy as part of their ranks.

Especially when you consider the current gulf in class between Morata and Kane. England’s captain is enduring his worst patch as a Tottenham player, but the old adage comes to mind: form is temporary, class is permanent.

When Kane does depart for pastures anew, and he will leave for a new challenge, Spurs need a prolific striker to take his place. Morata does not fit that bill. Not even close. And for Tottenham supporters to warm to the idea of signing a former sworn enemy, the player in question must be a world beater whose presence would immediately elevate Tottenham to title contender status.

Otherwise former Chelsea players are not welcome, not even for a paid guided tour around Tottenham’s hallowed grounds. So let’s move on to transfer rumours that actually deserve supporters’ time and careful consideration.