The English player Tottenham should pursue in the transfer window

If the price is right, Tottenham should pursue Englishman James Maddison during the forthcoming summer transfer window. 

The attacking midfielder has been linked to Spurs for a few years, but this summer provides the perfect opportunity to finally land a long-term mark of the club.

Arsenal are also keenly interested in acquiring Maddison’s services, so whether he ends up in Tottenham or goes to the Gunners will probably be predicated on who qualifies for the Champions League.

While Transfermarkt has him valued at about £42 million (€50 million), Leicester is reportedly holding out for £60 million.

That asking price shouldn’t be an impediment for either north London side, such is the overall quality of the 25-year-old, who would transition seamlessly into the Tottenham fold.

Maddison is under contract with the Foxes until the end of the 2024 season, but is looking for a change of scenery, one that facilitates elite European football. Arsenal were in discussion with Leicester during the last two transfer windows, but were ultimately deterred by the £60 million price tag.

However, the impetus is on both teams to make palpable improvements if they are to ascend to the next level. Spurs have other transfer priorities, including at left centre back, left wing back, right wing back.

Reinforcing the attack, though, is always on Antonio Conte’s mind and Maddison fits that bill. Based on how consistently excellent he’s played for the Foxes in recent seasons, along with the fact that he’s just entering the prime of his career is reason enough to make the £60 million splash.

Maddison has eight goals and five assists in 28 Premier League appearances this season. He is yet to reach the 10-goal plateau in his Premier League career, but would almost assuredly do so playing with the likes of Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and, if he stays, Harry Kane.