Too often, Tottenham have shot themselves in the foot in the transfer market by not being willing to compete with the biggest clubs in the Premier League and in European football for potentially game-changing young talents. It happened this past summer with Desire Doue, who is now a key starter for a Champions League Finalist.
Even though Tottenham may not be in the strongest financial position this summer, they should have enough money to sign big talents before they become true superstars. And with a 17th finish in the Premier League staring them down, Daniel Levy can't afford to be cheap.
According to a report from Ivan Molero of Diario AS, Tottenham have joined Arsenal as one of the clubs interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who is arguably the best young goalkeeper in the world right now and a true phenom of Spanish football.
Tottenham and Arsenal aren't the only giants involved
Both Tottenham and Arsenal have been linked with Garcia for about a year now, and the Gunners were, in particular, very interested in the 24-year-old top talent. But with David Raya solidifying himself as one of the world's best right now, Garcia may not be as inclined to move to the Emirates Stadium with little shot at usurping the starter.
The North London powers aren't the only clubs interested in Garcia. Real Madrid are contemplating him as an Andriy Lunin replacement and even a Thibaut Courtois successor in the long-term. Fellow LaLiga giants Barcelona need him more and are eyeing him as a Marc-Andre ter Stegen replacement while Manchester City could also replace their aging star Ederson with the Espanyol man.
That's a serious group of competitors for Tottenham, who already have an above-average Premier League goalkeeper in Guglielmo Vicario. But Vicario has a ceiling that is significantly lower than Garcia's because of his fundamental handling mistakes. Garcia is the better athlete and the bigger talent, so he's worth being on Tottenham's transfer radar.
It's hard to envision Levy outcompeting these clubs for Garcia, but there's something to be said about making a statement and beating Arsenal on the transfer market a year after being one of the worst teams in the Premier League.
Garcia could be a serious market opportunity, too. One of the best LaLiga goalkeepers already, Garcia has a release clause of just 25-30 million euros (25 if he doesn't get called up to the Spanish national team or if he is signed more than 15 days before the end of the window) and could be signed for less than that with Espanyol in need to urgently make a significant sale.
Even though Spurs have Vicario, Garcia could be an opportunity that is too much upside and is at too good of a time for them to pass up on. This club is never bold, but maybe it's time they were.