Tottenham Hotspur have to sign a No. 10 this summer before the clock strikes midnight on Aug. 31. With James Maddison out for the foreseeable future with a torn ACL and Dejan Kulusevski still a way's away from returning to action, Spurs absolutely have to sign a new playmaker to their squad, as if that wasn't already a transfer need for the Lilywhites.
Remember, Tottenham had their fans reacting with glee over the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, only to be strong-armed by their ghoulish top-five rivals into watching MGW sign a contract extension anyway, tossing the whole deal into the rubbish bin.
But what really belongs in the bin is Tottenham's transfer endeavors as a whole if they can't sign at least one No. 10 for Thomas Frank, who has already proven that he is worth backing to the nth degree after a third coaching masterclass in Tottenham's 2-0 demolition of Manchester City at the Emptyhad.
Tottenham have been wading through the muck of playmaking transfer targets after the Eberechi Eze snub in favor of Arsenal, but they have settled on one transfer target actually worth pursuing - and one who isn't being chased by a big club that Daniel Levy is scared to battle.
Tottenham could reunite two stars
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Tottenham have made fresh new contacts with West Ham star attacking midfielder (and winger) Lucas Paqueta. Not only are Spurs considering Paqueta as a No. 10 candidate in the final week of the summer transfer window, but the former Lyon standout is reportedly open to leaving the Hammers this year.
And well, who wouldn't leave a relegation-threatened West Ham and the dysfunction of Graham Potter for Thomas Frank and Tottenham? Spurs are the reigning Europa League champions and in the Champions League, and if they can add Paqueta and another quality attacker before September begins, then they will be favorites to sew up a top five spot in the Premier League and maybe even compete for the title all together.
Paqueta is in the prime of his career at 26 and is one hard worker. Even when West Ham look terrible, which is most games, the Brazilian international manages to stand out positively for his technical ability, creativity, quickness on the ball, agility off the dribble, and work rate.
Frank would love a player like Paqueta who comes up with creative solutions, finishes off chances, feasts in transition or against low blocks, and, yes, of course, presses like there is no tomorrow. Reuniting Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus in Tottenham's attack would be a cheat code.