Ollie Watkins has emerged as a potential transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur for next summer, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen on attacking reinforcements.
According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur have already started their preparation for next season. One of the issues new managerial director Fabio Paratici is keen on addressing is the attacking department is the forward unit, with Ollie Watkins being identified as a potential option next summer.
Both Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy highly rate the 25-year-old Englishman, who has been a revelation since joining Aston Villa. The former Brentford striker netted 14 goals in his debut campaign while providing five assists, ultimately helping the Villans finish the season in the upper half of the Premier League table.
Aside from his productivity, Watkins impressed the onlookers with his speed, energy and counter-attacking prowess. It has caught the eye of Nuno, as his style of play fits into the Portuguese trainer’s tactical philosophy.
It appears Watkins is being courted as a potential offensive partner for Son Heung-min, as the club prepares for life without Harry Kane. The English international was expected to leave the club in the summer but despite the move to Premier League rivals Manchester City collapsing, he is still likely to move on next seasoyear, especially with the English champions still keen on the striker.
Kane’s departure will create a massive void in Tottenham’s offensive unit. Instead of signing a direct replacement, though, the Lilywhites may look to revolve their attack around Son, which is why Nuno is targeting more versatile attackers that can drift out wide if necessary while providing the productivity in the final third.
Watkins fits the bill perfectly due to his record in the Premier League last season and the overall success he has had in English football over the past couple of years. The 25-year-old is not the only option for Tottenham, though, with the club also in contention to sign Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski.
The Swedish international is a similar player to Watkins. Although he does not have any experience in the Premier League, he does arguably have a much higher ceiling and at the age of just 21, could be a smart long-term investment for the Lilywhites. As for the pursuit of the Aston Villa striker, it remains to be seen if Tottenham end up making their move for him.
