Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to rival Arsenal in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey.
According to a recent report from Express, Tariq Lamptey could soon be set for a move to North London, as Tottenham Hotspur have registered interest in the young full-back. It appears Spurs are prepared to battle it out with cross-town rivals Arsenal in the pursuit of the Brighton & Hove Albion whizkid, who has become an in-demand prospect in the market.
Formerly of the Chelsea youth academy, Lamptey has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since his move to the South Coast in January 2020. He has notched up 32 competitive appearances for the club, emerging as one of the Premier League’s most gifted full-backs in the process.
The youngster’s progress was marred by a hamstring injury last year, keeping him out on the sidelines for more than six months. But he has recovered well, with the right-back’s excellent form playing a vital role in helping Brighton get back to winning ways in recent weeks.
Lamptey’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Mikel Arteta reportedly considering a move for the youngster. It is no secret that the Arsenal head coach is open to signing a more attacking alternative for Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back. Lamptey, to that end, fits the bill well as he is traditionally a right wing-back, blessed with his sheer pace and technical abilities.
But it appears Arsenal could face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who have identified the 21-year-old as the ideal man to reinforce their defensive unit.
Antonio Conte believes the former Chelsea starlet can be an ideal replacement for Matt Doherty amid uncertainty over the future of the Irishman. The former Wolves full-back has recently been linked with a return to Molineux, thus accentuating the need for a new right-back in January.
While Tottenham have targeted other options such as Charlie Wellens, Lamptey certainly offers more experience and pedigree at the highest level of football. The Englishman will provide lethal pace going forward, and at the age of just 21, he has time on his side as well, making him an ideal alternative for Emerson Royal.
However, the report suggests that both Arsenal and Tottenham will have to spend a fortune if they are to sign Lamptey in January. The right-back is highly regarded by Brighton & Hove Albion, who are not expected to entertain any offers below the £50 million mark, making him a luxury only a few can afford.
