Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly ready to renew their interest in Ipswich Town youngster Andre Dozzell, who has recovered from a long injury layoff.
According to The Mirror, Andre Dozzell’s return to fitness has alerted Arsenal and Tottenham. The Ipswich Town youngster was sidelined with a long-term cruciate knee ligament injury. But, he has recovered, which might see Arsenal and Tottenham renew their interest in the midfielder.
Andre Dozzell has a special connection with Tottenham. The Ipswich Town youngster is the son of Jason Dozzell, a former Spurs star. The latter, also a midfielder by trade, represented Tottenham 84 times and retired in 2002 without ever earning a senior England cap.
His son though, created a lot of buzz in his services and potential when he first burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old. Unlike his father though, young Andre was tipped to become a senior England pro in time, having captained the Under-17 side while being a part of the Under-19 side that won the Under-19 Euros in 2017.
Andre equalled dad’s record of scoring on his senior debut. But, tragedy struck in his sophomore season as he was hit with a cruciate knee ligament injury. 13 months have since passed, with the 19-year-old finally making another appearance as he came on to play 14 minutes in a loss against Middlesbrough. Arsenal and Tottenham, who were admirers before the long-term injury, might renew their interest.
Arsenal are all too aware of young midfielders suffering long-term injuries. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere were both injured for a long period of time. And while the two are still in the Premier League playing at a decent level, there are talks that the injuries prevented them from becoming the world-beaters they were touted to be.
Tottenham on the other hand, have become the new face of exuberant football at the top-tier. Spurs continuously push through youngsters into the first-team and manage to inculcate them into the first-team setup successfully on a regular basis. Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wanted an attacking midfielder to provide competition to Dele Alli, with Jack Grealish the desired target.
But, Grealish stayed put at Aston Villa, even signing a new deal at his boyhood club. Andre Dozzell could be the answer to Pochettino’s need for another attacking midfielder.
The 19-year-old will likely be keenly monitored and thoroughly scouted by Arsenal, Tottenham and perhaps more clubs, to remove any doubts as to the lasting effects of the long-term injury. Ipswich Town on the other hand, could use the interest to rake in funds, in case a club does come swooping in.
Andre Dozzell will be relieved to come back and will now be focused than ever to prove his quality once again. At Ipswich, he has a stage to express himself. Here’s hoping he will.