Tottenham Hotspur are keeping close tabs on Bari striker Walid Cheddira
According to Seriebnews, Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in securing the services of Moroccan international Walid Cheddira.
The 24-year-old has been in exceptional form for Bari and is the standout performer in the Italian second division this season. With 13 goals and five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions this season, Cheddira is proving himself to be a clinical finisher in front of the goal.
This has caught the attention of Tottenham, who have looked towards the Italian leagues to reinforce their squad in recent times. The arrivals of Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici appear to have made the club aware of the players impressing in the Italian divisions, and Cheddira is now firmly on their radar.
A specialist striker, the Morrocan is equally capable of doing a job on the left wing or as a number 10. Adding him to the roster will give Conte options on the field. The Italian boss generally favours a 3-5-2 but lacks a second prolific striker to feature alongside Harry Kane.
Son Heung-min’s form has been patchy this season, while Richarlison hasn’t really been among the goals. Kane accounts for 40 per cent of Spurs’ goals this season, and the club’s overreliance on him is rather alarming.
Bringing in another prolific striker will certainly make not just Kane’s but Tottenham’s life easier in the attack. They face competition from Serie A heavy hitters SSC Napoli, who are also keen on securing the 24-year-old’s services.
Tottenham started the current season strong but have suffered consecutive setbacks in recent weeks. Losses to Manchester United and Newcastle United were followed by a 1-1 draw to Sporting CP that left their UEFA Champions League hopes in the balance.
The lack of cutting-edge has been a key factor in their setbacks of late. While Tottenham have strengthened over the previous summer, they are still some way off challenging for the top. Cheddira is a man in demand at the moment, but placing all their bets on him might not be a wise decision for Tottenham.
The 24-year-old is enjoying the first such prolific season of his career and still has much to prove. Competition in the top flights of European football is a different ball game to that of Serie B, and it remains to be seen if Cheddira can adapt to the expectations. No transfer is without its risks after all.
