Tottenham Aims to Strengthen Midfield Ahead of Summer Transfer Window
Tottenham Hotspur has recently climbed out of the relegation zone after beating Aston Villa 2-1 away last weekend. Roberto De Zerbi’s side fully deserved the win, having dominated the match from start to finish.
As Spurs focus on maintaining their Premier League status this month, the club’s management is outlining plans to bolster the squad during the summer transfer window. A key area needing attention is the midfield, where a lack of quality and depth has become apparent.
After their victory against Aston Villa, Tottenham signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window. Gallagher’s impact had been limited until he faced Aston Villa, where he delivered his best performance in a Spurs shirt and scored his first goal for the club. Now, the North London team is set to compete with Aston Villa for the signing of another midfielder.
Tottenham and Aston Villa in Pursuit of Parma Midfielder Mandela Keita
According to a report from Parma Today, Tottenham and Aston Villa are leading the chase for Parma midfielder Mandela Keita. Atalanta has also joined the Premier League pairs in pursuit of the Belgian talent, who is reportedly sought after by Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.
Scouts from Spurs and Villa have been monitoring Mandela Keita since March, and that interest remains strong. Keita has shone for Parma since his €15m transfer from Royal Antwerp in 2024, making 34 appearances in Serie A this season, contributing an assist.
While Parma is not under any financial pressure to sell the 23-year-old, the report states that they will not block a move if a substantial offer arises. Currently, no formal bids have been made. With two years remaining on his contract, Parma is in a strong position to command a significant fee.
From Tottenham’s viewpoint, pursuing Keita seems logical. De Zerbi values midfielders who bring technical skill, work rate, physical presence, and stamina, all attributes Keita possesses. The one-cap Belgium international’s tenacious playing style, ball-winning ability, and high energy level align well with De Zerbi’s system.
Villa may see Keita as a potential long-term replacement for John McGinn, who will turn 32 in October. The Scottish midfielder has struggled with injuries in recent years, leading the Midlands club to consider Keita as a candidate to gradually transition McGinn out of the squad. Moreover, Villa’s prospective Champions League campaign could attract the 23-year-old.
However, Tottenham’s traditional appeal as a ‘Big Six’ Premier League club might prove more enticing, particularly if Keita is promised regular playing time and the opportunity to develop his skills. For this to happen, though, the De Zerbi-led team must secure their Premier League status, as relegation would heavily tilt the advantage toward Villa in the eyes of the Parma midfielder.