Spurs favourites to seal late move for “dominant” CB, he’s a perfect Guehi alternative

Tottenham Hotspur have been relentless in their efforts to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes, aiming to combat the ongoing injury crisis that has severely impacted Ange Postecoglou’s side.

With key defenders like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Radu Dragusin sidelined, the club acted swiftly by securing Kevin Danso from Lens in recent days, reinforcing a depleted backline in desperate need of stability.

However, defensive reinforcements remain a top priority, and Spurs have explored multiple options to ensure they have enough depth for the remainder of the season.

Marc Guehi emerged as a primary target, but Crystal Palace turned down a substantial £70 million bid from Tottenham, making it clear they had no intention of selling the England international.

Despite that setback, the club continued their search for an elite center-back capable of improving their defensive structure, with fresh hope emerging in the form of Mathys Tel.

The young French forward is now on his way to the UK to finalize a loan move to North London after previously rejecting a permanent transfer, potentially adding attacking depth to a squad that has struggled in certain areas this season.

Spurs have also reignited their pursuit of Axel Disasi, a move that had previously seemed unlikely. Initially, the Chelsea defender showed little interest in joining Postecoglou’s project, preferring Aston Villa as his next destination.

However, with Unai Emery’s side pulling out of the race, Tottenham now lead the charge for his signature. Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that the club is actively working to revive the deal, seizing the opportunity to bring in an alternative to Guehi.

Given Chelsea’s willingness to offload Disasi, Spurs see this as an opportunity to secure a quality defender without facing the excessive financial demands that derailed their pursuit of Palace’s star center-back.

While Guehi would have been an outstanding addition due to his impressive performances for both club and country, the staggering price tag makes the deal unrealistic.

With Tottenham’s latest bid already rejected, securing Disasi represents a more practical solution. The Frenchman possesses the attributes necessary to thrive in the Premier League and had a solid 2023/24 campaign, despite falling out of favor under new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

His ability to contribute defensively and in possession makes him an appealing prospect for Spurs, particularly given Postecoglou’s emphasis on a high-tempo, possession-based playing style.

Statistical comparisons from last season highlight Disasi’s value. He registered more progressive passes per 90 minutes (3.9) than Guehi (2.9) while maintaining a higher pass completion rate of 90% compared to the Crystal Palace defender’s 87%.

This suggests Disasi is more adept at playing through the lines and contributing to attacking build-up play—an essential trait in Postecoglou’s tactical system. Additionally, his ability to carry the ball forward outperformed Guehi’s, demonstrating his confidence and composure under pressure.

Defensively, Disasi also excelled in key areas. He won a higher percentage of tackles (77%) than Guehi (58%), proving his effectiveness in one-on-one duels.

In aerial battles, the Chelsea defender demonstrated dominance, winning 2.5 aerial duels per game with a success rate of 70%, significantly outperforming Guehi’s 1.3 aerial wins at a 50% success rate.

These numbers underline Disasi’s physical presence and ability to handle Premier League strikers, a crucial asset for a team struggling with defensive injuries.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously described Disasi as a “dominant” presence at the back, further reinforcing why he could be a perfect fit for Tottenham’s system.

His ability to progress the ball, combined with his defensive reliability, makes him a strong candidate to slot seamlessly into Postecoglou’s setup. While it remains unclear whether Tottenham’s move for the Frenchman would be permanent or on loan, securing his services would offer much-needed depth and quality in defense.

Beyond defensive reinforcements, Tottenham have also explored attacking options, including Leon Bailey from Aston Villa. The Jamaican international has attracted interest from Manchester United, but their pursuit has reportedly stalled, leaving the door open for Spurs to make a move.

AC Milan’s Noah Okafor has also emerged as a potential target, with reports suggesting Tottenham are closely monitoring his situation in case they need to bolster their attacking ranks before the window closes.

As the final hours of the transfer window tick down, Tottenham remain fully engaged in negotiations, determined to make the necessary additions to ensure they remain competitive for the rest of the season.

With Postecoglou looking to build on the team’s recent victory over Brentford, securing the right signings could be the key to maintaining their push for a strong Premier League finish.

Whether or not they land their top targets, Spurs’ aggressive approach signals their intent to compete at the highest level, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.