Update: Spurs now planning to sell first-team player to fund move for £66m “generational talent”

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to offload midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer as they look to generate funds for a high-profile signing.

With a desire to strengthen their midfield, Spurs have identified several potential targets, including AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara, Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi, and Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso.

However, their primary focus appears to be Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who has been labeled a “generational talent” and could command a fee of around £66 million.

Bissouma’s future at the club has come under scrutiny following an underwhelming season. His lack of consistency and recent struggles for playing time have led Tottenham to consider cashing in on him while he still holds market value.

Interest in the Mali international remains strong, with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Everton among the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on his situation. Additionally, teams from France are reportedly willing to table offers as high as €30 million (£25 million).

Given that Bissouma will enter the final year of his contract in the summer, Tottenham see this as the perfect opportunity to facilitate his exit and reinvest in a midfielder capable of making an immediate impact.

The North London club has been actively scouting options, with Wharton emerging as their top target. The 21-year-old has drawn widespread praise for his performances at Crystal Palace, earning a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad under Gareth Southgate.

Despite injury setbacks, Wharton has consistently demonstrated his ability when fit, excelling in defensive contributions and playmaking. In a recent 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, he won six of the eight duels he contested, highlighting his physical presence in midfield.

Statistically, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90 minutes and the 81st percentile for interceptions, making him one of the most promising young defensive midfielders in England.

Tottenham’s ambition to sign Wharton reflects their commitment to securing top-tier talent, but acquiring him will require significant financial resources.

The club has already shown interest in other midfielders, with a £25 million bid reportedly on the table for Frattesi. The Italian is prepared to leave Inter Milan at the end of the season, giving Spurs a strong chance to finalize a deal.

Meanwhile, Cardoso presents another viable option, with his £21 million release clause making him an attractive prospect. While both players could strengthen Tottenham’s squad, Wharton remains the priority due to his exceptional potential and proven ability in the Premier League.

Manager Ange Postecoglou appears determined to reshape his midfield ahead of the new season, with departures necessary to fund incoming transfers.

Bissouma’s declining role in the squad has fueled speculation about his exit, particularly after he played just 17 minutes across Tottenham’s last three Premier League matches. His diminished influence under Postecoglou signals that Spurs are ready to move on, especially if they can secure a more dynamic and influential player like Wharton.

Tottenham’s transfer strategy aligns with their long-term vision of competing at the highest level. By targeting a player of Wharton’s caliber, they aim to build a midfield capable of dominating games and providing the stability needed to challenge for major honors.

The young Englishman’s defensive strength, composure on the ball, and ability to contribute in attack make him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Tottenham’s willingness to invest heavily in midfield reinforcements signals a decisive shift in their squad-building approach. Offloading Bissouma would not only provide the necessary funds but also create space for a more impactful player to take his place.

With competition for Wharton’s signature expected to be fierce, Spurs will need to act swiftly to secure the deal before rival clubs enter the race.

The coming months will be crucial in determining Tottenham’s success in the transfer market. Their pursuit of Wharton, along with their interest in other midfield targets, suggests a proactive approach to squad improvements.

If they can execute their plans effectively, they could emerge from the summer window with a significantly stronger midfield, capable of driving the team forward in the Premier League and beyond.