Arsenal’s Declan Rice says £22m midfielder Tottenham want to sign is so ‘silky’
Tottenham Hotspur is actively pursuing upgrades to their squad this summer, and Arsenal star Declan Rice has high praise for one of their key targets. Adam Wharton.
The young midfielder, who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £22 million in January 2024, has quickly made a name for himself in the Premier League, catching the eye of several top clubs, including Spurs.
Tottenham enjoyed a mixed season under new manager Ange Postecoglou, securing some impressive results but faltering towards the end with only two wins in their last seven games.
To push for higher league positions and potential Champions League qualification, Spurs recognize the need to bolster their squad depth and quality.
Having already re-signed Timo Werner on another loan deal, Tottenham is now focusing on strengthening their midfield. Adam Wharton, who has been exceptional since his move to Crystal Palace, is a prime candidate for this role.
Wharton’s transition to the Premier League has been seamless. Despite joining Crystal Palace mid-season, his performances have been outstanding, earning him a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad.
The 20-year-old’s quick adaptation and skill have not gone unnoticed by top clubs, with Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle all expressing interest. European giants Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus are also monitoring his progress.
Declan Rice, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, has expressed his admiration for Wharton.
In a video on England’s social media channels, Rice was asked to describe Wharton in one word, to which he responded, “Silky.” This high praise from a player of Rice’s caliber underscores Wharton’s exceptional talent and potential.
Wharton’s style of play and his impressive performances make him a perfect fit for Tottenham’s midfield. His ability to control the game, combined with his agility and vision, align well with the dynamic and attacking approach Postecoglou favors.
Wharton’s presence would add creativity and stability to Spurs’ midfield, addressing a key area that needs reinforcement.
Securing Adam Wharton would be a strategic move for Tottenham as they aim to build on their progress and compete at the highest levels.
With Declan Rice’s endorsement highlighting his “silky” skills, Wharton’s potential addition could significantly enhance Spurs’ midfield capabilities. As Tottenham looks to make impactful signings this summer, Wharton stands out as a promising prospect who could help the club achieve their ambitions.
Crystal Palace will not want to lose Wharton after just six months of signing him.
However, the Englishman is a spectacular talent and is destined to play for one of the top clubs in the country at some point in his career.
Tottenham have Yves Bissouma as their number six at the moment, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr can also play there if required.
All three of the above players had their struggles in the 2023/24 season, which has made that defensive midfield role a big issue for Spurs.
20-year-old Wharton, in our opinion, is a better option in a number six role than all of the above players, and signing him would solve Tottenham’s issue in midfield for the next decade.
Read-£113,000-per-week World Cup winner holds talks to join Ange at Tottenham
Read-Agent says player rejected ‘twice as much’ to join Tottenham – Hints at Spurs transfer plans