Tottenham may have to pay a Declan Rice style fee to sign Thomas Frank’s ‘dream’ target

Tottenham Hotspur appear fully committed to reshaping their midfield this summer, showing no hesitation in targeting high-caliber players as they look to strengthen their squad under Thomas Frank’s leadership.

Having already completed a major signing in Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and pushing hard to finalize a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, Spurs are clearly prepared to make bold moves.

Yet, their ambitions don’t stop there. Another name has surfaced as a priority Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, a player described internally as a “dream” addition for Frank.

Wharton, only recently emerging as a standout in Palace’s midfield, has captured the attention of several top clubs with his composure, vision, and technical quality.

Tottenham’s admiration for the young England international is evident, but the challenge lies not in convincing the player, but rather in navigating Crystal Palace’s valuation, which has now reached levels that mirror Declan Rice’s record-breaking move to Arsenal in 2023.

Palace have reportedly set an asking price north of £80 million, citing Rice’s £105 million transfer from West Ham as a benchmark.

From Crystal Palace’s perspective, this valuation reflects not only Wharton’s growing reputation but also the club’s determination to retain its core players amidst increasing interest.

With Marc Guehi being eyed by top teams and Arsenal pursuing Eberechi Eze, Palace are under no pressure to sell and are actively trying to avoid a mass exodus of their best talent.

The board’s stance is clear—they see Wharton as one of the most valuable midfielders in the Premier League and won’t entertain offers they feel undervalue his contribution or potential.

However, a closer comparison between Wharton and Rice at the time of his move to Arsenal reveals some stark differences.

In Rice’s final season with West Ham, he made 37 league appearances, scoring 4 goals, assisting 2, and averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per match. Wharton, on the other hand, featured in just 20 Premier League games last season, recording 0 goals, 2 assists, and averaging 1.7 tackles, 1 interception, and 1.3 key passes per game.

While Wharton shows signs of promise and creativity, especially in the final third, his overall output and defensive numbers still trail Rice’s at the same stage in their respective careers.

Statistically, Rice provided more in terms of defensive presence, goal contributions, and reliability across a full season. That said, Wharton offers a slightly more progressive passing profile and greater risk-taking in possession, which may appeal to a manager like Frank, who wants to play with control and flair.

Still, justifying an £80 million-plus fee based on current performances rather than potential remains a stretch.

Tottenham now face a tough decision—either negotiate Palace’s asking price down or shift their focus to other midfield alternatives.

The club has already shown its willingness to invest heavily this summer, but financial prudence will also play a role in ensuring the squad is balanced and sustainable under Premier League financial regulations.

Ultimately, Spurs must weigh the long-term value of Wharton against the immediate cost and risk. While his ceiling may be high, paying a Declan Rice-level fee for a midfielder with less than a full season’s top-flight experience carries notable risk.

Palace are well within their rights to play hardball, but unless they lower their expectations, Tottenham’s pursuit of Wharton may stall, and they may be forced to consider more seasoned or cost-effective alternatives.