Tottenham want to sign centre-back colossus after Dragusin injury but help coming before January window

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive woes have deepened, as injuries continue to plague the squad. The latest setback occurred on Boxing Day when Romanian center-back Radu Dragusin sustained an ankle injury during the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

This leaves Spurs scrambling for reinforcements as they look to stabilize their faltering season. Reports suggest Tottenham are one of 11 clubs targeting Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Milan Skriniar as a potential January signing.

The match against Nottingham Forest underscored Tottenham’s defensive fragility. With Christian Romero and Micky van de Ven already sidelined, Dragusin’s injury forced manager Ange Postecoglou to deploy Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma as makeshift center-backs. Despite their best efforts, the team succumbed to its fourth defeat in five games, dropping to 11th place in the Premier League standings after 18 matches.

Tottenham’s inability to maintain defensive solidity has become a recurring issue this season, contributing to their inconsistent performances. As a result, Postecoglou had already been scouting central defenders for the January transfer window before Dragusin’s setback intensified the urgency.

Milan Skriniar: A Top Target for Spurs

Among the potential signings, Milan Skriniar stands out as a prime candidate. The Slovakian defender, valued at around €35 million (£29 million), has been a long-standing target for Tottenham, dating back to the managerial tenures of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Skriniar’s reputation as a tough and reliable center-back stems from his time at Inter Milan, where he made 246 appearances and won five major trophies, including the Serie A title in 2021.

However, his move to PSG in July 2023 has not gone as planned. Limited to just five Ligue 1 appearances under manager Luis Enrique, Skriniar has grown frustrated with his lack of game time. PSG are now reportedly open to selling the 29-year-old during the January transfer window.

While Tottenham are eager to bring Skriniar to north London, they face stiff competition from a host of European heavyweights. Clubs such as Newcastle, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Napoli are also monitoring the defender’s situation. Additionally, Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, AS Roma, and even Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have expressed interest.

Tottenham’s ability to secure Skriniar may depend on their willingness to meet PSG’s valuation and present an appealing project to the player. Skriniar’s preference for regular playing time and a competitive environment could play a pivotal role in his decision.

Other Defensive Options for Tottenham

Milan Skriniar is not the only defender on Tottenham’s radar. Reports indicate that former Everton center-back Ben Godfrey is also being considered as a potential January signing. While Godfrey lacks Skriniar’s elite pedigree, his Premier League experience and versatility make him a viable option for Postecoglou’s side.

Updates on Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies

Amid the transfer speculation, Tottenham received a mixed update on their current defensive options. Postecoglou confirmed that Radu Dragusin’s ankle injury might not be as severe as initially feared. “He was a bit sore. He hurt his ankle and said he couldn’t continue, so we’ll just have to wait and see,” Postecoglou remarked after the Forest defeat.

In more positive news, Ben Davies has returned to training after overcoming a hamstring injury. While the Boxing Day clash was deemed too early for his return, the Welsh defender is expected to be fit for the upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Tottenham Linked with Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham’s January plans extend beyond bolstering their defense. The club is reportedly in contention to sign PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani. The French striker, who joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75 million plus €15 million in add-ons in 2023, has fallen out of favor under Luis Enrique.

PSG are open to a six-month loan deal with an option to buy, and Tottenham are now competing with Liverpool for the 25-year-old’s signature. Kolo Muani’s versatility and proven goal-scoring ability could add a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack as they aim to turn their season around.

In addition to defensive and attacking reinforcements, Tottenham are reportedly eyeing a Juventus midfielder to strengthen their squad further. With competition from three Premier League rivals, the race for the player’s signature is heating up.

Tottenham’s disappointing season has highlighted the need for reinforcements across the pitch. The pursuit of Milan Skriniar underscores the club’s determination to address their defensive issues, while potential moves for Randal Kolo Muani and a Juventus midfielder indicate a broader strategy to improve squad depth.

Securing these signings will not be easy, given the competition from other top clubs. However, with a proactive approach and smart negotiation, Tottenham can use the January transfer window to rebuild and reignite their campaign. The coming weeks will be crucial as Spurs navigate one of their most challenging periods in recent memory.