Tottenham have opened talks with AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
Tottenham’s target, who has been quiet this summer due to a lack of clear-cut reinforcements, has been revealed. European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano claimed an exclusive report on his personal social media account on June 2, saying, “Tottenham are looking to sign Solanke. Solanke is one of Tottenham’s targets. It is a very difficult negotiation because Solanke is a key player for Bournemouth. So far, we haven’t made a formal offer to Bournemouth.”
It’s true that Tottenham are interested in signing Solanke. The Telegraph also reported on May 5 that “Tottenham are making a bid for Bournemouth striker Solanke. Solanke is high on Spurs’ list of striker targets and the club have held talks with the former Chelsea and Liverpool man about a move.
Despite the fact that a decision has yet to be made on the future of the Frenchman, Son Heung-min was one of the reasons why Tottenham wanted to bring in a new first-team striker. Son is no longer a player who can only play as a wing-forward. Under Jose Mourinho, he has developed more into a forward who can reliably score goals for his team.
That ability has also come in handy under Enze Postecoglou. When Harry Kane, the best player in Tottenham’s history, left the club, they didn’t have a good replacement. He didn’t show enough to be trusted, and Son Heung-min stepped in.
It was Son’s first season playing as a striker at all, and he thrived, being one of the most destructive players in the league. Only four players in the English Premier League (EPL) had more offensive points than Son last season.
However, in the second half of the season, Son’s use as a striker became somewhat limited. As a result, Postecoglou wants to play a clear No. 9 striker and keep Son on the left, his natural position. This is because Spurs need the best of what Heung-min can offer.
The Telegraph says: ‘Postecoglou has made it clear that he wants to add a striker to his squad. Solanke appears to be a good fit for his style. Postecoglou 안전놀이터 wants to sign a recognized striker while having the option to move Son Heung-min back to the left.
The question is the price. Solanke’s contract with Bournemouth is believed to have a buyout clause of £65 million. ‘Solanke has a hefty buyout clause in his contract with Bournemouth, estimated at £65 million. So far, clubs have been reluctant to pay this amount.
Bournemouth are unlikely to part with Solanke easily, so a buyout is the best option to facilitate negotiations. Tottenham will also be reluctant to do so, as it would far exceed their previous record transfer fee.
The Telegraph explained that Spurs should be prepared to pay more for the player, saying, “Tottenham could attempt to get a deal done under the clause by offering Bournemouth favorable payment terms, but Spurs have work to do to make significant progress.
In a follow-up report on June 6, Romano wrote: “Tottenham began exploring talks to sign Solanke last week. Solanke is on Tottenham’s shortlist and Spurs are aware of a buyout clause of around £65 million,” he said, adding that “initial talks have taken place but Bournemouth want to keep him.”
Now is the time for Tottenham to show their negotiating skills. Tottenham have two options: either they can sell him quickly to generate extra funds to sign Solanke, or they can maximize the transfer fee to get Solanke. With neither option looking easy, Tottenham’s season is about to begin.
Solanke was once a huge prospect but failed at both Chelsea and Liverpool. He started off poorly at Bournemouth, but gradually began to show his potential. After a breakout season in the English Championship (second division), he had his best season in the EPL last season, finishing fourth in the league with 19 goals and three assists.