According to the Sun, Tottenham are plotting a move for West Ham left-back Arthur Masuaku. The report claims that Chelsea and AS Monaco are also interested in the 24-year-old. The French-born wing-back is happy at West Ham but wants to play Champions League football.
Tottenham are on course to finish in the top-four this campaign, which will see them play Champions League football next season and that could attract Masuaku, who could fill the void left by Danny Rose should the England international leave next season, the report claims.
However, should Tottenham go for Masuaku in the summer transfer window?
Masuaku, born in Lille, has proved to be a good purchase for West Ham. The Frenchman took time to adjust to the demands of the Premier League but the player kept his head down and worked his socks off.
The 24-year-old has become a first-team regular for the Hammers this season and has performed admirably well in what has been an awful campaign for the East Londoners. Masuaku, who can play at left-back and also a left wing-back, has made 27 appearances for the Hammers this season, scoring once.
West Ham have leaked goals at an alarming rate this season and while David Moyes has somewhat succeeded in steadying the ship, they are a team with a porous defence. However, Masuaku has emerged as a warrior in the defence, with a tackle success rate of 65%. The aggressive full-back has made 21 clearances, 24 interceptions and has blocked three shots in the Premier League.
Due to his short stature, the left-back is not physically imposing, having won only 19 aerial battles. He has won 160 duels, made 9 headed clearances, helping his side to four clean sheets. While there is plenty of room for development in defending, Masuaku excels when it comes to attacking, with four assists to his name this season.
The versatile full-back is a hot-headed customer, having picked up 5 yellow cards, making 26 fouls. He was sent off in the FA Cup tie against Wigan in January for spitting on an opponent and received a six-game ban for his actions.
However, as far as Spurs are concerned, a player like Masuaku would benefit the squad richly. His versatility makes him a player that Pochettino would love to work with.
Masuaku is still a raw talent but has the potential to become a top left-back. Under the watchful eyes of Poch, he could simply go on to achieve what he craves for.
In all fairness, Spurs must go for Masuaku in the summer but it would be interesting to see if West Ham sell their fan favourite to one of their London rivals.