REPORT: Tottenham Hotspur Look to Alassane Plea for Attacking Depth

Fresh Forward Versatility

Since arriving in Germany from Nice in 2018, Plea has emerged as the talisman in Marco Rose’s side. The Frenchman scored 12 goals and provided four assists in his first season for Gladbach, and is seemingly on his way to bettering that output. The 27-year-old netted just 37 seconds into Gladbach’s return to Bundesliga football this weekend, taking his tally up to nine goals and seven assists.

Plea’s performances have raised eyebrows overseas, with Tottenham being one of the clubs keen to secure his signature. Spurs’ forward struggles this season have come down to misfortune and naivety. Failure to secure a second striker in January meant that the squad has been walking on a dangerous tight-rope. Eventual long-term injuries to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min before the halt of the Premier League left manager Jose Mourinho with little to work with for strikers.

The Portuguese will want to avoid a repeat of this scenario, with Bild reporting that Plea will become available at around the €40 million (£35.8 million) mark. While this figure nowadays appears reasonable, the effect of the coronavirus pandemic raises more questions than answers. Player prices will likely be erratic for the foreseeable future; ultimately causing clubs to be wary about splashing the cash.

Interest From League Rivals

As Plea’s performances continue to capture the eyes of one club in north London, Bild report that Arsenal are also monitoring the Frenchman’s situation. As uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners may look towards Plea to fill the potential void in the Arsenal attack.

Manchester United have also reportedly been keeping tabs on Plea. The Evening Standard reports that United have joined the hunt, with investment depending on Odion Ighalo’s future. The Nigerian has impressed on his return to England, but his current loan move will see him return to China. A vacancy in the United attack could open up, and Plea could thrive alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Although Plea hasn’t emerged as a global superstar, he has emerged as a reliable source of goals. Despite interest from across the league, Tottenham may want to do everything in their power to acquire the Frenchman. Spurs’ lack of high quality, or in fact any backup strikers has gone on for far too long. Alassane Plea could be just the player to plug that gap.

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