OPINION
Tottenham Hotspur face possibly the most crucial transfer window in the club’s history this summer, as Mauricio Pochettino and his men try to shrug off the tag of ‘nearly men’ while heading into their new stadium.
The latest in a long line of close shaves with greatness came on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage to a wily old Juventus side.
An opener from Son Heung-min had put Spurs in control before two goals in three minutes from Gonzalo Higuain and Paolo Dybala broke hearts at Wembley.
Spurs now must dust themselves off for a Premier League clash at Bournemouth this weekend as they look to qualify for the competition again next season.
Of course, there is still the prospect of the FA Cup, with Spurs facing Swansea in the quarter-finals next weekend.
Anyhow, this upcoming transfer window will be crucial as Spurs look to maintain their challenge at the top of the European game, and there is one player that would be a perfect addition.
As reported by The Times, Manchester United are planning on fresh contract talks with Anthony Martial in an attempt to fend off interest from Juventus.
Despite the France international speed machine falling down the pecking order at United since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, the club are reportedly keen on retaining his services.
The 22-year-old’s current deal at Old Trafford runs until the summer of 2019, with United having the option of extending that by one year.
It is clear that Martial is unhappy with his new role at United, and believes that he should be given more game time for the Red Devils.
That is where Spurs come in.
The young Frenchman would be a brilliant addition to the Spurs attack, and would slot in nicely on the left-wing for the Lilywhites.
Martial has shown this season that he has what it takes to make a consistent impact in the Premier League with nine goals and five assists from 26 appearances that have mostly come from the bench.
Imagine what kind of impact he would have if he was given the chance to shine from the start in those games.
He is being wasted at United under Mourinho, who insists on leaving him on the bench despite his brilliant form.
This summer will be crucial in deciding the 22-year-old’s future, and if he decides to not sign a new contract with United then Spurs must be ready to pounce with an ambitious summer swoop.
He is the kind of signing that would take Spurs into their new stadium with massive momentum for the season ahead, and one that would surely help them in their quest for silverware.
There is no doubt that Martial would not come cheap, but Spurs need to start spending more if they really want to consistently challenge their rivals in the Premier League.
Now is the perfect time to start doing so as they head into the new stadium, and now is also the perfect time to move for Martial, who is being wasted in Manchester.