OPINION
Tottenham Hotspur will have to strengthen this summer to maintain their place at the top end of the Premier League, with competition ever-increasing among the country’s best sides.
And the club may have been presented with a perfect opportunity to beef up their squad with a major cull reportedly on the way at one of Europe’s top clubs.
According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Barcelona are ready to axe five players this summer, with those in question being Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Aleix Vidal, Paco Alcacer and Lucas Digne.
The football site claim that talisman Lionel Messi has highlighted these five as players that must be let go this summer as Barca look to build on their brilliant season so far.
And there are three names in there that would be perfect for Tottenham as they look to add more depth this summer: Gomes, Alcacer and Suarez.
Central midfielder Gomes has been on Tottenham’s radar for a while now, with the club heavily linked with a late move for the Portugal international in the summer, and also in January.
Suarez is another that has been linked with Spurs in the past, though much more tentatively than Gomes, as the diminutive playmaker has struggled to make an impact in Catalonia.
Former Valencia striker Alcacer would be a new target for the club, with the 24-year-old another who has failed to produce the goods at the Nou Camp.
With regards to Gomes, any team could do with reinforcements in central midfield, and if someone like Moussa Sissoko leaves the club this summer, then the Portuguese would be the perfect replacement.
Attacking midfielder Suarez would be another great addition, with the former Villareal star a potentially brilliant back-up for Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-min and Dele Alli.
Alcacer was prolific at Valencia but has managed just 14 goals in 43 appearances for Barca, and needs to move elsewhere to fulfil his potential. Spurs are desperate for a decent back-up to Harry Kane, and the 24-year-old may be that man.
Obviously Tottenham will not have the funds to move for all three, but this is a perfect opportunity for the club to send shockwaves through the Premier League with a strong summer signing or two.