OPINION
The uncertain future of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele raises several questions, with the main one obviously being the matter of a replacement.
The Belgian destroyer has been a brilliant servant for Spurs over the past six years, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will extend his contract at the club.
The prospect of a new challenge abroad seems to be one which excites the 31-year-old, and Tottenham are approaching a situation in which Dembele will walk away for free in the summer.
Attention will obviously then turn to his replacement, and Tottenham must now look to hijack some of their rivals in moving for German wonderkid Arne Maier.
As reported by the Mirror, both Manchester United and Arsenal are tracking the 19-year-old, who has been dubbed ‘the next Toni Kroos’ in Germany, where he plays for Hertha Berlin.
He is the club’s youngest ever player and has now developed into a brilliantly dynamic holding midfielder who is catching the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs.
Maier is under contract at Hertha until 2022, but with a reported release clause of just £10million is available for a snip if Spurs get in their quickly.
Mauricio Pochettino’s reputation for developing young players will surely attract Maier to Tottenham, with a move to United or Arsenal providing fewer chances of first-team football.
And, the departure of Dembele (should it happen) will leave a clear gap in the Tottenham squad which Maier can fill, further increasing his changes of getting regular minutes.
The opportunity to snap up such a brilliant young player for such a low price does not come around often, and Tottenham must now put the wheels in motion to sign him next summer.