Tottenham Hotspur have been advised to prioritise a move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford over Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, according to former Spurs defender Stephen Kelly. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Kelly argued that Rashford is 'exactly' what new manager Roberto De Zerbi needs on the left flank, despite the club's heavy summer spending.
Spurs' £237m Summer Spending Spree
Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, prompting a summer overhaul. The club has invested £237 million in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka arrived on free transfers. Despite these additions, there remains a consensus that the north London side requires more attacking firepower, leading to links with Jackson, Gakpo, and Manchester City winger Savinho.
Jackson, who has recorded 34 goal contributions in the Premier League over two seasons at Stamford Bridge, is available for £65 million. However, Kelly believes a new striker should not be Spurs' primary focus for the remainder of the transfer window.
Kelly's Preference for a Left-Sided Winger
Kelly emphasised the need for a left-sided winger to complement the right-sided creativity of Mohammed Kudus when fit. He noted that Savinho offers a different dimension but stressed that Gakpo fits the profile from the left. 'Gakpo fits that profile from the left-hand side. I like Gakpo, he's done really well. The left hand side is where Spurs need someone that can go and take players on, have goal contributions, and I think he does that,' Kelly said.
He added, 'He was very good for Liverpool last season through all their ups and downs. He's someone who will absolutely contribute in that attacking sense straight away.'
Rashford as the Ideal Fit
When asked to name his dream Tottenham line-up for the opening game of the season, Kelly surprisingly omitted Gakpo, Jackson, and Savinho, instead including Rashford. 'The one I've brought in is Rashford. I just think he suits that profile really well,' the former Republic of Ireland right-back explained. 'Financially, maybe it's something that Spurs can't do. But I just feel like he would be exactly what they need on that left hand side.'
Kelly continued, 'I know we're linked with the other players but I just think goals, threat, dynamic – that'll suit him.'
Rashford's Uncertain Future at Old Trafford
Rashford's future at Manchester United remains uncertain after spending the last 18 months on loan. Barcelona were expected to sign him permanently this summer but instead opted for his England teammate Anthony Gordon. The 28-year-old has held talks with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but reports suggest he prefers to stay in a top league, and United are reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival.
Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign on August 22 with a trip to London rivals Brentford. The club's transfer activity suggests they are determined to avoid another relegation battle, and the addition of a proven left-sided attacker could be crucial to their ambitions.
