A look at the top ten players who Spurs could sign to replace Gareth Bale if he leaves the club.
10. Alexis Sanchez
The Barcelona wide-man has had a tough time since his greatly anticipated move from Udinese, and is understood to be one of many players set to be culled by Tito Vilanova this summer. Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked, as have Juventus and Inter Milan, who feel he may be more suited to Serie A football, but Spurs could find themselves a bargain here if Barca are keen to be rid of him. His quality is still there, and perhaps he could find it again at White Hart Lane?
9. Nani
Unwanted and unsettled at Manchester United, Tottenham could be wise to offer Nani a lifeline. The talented winger is capable of excellence on his day, and has a proven record of providing the goals and assists Spurs would need if they lost Bale. A risky signing, but possibly available on the cheap after his falling out of favour with Sir Alex Ferguson. May still be unpopular at White Hart Lane after a controversial goal against them at Old Trafford a few years ago.
8. Adam Johnson
With Sunderland still in a relegation fight, there’s always a chance their better players will be available come the end of the season. Ex-Manchester City winger Johnson is certainly one whose talent is seemingly wasted in such a poor side, and would suit Spurs’ style of play much better. Harshly sold by Roberto Mancini, could the exciting England winger get another chance to shine at the top level?
7. Ashley Young
Another winger that United might want to see the back of this summer, Spurs could do well to attempt to reignite the career of Ashley Young. Unable to reproduce his excellent Aston Villa form at Old Trafford, the 27-year-old might do better in a different, less pressurising environment. Like Bale, he is capable of scoring spectacular goals and troubling defenders with his dribbling, he just needs to do it on a more regular basis.
6. Jefferson Farfan
The Schalke wide man has been in impressive form this season, and greatly troubled Arsenal when the two sides met in the Champions League. Not as much of a goal scorer as Bale, but one who could provide pace and assists from either flank. The Peruvian might also be keen to link up with his former team-mate Lewis Holtby, who moved from Schalke to Spurs in January.
5. Kevin De Bruyne
The Chelsea attacker has been farmed out on loan to Werder Bremen this season, and despite some eye-catching displays, he is reportedly unwanted by the Blues. Whether or not they’d be happy to sell to a rival is unclear, but Spurs could land themselves a very exciting young talent if they went for the Belgian, who can play wide or centrally.
4. Hatem Ben Arfa
The Newcastle man has had a tough time with injuries, but he seemed a crucial component of the club’s strong Premier League campaign last year. Adding some much-needed flair to the side, the Frenchman is capable of Bale-like dribbles and stunning solo goals. He is a risky one because of his temperament and fitness struggles, but on his day he is a player who could arguably be the perfect replacement for the Welsh wing wizard.
3. Arjen Robben
The controversial Dutchman appears to be out of favour at Bayern Munich, but remains a top talent. He previously lit up these shores with his displays for Chelsea, and would certainly play in the Bale style, looking to run at players and take shots. With Pep Guardiola coming to the Allianz Arena this summer there is likely to be a change of personnel, and Robben is one whom it would make sense for the club to sell.
2. Jesus Navas
The talented Spaniard has well-documented problems with homesickness, which has hampered any possibility of moves away from Sevilla in the past. He has long been linked with Arsenal, but his preference for playing as a more natural winger might be more suited to Spurs’ game. If Navas can be persuaded to leave, he is another who would certainly help ease Spurs’ loss of Bale.
1. Angel Di Maria
With Real Madrid the frontrunners for Bale’s signature, Spurs might do well to ask about a possible swap deal involving Angel Di Maria. The Argentinian is a versatile winger, who can play very much like Bale does, cutting in from the right or moving centrally. He has not enjoyed his best season with the club, and they may feel they’d be happy to let him go if they succeed in bringing in Bale. He remains a top talent and Spurs could definitely do worse in their search for a replacement for their star player.