Tottenham are reportedly interested in both Anthony Martial and Gareth Bale this summer, but here’s why they should focus on securing the Manchester United man.
Tottenham fans will be extremely excited by the transfer rumours surrounding the club in the last few days, with Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and former fan favourite Gareth Bale both being touted as potential candidates to join the ranks at White Hart Lane.
Martial is claimed to be Mauricio Pochettino’s priority target this summer, according to a report from The Evening Standard, while the Real Madrid superstar’s situation is being monitored in-case Los Blancos decide to make him available for the reported £43.7million fee, according to the Daily Star.
While the prospect of Bale returning to north London is obviously exciting, Mauricio Pochettino should really be focusing his time and resources on bringing the Frenchman to the club and here’s why.
Firstly, lets look logistically. Bale is currently on a reported £350,000-a-week at the Bernabeu, compared to Martial’s £65,000-a-week, so there’s no debate to be had there – especially when considering Daniel Levy’s wage-cap at £110,000 (Daily Mail).
Secondly, Martial at 22-years-old is already an incredible talent, but he has much more developing to do. Add further experience over time and eventually the end result could be frightening, especially so under the tutelage and guidance of Pochettino.
It can be argued that Bale, at 28, has already hit his peak form and isn’t going to improve further – and Madrid fans wouldn’t argue otherwise.
When looking into Bale’s recent injury record, the results are anything but encouraging also.
The Welshman has been unable to sustain a decent run in the first team this season because of re-occurring issues with his calves and hamstrings, suggesting the investment may not be fruitful for Spurs if his condition fails to improve.
Finally, it just makes more sense from a positional stance. Tottenham already have a number of players playing free roles in the team – similarly to Bale’s final season at the club – and at this stage it wouldn’t work tactically.
Martial would hold his position on the left, offering width, while the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen continue interchanging between the lines and creating chances. It’s not worth fixing what isn’t broken.
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