Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Southampton’s full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, as reported by Sky Sports. The live blog update from 1 July reveals that West Ham have already initiated discussions with Southampton about a potential deal that would see Flynn Downes move permanently to St Mary’s as part of the transfer.
In response, Southampton have reached out to Bournemouth regarding the acquisition of Max Aarons as a possible replacement for Walker-Peters. However, Bournemouth’s manager Julen Lopetegui faces competition from Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou and Brighton’s Russell Martin to secure the versatile defender.
Urgency for West Ham United to Secure Kyle Walker-Peters
West Ham United need to act swiftly to finalize the transfer of Kyle Walker-Peters, especially since the club is looking to reinforce its full-back positions following the departure of Ben Johnson to Ipswich Town. Johnson’s exit, secured with a £60,000 per week deal【Times, 27 June】, along with uncertainties surrounding Vladimir Coufal’s future, has left a gap in the right-back position.
Walker-Peters’ versatility to play on both flanks makes him an attractive option, coupled with his significant Premier League experience. At the prime age for a footballer, Walker-Peters would be a valuable addition to the squad. Additionally, Flynn Downes’ desire to return to Southampton, with West Ham not too concerned about his departure, provides an ideal opportunity for a straightforward deal.
However, Brighton’s astute approach in the transfer market and Walker-Peters’ history with Tottenham’s academy mean that West Ham must act quickly to avoid losing out. This opportunity must be seized promptly to ensure Lopetegui’s plans for the upcoming season remain intact.
Tottenham Eye Southampton Midfielder Carlos Alcaraz
In other developments, John Wenham, the owner of the Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, has expressed his desire for Tottenham to sign Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz this summer. Tottenham has been linked with the Argentine midfielder, with discussions about a potential swap deal involving Joe Rodon and Carlos Alcaraz reportedly underway.
Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham shared his enthusiasm for the potential signing: “When Southampton were last in the Premier League, I remember thinking what an exciting player Alcaraz was. He can play in multiple positions across the midfield, and at the age of 21, I therefore think he is worth taking a gamble on.”
Wenham believes that Alcaraz, who moved to Southampton from Racing Club in the winter of 2023 and had a mixed loan spell at Juventus, could significantly bolster Tottenham’s midfield. Despite the Saints’ return to the Premier League, Alcaraz is keen to move to a bigger club, and Tottenham could be the perfect fit for him. With his potential and room for growth, Alcaraz represents a long-term investment for Spurs.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can finalize this deal and bring the versatile midfielder to North London, but the move could prove beneficial for both the player and the club in the long run.
