Spurs readying £38m offer to sign “unstoppable” forward, he’d be a massive Tel upgrade
What once seemed like it could be a quiet and underwhelming summer transfer window is now shaping up to be a potentially transformative period for Tottenham Hotspur.
Just a few weeks ago, there was a sense of uncertainty around Spurs’ transfer prospects. However, their heroic triumph in the Europa League final has dramatically changed the narrative. By clinching that victory, Ange Postecoglou’s side not only added silverware to the cabinet but also secured a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League — a feat that significantly enhances their appeal to top-tier talent across Europe.
Participation in the Champions League is more than just a reward for a strong campaign — it’s a crucial bargaining chip in the transfer market. With elite European football returning to North London, Tottenham are now in a much stronger position to attract exciting, high-profile players to strengthen their squad and continue Postecoglou’s project of building a competitive and dynamic team.
Among the names linked with a move to Spurs are some impressive talents. Jamie Gittens, who had a solid season with Borussia Dortmund, is reportedly available for around £59 million. The versatile forward impressed with 12 goals and five assists in 48 appearances, showcasing both his scoring ability and creativity on the pitch. His experience in the Bundesliga and Champions League adds further appeal, especially given Spurs’ ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
Another player reportedly on Tottenham’s radar is Daizen Maeda, who has had a standout season north of the border with Celtic. The Japanese international has been in red-hot form, notching 33 goals and 12 assists in 51 matches. At just £25 million, Maeda presents an affordable yet high-upside option for Spurs, particularly given his familiarity with Postecoglou’s style of play from their time together in Glasgow.
However, perhaps the most intriguing development in Spurs’ transfer plans concerns their pursuit of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. According to fresh reports from Spain, Tottenham are showing serious interest in the French attacker, who is said to be available on a loan deal with an option to buy for €45 million (approximately £38 million). While Nkunku may not be the most universally popular name among Spurs fans at first glance — especially given his injury-plagued season at Stamford Bridge — his past exploits in the Bundesliga tell a different story.
At RB Leipzig, Nkunku was a true dynamo — a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line and delivering in the final third. If Spurs can help him recapture that form, he could become a perfect upgrade or alternative to Mathys Tel, especially if the Bayern Munich loanee isn’t signed permanently this summer.
Comparing Nkunku to Tel
In terms of playing style and versatility, Nkunku and Tel share a lot of similarities. Both can operate in multiple attacking roles, making them valuable assets in Postecoglou’s fluid, high-energy system. But when you dig deeper into the numbers, the gap between the two becomes clearer.
Mathys Tel, despite his potential, had a relatively modest season in terms of end product. Across 34 appearances and 1714 minutes, he managed just three goals and two assists — an average of one goal involvement every 6.8 games, or every 342.8 minutes. While the 20-year-old still possesses immense promise, those figures highlight the inconsistency often associated with young players still learning the game at the top level.
By contrast, Christopher Nkunku, even in a season disrupted by injuries and adaptation to the Premier League, posted superior numbers. In 42 matches totaling 2039 minutes, the Frenchman produced 14 goals and five assists, equating to one goal involvement every 2.21 games, or every 107.31 minutes. That’s a dramatic improvement over Tel’s contributions and demonstrates Nkunku’s efficiency and ability to make an impact even in limited game time.
The Underlying Metrics: Nkunku Dominates
Nkunku’s superiority becomes even more apparent when evaluating the underlying stats. According to football data experts, the former Leipzig star leads in several advanced metrics. He outperforms Tel in non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive passes, shots on target, shot-creating actions, key passes, and passes into the final third — all measured on a per 90-minute basis.
These statistics paint the picture of a player who not only produces goals but also helps create them, influences buildup play, and thrives in high-tempo systems — all traits that align perfectly with Postecoglou’s footballing philosophy.
Football pundit Zach Lowy once described Nkunku as “unstoppable” during his peak in Germany, and if Tottenham can help him regain even a fraction of that form, they could be bringing in a game-changing talent for a fraction of what top-tier attackers usually cost.
Final Thoughts
While Mathys Tel is undoubtedly talented and could still have a bright future ahead, the numbers — both raw and analytical — strongly favor Christopher Nkunku as the more complete and polished option. Spurs may still consider exercising the option to sign Tel permanently, but they would be wise to pursue Nkunku as either an upgrade or a serious competitor for that role in the squad.
With Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou working closely to reshape the team, and with Champions League football as a powerful incentive, Tottenham’s summer window could go from promising to exceptional if they can seal deals for players of Nkunku’s caliber.
In short, what once looked like a potentially uneventful transfer period is quickly turning into an exciting new chapter in the club’s development — one that could elevate Tottenham into serious contenders both domestically and in Europe.