Tottenham actively targeting £25m Kudus alternative who’s perfect for Frank
Tottenham Turn Attention to Evann Guessand as Kudus Talks Stall
Tottenham Hotspur are now actively exploring alternative options to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, with a new name emerging as a serious target. With negotiations for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus proving to be anything but straightforward, Spurs are eyeing OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand as a more attainable and cost-effective signing.
Earlier this week, several reports indicated that Tottenham had opened talks over a potential deal for Kudus, with chairman Daniel Levy personally reaching out to his West Ham counterpart, David Sullivan, to initiate discussions. The 24-year-old Ghanaian winger has been a standout performer for the Hammers, attracting interest from a number of top European sides. Sources such as GiveMeSport and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a “positive approach” had been made by Spurs. However, the negotiations remain complex, with West Ham demanding around £60 million for their prized asset.
Reliable Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe revealed that the North London club already submitted a £50 million bid for Kudus in mid-June, which was swiftly rejected. If Spurs were to succeed in landing the former Ajax sensation, it would mark the first direct transfer between Tottenham and West Ham since Scott Parker’s move to White Hart Lane back in 2011—a rarity given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
But with less than two months remaining before the transfer window slams shut, time is of the essence. Chairman Daniel Levy is known for being a shrewd negotiator, but he also knows the importance of acting swiftly when necessary. With Kudus proving to be a challenging pursuit, Spurs have now identified Evann Guessand as a viable alternative.
Guessand Emerges as a Serious Contender
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham have stepped up their interest in 24-year-old Evann Guessand, who enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign for OGC Nice. The Ivory Coast international scored 13 goals in all competitions, including 12 goals and 7 assists in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, marking him as one of the standout attacking talents in French football.
Guessand’s versatility makes him an attractive option for new Spurs manager Thomas Frank, who is looking to reshape the frontline to better suit his dynamic style of play. The forward predominantly featured on the right wing last season—Kudus’ natural position—but he is also comfortable playing on the left flank, as a second striker, or even leading the line as a central forward. This kind of flexibility is invaluable in the Premier League, and it’s easy to see why Tottenham are pushing forward with interest.
Financially, a move for Guessand would represent significantly better value. With OGC Nice said to be seeking a fee in the region of £20-25 million, the deal could be concluded at less than half the price of Kudus—an appealing prospect for Tottenham’s board. Guessand still has three years remaining on his current contract, meaning Nice are not under immediate pressure to sell, but their qualification for the Champions League could complicate matters, as the French club may wish to retain their top performers.
Competition Heating Up
Tottenham are not alone in their admiration for Guessand. O’Rourke reports that Brighton, West Ham, and Wolves are all closely monitoring the player, adding pressure on Spurs to act quickly if they want to secure his signature.
“A lot of Premier League clubs are looking at Guessand,” O’Rourke said. “He had a very good season for Nice, and has the physical profile to succeed in the Premier League. His ability to play anywhere across the front line makes him a valuable option.”
The interest in Guessand highlights Tottenham’s broader recruitment strategy this summer: finding multi-functional players with strong physical attributes and a proven track record in Europe. His relatively modest price tag and high ceiling make him a particularly appealing choice in what is shaping up to be a competitive market.
Spurs’ Attacking Core Taking Shape
As things stand, Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League last season included Son Heung-min (average rating: 7.00), James Maddison (6.98), Pedro Porro (6.95), Dominic Solanke (6.84), and Dejan Kulusevski (6.83), according to WhoScored. Strengthening the attack further is clearly a priority for the club as they aim to challenge for a top-four finish in 2025.
With Kudus negotiations stalling and Guessand now firmly on the radar, Tottenham’s next move could be crucial. Whether they break the bank for the West Ham star or pivot toward the emerging Ligue 1 talent, one thing is clear: Daniel Levy and Thomas Frank are intent on reinforcing Spurs’ front line with quality and versatility before the window closes.