Liverpool and Chelsea interst
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Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing the signing of Leeds United starlet Archie Gray. It’s understood that Spurs have agreed a fee in the region of €41 million for Gray to join Ange Postecoglou’s men.
The deal represents a coup for Spurs as Gray has been tracked by other major Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool. Brentford were also keen to sign Gray this summer and the Bees had an offer rejected by Leeds over the weekend with Spurs capitalising to land the versatile youngster.
How good is Archie Gray?
Gray is a hugely exciting young talent who has generated a fine reputation. Still just 18, Gray has already represented England at U21 level and he’s viewed as a future star. Gray’s dad, nephew and grandad all played for Leeds United while his brother, Harry, is currently progressing through their academy.
Former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was a huge admirer of the youngster and named him on the bench against Arsenal in 2021, aged just 15. The Yorkshire side failed to secure promotion to the Premier League after losing in the play-offs and that has forced them to sell their prized asset due to financial pressures. Gray is currently the third most valuable player in the English Championship at €18.
Why are Tottenham signing Archie Gray?
Gray possesses a maturity beyond his years and he’s already gained significant experience at first-team level. He was a regular under Daniel Farke last season, making 52 appearances in all competitions and he featured in all but two league games. Gray is naturally a central midfielder but Farke deployed him at right-back last season and that highlights his versatility.
As the graphic above illustrates, Tottenham have an array of midfield options and Gray will face tough competition to secure a starting berth in Postecoglou’s preferred 4-3-3 formation. James Maddison will be deployed as No.10 with Gray in competition with Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur for a midfield place. Tottenham have identified the importance of signing younger players with high potential after completing a deal to sign Lucas Bergvall in January and the Swedish starlet will move to London this summer.