Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Illan Meslier has the attributes to take over the gloves from Hugo Lloris at Tottenham.
Multiple outlets have reported over recent months that Tottenham are expected to sign Lloris’ successor in the summer, with the North London club alleged to be looking for a goalkeeper who is good with the ball at his feet and can make good decisions under pressure (Daily Mail).
Football.London reported last month that Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Brentford’s David Raya, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan are at the top of the Lilywhites’ wishlist.
Meslier’s name has also been mooted as a potential replacement for the Spurs captain, with journalist Phil Hay revealing on The Athletic’s Phil Hay Show back in November that the Lilywhites are contemplating a move for the Leeds number one.
Agbonlahor believes that the 23-year-old might be the best option for Tottenham, now that Jordan Pickford has signed a new contract with Everton.
The former Aston Villa striker told Football Insider: “I think Meslier can be a top goalkeeper. He’s very tall and imposing. When you see him coming out of the tunnel, you see just how big he is.
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“He’s decent on the ball and can produce a really good save. However, he can make a few howlers. Meslier is still young for a goalkeeper and he’s still learning the game.
“He could be the answer. They could keep Fraser Forster around and he pushes him for that number one spot.
“It’s just a question of whether Tottenham will pay that big fee for someone who isn’t necessarily ready to be the number one.
“I would have thought the perfect signing for Spurs would be Jordan Pickford. He’s signed a new contract so that doesn’t look likely. He would have been my first choice if I were Spurs.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While Meslier has age on his side, he is contracted to Leeds until 2026, which means that he certainly will not come cheap.
I would be surprised if Tottenham pursue the 23-year-old, particularly with less expensive options such as David Raya potentially on the market this summer.
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