Tottenham scout 23-year-old Parma talent once branded a mix of Pogba and Kante

Tottenham could raid the Serie A for a highly-rated midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with central midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window.

One can understand why another central midfielder might be brought in after the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in January. After all, Spurs have reportedly decided to let Yves Bissouma leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Malian international will not be given an extension, meaning his four-year stay in N17 will come to an end in June.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Joao Palhinha. Signed on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, Palhinha’s form has tailed off since the turn of the year after a strong start to the campaign. As per recent reports, the Lilywhites are unlikely to sign the Portuguese midfielder permanently, meaning he will head back to Bayern.

Potentially losing Bissouma and Palhinha in the summer, combined with injury issues for Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur this season, is reason enough to sign a central midfielder.

Tottenham have scouted Parma midfielder Mandela Keita in recent weeks

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton are embroiled in a three-way tussle for the signing of Parma midfielder Mandela Keita. Spurs have sent an official to scout him in recent weeks.

After a stint at Antwerp, Mandela Keita, once branded a mix of Pogba and Kante, moved to Italy in 2024 and continues his steady development at Parma. This season, he has featured in 29 league matches, bagging an assist. The 23-year-old is enjoying a strong campaign in Serie A, catching the attention of several Premier League clubs.

If Palhinha’s loan is not turned permanent, which looks likely to happen, Tottenham would need a young, mobile and dynamic defensive midfielder to screen the backline next season. That player should possess the skill-set to complement Archie Gray, who has been Spurs’ most consistent player since the turn of the year. The lack of balance in midfield has hurt the Lilywhites, highlighting the requirement of a hybrid No.6 and 8.

Keita, in that regard, fits the bill perfectly. A No.6 by trade, the one-cap Belgium international can also operate as a central midfielder when required. Rated highly across the continent, the 23-year-old excels in winning the ball, distributing it and reading the game. His defensive prowess would complement Gray’s passing range and ability to pick out passes from deep.

It remains to be seen whether Keita wants to leave Parma after two seasons. Nonetheless, the Serie A side could face an uphill task to hold onto their valuable asset if more clubs start circling for his signature. Due to his age and potential, the Belgium midfielder of Guinean descent would represent a clear upgrade on Bissouma.

Before Tottenham can concretely think about going ahead for Keita’s signing, they must ensure their top-flight status remains intact.