After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was always going to be a huge year for Tottenham Hotspur, but once again, it appears to be one full of disappointment.

Thomas Frank took charge during the summer transfer window to try and inject a new lease of life, but his 14th-placed Premier League standing at present showcases the issues in North London.

That, coupled with exits from both of the country’s domestic cup competitions, could see the Lilywhites go on yet another trophy drought in the near future.

It’s safe to say the hierarchy are currently at a crossroads in his time in charge in North London, with a decision desperately needing to be made around his future.

However, it appears as though the Dane could be given one more transfer window to save his job, with numerous players being lined up for a switch to join his side this winter.

Spurs hold talks over deal to sign £26m sensation

Over recent days, numerous players have been linked with a switch to join Spurs this winter, with Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz one option being considered at present.

The attacking midfielder, who’s currently away at AFCON with Morocco, could be allowed to depart the LaLiga giants this winter after making just three starts to date.

However, it remains to be seen if the player himself would be keen on a switch to North London this window, which could lead the hierarchy to pursue other options.

The hierarchy appear to be working tirelessly to land new talent during the ongoing window, with Conor Gallagher undoubtedly the club’s main target at present.

According to Football London, the Lilywhites opened informal talks over the weekend regarding a potential deal to land the 25-year-old from Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.

The report states that Diego Simeone’s men would want a permanent exit for the former Chelsea man this window, with a £26m price tag subsequently being mooted in recent days.

The article also confirms that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are another side keen on a move for the Englishman, which could lead to a huge battle for his signature.

Why Gallagher would be Frank’s own Rice at Spurs

Over recent years, Spurs have often been dominated by local rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby, which has handed the opposition supporters the bragging rights.

Whilst the Lilywhites fans no doubt have a hatred for their rivals, there is certainly an ounce of jealousy over the quality of players on the books at the Emirates – with Declan Rice just one option the fans wish they had at their disposal.

The Englishman joined the Gunners in a £110m deal from West Ham United back in the summer of 2023, subsequently becoming one of the Premier League’s leading midfield stars.

He’s started to operate in a box-to-box role over recent months, which has allowed the England international to produce some incredible attacking numbers.

Rice has racked up 20 goals and 24 assists across all competitions since his move to the Emirates, with the player contributing massively to Mikel Arteta’s title challenge.

However, potential new addition Gallagher could be the Lilywhites’ own version of the midfielder, especially after FBref have previously labelled him as a similar player to the Arsenal star.

When comparing their respective figures from the ongoing campaign, the Atletico star has managed to better him in numerous key areas, showcasing how big of a talent Frank’s men would be getting.

Gallagher, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist John Cross, has achieved a better pass completion rate, whilst also completing more of his attempted short passes this season.

How Gallagher & Rice compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)	Gallagher	Rice
Games played	19	20
Goals & assists	2	7
Pass accuracy	87%	84%
Short passes completed	93%	91%
Shot on target accuracy	40%	38%
Tackles won	1.6	1.1
Blocks made	1.5	0.8
Interceptions made	1.5	1.1
Carries into the 18-yard box	0.9	0.3
Aerials won	1.3	1.2
Stats via FBref

Such numbers showcase his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, which could hand Frank’s side the ball-playing box-to-box option they have craved this campaign.

He’s also completed more carries of the ball into the opposition’s penalty area per 90, further reaffirming the Atletico star’s phenomenal quality when in possession.

However, without the ball, Gallagher has been just as dominant over Rice, as seen by his higher tally of tackles won and interceptions made per 90 in 2025/26 to date.

The 25-year-old has also made more blocks and come out on top in more aerial battles per 90, which could arguably make him a more all-round talent than the Gunners star.

£26m for a player of Gallagher’s talent could be a phenomenal piece of business, especially if he reaches the levels produced by Rice in the Premier League in recent years.

However, given the interest from Aston Villa, the Lilywhites hierarchy need to work tirelessly to complete a deal to avoid one of their rivals snatching him from their grasp.