Italian Report Says Spurs Set To Chase Juventus Star In January, But Do They Need Him?

CalcioMercato report that Spurs will join in the race with West Ham to the signature of Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, who’s game time has been limited this season in Italy. 

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The striker is reportedly keen to move on in search of more first team minutes, and could move as early as the January transfer window with club queuing up for his services. As well as Spurs and West Ham, PSG are also interested as well as a couple of clubs from the Chinese Super League.

Mandzuckic’s game time has been limited this season due to the big money arrival of Gonzalo Higuain and the fact that Paulo Dybala has been preferred as second choice up front in the early part of the season. But you have to ask the question, do Spurs really need another striker?

Spurs have not scored a goal from open play in all competitions since Dele Alli’s late strike at West Brom to snatch a point on October 15, and this will be a worrying sign for Mauricio Pochettino and his team.

However, Harry Kane is now back, and back with a goal at the Emirates as Spurs grabbed a point against bitter rivals Arsenal back on Sunday. The previous games have highlighted how much Spurs have missed Harry Kane, and surely the goals tally will start to increase following his return from injury.

If Mario Mandzukic was to arrive at White Hart Lane, I think that it would be safe to say that he would not be first choice striker in front of Harry Kane. That would leave the Croatian battling for games against Vincent Janssen, recent signing over the summer from AZ Alkmaar.

Since his summer arrival, Janssen has shown glimpses of what he can do. The way he holds the ball up is insane, and there are not many players better than the Dutchman at holding up play. He has struggled for goals however, and has not yet netted from open play this season.

As I have said, Janssen looks a good player, and we have seen glimpses of the player’s quality in the opening weeks of the season. However, Mauricio Pochettino made a good point recently. The Dutchman was chucked in at the deep end following Harry Kane’s injury, with Janssen being the only fit centre-forward tasked with scoring the team’s goals. A bit responsibility just a month or so into your Premier League career.

I am still of the opinion that it will only be a matter of time before Vincent Janssen starts scoring for fun for Spurs, and that the need for yet another backup striker his pretty much non-existent.

In answer to the question at the top of the page, my answer would definitely be no, Spurs certainly do not need to make a move for Mario Mandzukic in the January transfer window.