Paratici can land THFC the next Vieira in "superb" 18 y/o with "world-class potential" - opinion

Tottenham are interested in a deal to bring Lesley Ugochukwu to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a report by French publication L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Fabio Paratici, as well as Arsenal’s Richard Garlick and Borussia Dortmund’s Michael Zorc, is keeping a very close eye on the progress made by the Rennes midfielder.

The report added that all three clubs could launch a bid for the 18-year-old at the end of the current campaign, with Tottenham believed to particularly appreciate the profile of the France under-18 international, who apparently could well be swayed by the lure of joining Antonio Conte’s side.

While Ugochukwu is a talent with a great deal of development still ahead of him in the professional game, the early expectations surrounding the teenager’s potential are extremely promising.

Indeed, L’Equipe claimed that Arsenal view the defensive midfielder as the next Patrick Vieira, while Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig also stated his belief that the Rennes starlet is a “superb” player with “world-class potential“.

It is not difficult to see why these assessments have been made of the £2.25m-rated youngster, as despite his tender age (he turns 18 today), Ugochukwu has already made 13 Ligue 1 appearances for Bruno Genesio’s side. There is a belief at the French club that the teenager is “the new Camavinga“, a nod to the former Rennes sensation who joined Real Madrid in a €40m (£34.4m) move last summer.

As such, while the French youth international may not immediately become a first-team regular should he indeed make a move to north London this summer, it would nevertheless seem wise for Paratici to do all he can to land the 18-year-old