Tottenham Hotspur’s season has largely been deterred by a massive injury crisis, though with the team alive in the Europa League and still fighting to finish the Premier League season as high as possible, the Hotspur Way chiefs needed to strengthen the squad during the winter transfer window.

The Lilywhites focused mainly on addressing the defensive and offensive units, adding the likes of Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel to Ange Postecoglou’s roster.

Now, the club have started planning for the summer transfer window after an extremely disappointing season, seemingly setting their sights on a central midfielder.

Spurs have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios.

They are willing to invest big in the region of €75 million in order to get the deal done.

Pablo Barrios has emerged as one of Atletico Madrid’s most consistent performers over the last 12 months.

He broke into the first team last season and hasn’t looked back since, catching the eye of several European clubs with some exemplary performances.

This has also seen the midfielder earn a cap for Spain back in November 2024.

The 21-year-old has shown great signs of improvement this season, clocking 26 appearances across all competitions thus far. Barrios perhaps needs to work on his discipline and temper, having already been shown two red cards.

For Daniel Levy and Tottenham showing their willingness to invest a big fee shows the kind of faith they have in Barrios’ ability and potential.

It also proves the club’s commitment toward building their long-term strategy at White Hart Lane.

However, they are not the only club interested in the Atletico Madrid starlet’s signature.

According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Arsenal are also interested in Barrios.

Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is their No.1 midfield target, although the Gunners are assessing other possible midfield options which include Atletico’s Barrios.

Given that Tottenham are planning to cash in Yves Bissouma during the summer transfer window and look to bring in a commendable backup to Rodrigo Bentancur, Arsenal entering the race for Barrios is a seismic blow for Ange Postecoglou.

At 21, the Spaniard does suit Levy’s transfer policy from recent years, and he fits the profile of a player who is technically strong and tactically sound to thrive in Big Ange’s high-pressing, attacking system at White Hart Lane. The Australian tactician would love a tenacious and combative presence operating from the base of Spurs’ midfield, and the Atletico Madrid man will be ideal for that role.

As for Arsenal, they have started competing for the Premier League title in recent years and currently have a better structure and more pulling power than Tottenham.

So, any potential move to bring Barrios to N17 will be difficult if the Gunners compound their interest, given how they are close to securing Champions League football for next season.

That being said, however, at Tottenham, a talent like Barrios will be given time and space to express himself and thrive, something that would not be available at the Emirates Stadium.