Spurs-linked player deemed ‘one of the best midfielders in France’ wants to move clubs

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Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Baptiste Santamaria has told Telefoot that he plans to leave Ligue 1 outfit Angers this summer.

As reported by The Express, Spurs have watched the 25-year-old on a “handful of occasions”, with Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City also said to be eyeing the player.

Santamaria has been impressive in his defensive midfield role at the Stade Raymond Kopa and, as such, it’s little surprise to see him being linked with clubs in England.

Santamaria, who The Express claimed has been described as “the next N’Golo Kante”, has made 30 first-team appearances for Angers this season, claiming one goal and one assist.

He has been praised by Get Football News France, who recently devoted an entire feature article to Angers’ “jewel in their crown”.

“Operating as the midfield pivot in a 4-1-4-1, Santamaria is the sentinel in black and white,” read the article. “The (then) 24-year-old is one of the best midfielders in France, his athletic endurance alone has earned him the nickname “4X4”.

“Angers will most likely aim to receive around €16million (£14million) for him, a very reasonable fee for a player who has never had any injury problems and has gained four full seasons of experience in the French top flight, developing into one of the most underrated midfielders across the continent.”

The player has now admitted that he feels ready for a step up in his career, telling Telefoot: “It’s time to continue my progress in a new challenge. It is the logical continuation of the things.

“Playing for a top European club? I prepare for it every day. Inevitably, I have this ambition and this desire to continue my progress like that. We’ll see how it goes, but I really want to (test myself at a higher level).”

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While Tottenham are currently well stocked in midfield, there have been question marks over some of Tanguy Ndombele’s performances prior to the suspension of the football leagues.

Eric Dier has also come under scrutiny on occasion, while Victor Wanyama was offloaded in March after falling out of contention at Spurs.

Given Santamaria’s impressive performances – being compared to Kante is quite an honour – and ambitions, Tottenham should definitely continue to monitor him.