Merson names Prem striker as the perfect replacement to Kane
Paul Merson has picked out a Premier League striker who he feels “suits the role to perfection” at Tottenham Hotspur should they need to replace Harry Kane.
Kane has been heavily linked with a move away from Spurs this summer. Man City are interested with him, but according to reports, they will have to pay around £160m to get the striker.
Even though Kane has told Tottenham that he wants to leave, they are under no pressure to sell him as he still has three years remaining on his contract.
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If Kane does leave, Spurs will be keen to splash out on a replacement. Merson believes that Wolves striker Raul Jimenez would be perfect for them.
Since joining Wolves, the Mexican has netted 31 goals from just 66 appearances. He has been out of action since last November as he suffered a fractured skull from a head collision with Arsenal’s David Luiz.
Jimenez returned to action for Wolves at the weekend in a friendly against Crewe.
Merson has told Sportskeeda that he is “shocked” that none of the big six have made a move for Jimenez yet:
“I have been following Wolves’ Raul Jimenez for quite some time now and I’m shocked that the big six have not made a note of his abilities. Jimenez has propelled Wolves to a mid-table finish and his side has struggled in his absence this year.
“Raul Jimenez is crucial to Wolves’ fortunes and their former manager Nuno Espirito Santo effectively lost his job because of the strikér’s absence. Santo’s Wolves side suffered devastating defeats to the likes of Burnley last season and nearly lost their place in the Premier League.
“With Nuno Espirito Santo now in North London, Spurs may well have an alternative to Harry Kane this season. With the England captain possibly on his way out, Santo will need to sign a replacement and Raul Jimenez suits the role to perfection.
“The center-forward could also bring the best out of Heung-Min Son and make him look like one of the best in the Premier League. Son’s new four-year contract at the club could either indicate Harry Kane’s decision to stay or could prepare Tottenham for a future with an alternative striker.
“Raul Jimenez’s involvement with the Mexico national team could deny him a move to a big club, however, given that the travel and time difference could complicate matters pertaining to his Premier League ambitions. I cannot possibly think of another reason why he has not been signed by a bigger club – Raul Jimenez is one of the best strikers on offer at the moment and is the most underrated player in the Premier League.”
