Tottenham join Barcelona, Napoli and Leicester in the race for Morocco World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi, who was hailed as ‘different class’ and tipped for Arsenal transfer by legend

Tottenham have joined Barcelona, Napoli and Leicester in the race for Morocco World Cup sensation Azzedine Ounahi, according to reports.

Ounahi played a crucial role in the Atlas Lions’ sensational campaign in Qatar.

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The 22-year-old helped his nation to semi-finals of the tournament, as Morocco defeated Spain and Portugal along the way in a historic run for the African nation.

His side were eventually eliminated by finalists France in the last four, before Croatia beat them to third place.

According to La Repubblica, Ounahi, who plays for Ligue 1 side Angers, is keen to leave the French outfit for a new challenge after a breakthrough tournament in Qatar.

The midfielder, though, is under contract until June 2026, and Spurs do have a fight on their hands if they are to secure his services.

Barcelona, Napoli, and Leicester have all been credited with an interest in the Casablanca-born star.

Barca boss Xavi has earmarked him as someone who could replace Sergio Busquets, and Napoli see as a replacement for Diego Demme.

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Leicester, meanwhile, could look to lure him in should Youri Tielemans leave the King Power Stadium, with Arsenal keen on the Belgian.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has recently bemoaned the gap between his side and those challenging at the top of the Premier League.

Tottenham, who are currently fifth in the Premier League, five points off the top four, recently drew 2-2 with Brentford on Boxing Day, before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

Conte is eyeing several new recruits, but securing the signature of Ounahi does pose questions around the future of Oliver Skipp.

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The 22-year-old picked up a foot injury earlier this campaign that saw him out for over a month.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have both impressed in his place, and Yves Bissouma is also above him in the pecking order.

Either way, Spurs have a battle on their hands if Conte is to get the impressive World Cup midfielder.

If they do win the race, though, it will leave Ray Parlour very disappointed after he urged Arsenal to sign the midfielder after watching him at the World Cup, branding his performances ‘different class’.

“Ounahi, the No.8, he is different class,” Invincibles great Parlour told talkSPORT.

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“Would I take him at Arsenal? Definitely!

“With that performance and what I’ve seen of him in this tournament, he’s not fazed by big games, the biggest game for his country maybe ever.

“He just looked so comfortable, he was always on the half-turn and looking to probe and try to get balls in behind the full-backs.

“Morocco were very good. The way they pass the ball and move, they were excellent.”

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