Towards the end of the January transfer window, a report from Wales Online claimed that Cardiff City were ready to reignite their interest in Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze.
The Bluebirds were interested in signing the former French youth international but they reportedly pulled out of negotiations after agreeing to pay £10million for his services. (h/t Daily Mail)
Tameze has caught the eye with his consistently impressive displays for Nice at the heart of midfield this season and has established himself as one of the first names on Patrick Vieira’s team sheet.
The 25-year-old midfield enforcer has made a total of 29 appearances for Nice in the Ligue 1 this season, claiming 2 assists.
Cardiff, however, should be more interested in his qualities on the other end of the pitch. Renowned as an all-action tough-tackling midfielder, Tameze has excelled in a central defensive midfield role at Nice.
The Frenchman has earned rave reviews for his wonderful range of passing, as well as calmness and composure in possession and ability to dictate the tempo of the game from a deep position in the middle of the park.
Tameze has averaged 51.6 passes per game with an accuracy percentage of 88.3, including 2.6 long passes and 0.7 key passes per game, figures reveal that he is the sort of player who registers a lot of touches on the ball throughout the game.
Noted for his strength, ball retention and uncompromised work-rate rate on and off the ball, the Frenchman works tirelessly carry the ball forward and close down the spaces, whilst also cutting out the attacks with crucial tackles and interceptions.
To put things into perspective, it should be an absolute no-brainer for Cardiff to reignite their interest in the midfield engine. Aron Gunnarsson, who has been an integral part of their midfield for a long time, is likely to depart the club in the summer.
The Icelandic international’s departure would leave a massive void in Cardiff’s midfield and the Neil Warnock apparently doesn’t have an ideal replacement to call upon.
Moreover, Harry Arter and Victor Camarasa are on loan from Bournemouth and Real Betis respectively and there is no guarantee that either of them would stay beyond the ongoing season.
Cardiff were tipped to be one of the bookmakers’ favourites to go back to the Championship but the Bluebirds have fought tooth and nail to hold on to their Premier League status.
Neil Warnock’s side is still alive in the race to beat the drop this season but they should aim for better things next season.
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With that being said, Adrien Tameze can certainly prove to be an influential signing and Cardiff should go all out in their pursuit of the 25-year-old in the summer.