Tottenham Transfer News: Graeme Bailey and TEAMtalk report that Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their scouting of Blackburn Rovers youngster Tom Atcheson after several impressive displays in the Championship. The North London club checked in on the defender multiple times recently, seeing the 19-year-old as one of the best young talents in the second tier.

While Mikel Arteta usually avoids talking about specific rival targets, he recently praised the quality of young defenders coming out of EFL academies during a press conference, though his main focus stays on his own players at Arsenal.

The report mentions that Atcheson recently committed his long-term future to Ewood Park by signing a new deal, but Spurs don’t seem put off by this as they look to add more homegrown talent to their backline. This interest comes during the player’s quick rise under Michael O’Neill, who manages both Blackburn.

Tottenham definitely need a high-potential defender like Atcheson because their current depth lacks a player who mixes physical strength with composure on the ball. During the 2025/26 season, the 19-year-old Northern Ireland international has played in eight Championship matches, winning 75.9% of his aerial duels and racking up 46 defensive actions.