Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has his sights set on another addition this summer transfer window…
What’s the word?
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Italian head coach would like further defensive reinforcements before deadline day on September 1st.
He told Football FanCast: “It does seem that Antonio Conte would like to bring in an extra centre-back, just to provide cover and competition.
“Pau Torres would be a great signing because I think he proved in the Champions League last season that he’s probably one of the top defenders in Europe.”
The Spain international is just one of several names that the north Londoners have been linked to in recent weeks. Despite the arrival of Clement Lenglet on loan from FC Barcelona, the Villarreal ace remains a key target, as per The Mirror.
Paratici must strike
If it’s another centre-back that Conte wants, then sporting director Fabio Paratici must deliver another masterclass as he has done with the signing of Cristian Romero, who has become an instant hit in N17.
What centre-back should Spurs sign before deadline day?
Spurs will be competing in multiple competitions, both domestically and on the European stage, and given that the Italian head coach likes to deploy a three-at-the-back system, then it makes sense to have strength in depth.
Lenglet provides competition for Ben Davies as his only left-footed defensive options, but behind the likes of Romero and Eric Dier, there is little quality.
Torres is certainly one name who could improve that situation tenfold.
Once lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by his former youth coach Javi Calleja, the 25-year-old excels as a ball-playing defender. When compared to his positional peers across Europe, he ranks within the top 1% for dribbles completed (0.80), and the top 10% for both progressive passes (4.39) and progressive carries (4.71) per 90 (via FBref).
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for RB Leipzig gem Josko Gvardiol, who has been touted as a future star.
“Since he was a child, he’s been built like a tank. He can go forward, he can jump, he can tackle – he can do everything you want,” once claimed Germania Sport assistant editor Izak Ante Sucic.
Either of the two would add substantial quality to Spurs’ squad, particularly with Torres as he has proven experience in both the Champions League and the Europa League, having won the latter competition in 2020/21.
It’s now on Paratici to deliver the goods for a seventh time this summer.
AND in other news, Time’s up: Conte can finally axe “very lazy” Spurs flop, he’s burned £86.2m from ENIC…
