Tottenham looks to continue their summer recruitment drive in earnest under popular manager Antonio Conte after sealing a deal for Croatian international star Ivan Perišić but could look to use received funds to add further quality via Serie A in the mold of Napoli center-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
Sealing a move for a veteran in the frame of Perišić could be just what the doctor ordered as Conte looks to close the gap to Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea next season while distancing himself from Spurs’ biggest rival in Arsenal, but Tottenham could use outgoing funds received to try to challenge Barcelona for the Senegalese star.
Tottenham ‘have turned’ to Kalidou Koulibaly’s agents to ‘start talks’ about a potential move this summer. [@sport] #THFC
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) May 31, 2022
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Koulibaly has his heart set on a move to the Camp Nou to join the Xavi movement in Catalunya, but Tottenham is one of a trio of clubs that could maneuver themselves into a position to potentially hijack any deal along with Chelsea as well as Serie A giants Juventus.
One avenue of approach for Tottenham could be to use any funds of the potential sales of midfield duo Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks to immediately make a bid for the Napoli ace, with the Spurs central pair potentially fetching the club around £35million.
Though Barcelona has their own recruitment goals this summer, their frustrating financial situation means that it could be down to the outside trio to fight for Koulibaly’s signature, with all three clubs desperate to add quality to their respective back lines.
The biggest push could be from Chelsea however after the Blues lost both Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen after both walked on free transfers this summer, while Juventus parted ways with Giorgio Chiellini.
But Tottenham could certainly be in with a chance given the connections that both Antonio Conte and club director of football Fabio Paratici have within the Serie A sphere of influence, and at a price point that is affordable, Koulibaly would be a massive move for a club that has bigger ambitions than just squeaking into fourth.
This article was edited by
Josh Barker.
