Tottenham Hotspur have made Alessandro Bastoni a priority but that move is likely to come in the summer rather than during this month’s transfer window…
What’s the word?
That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who appeared on a recent episode of the ‘Last Word On Spurs’ podcast.
“It’s obvious that Tottenham wanted to strengthen at centre-back, with two really. The priority was a left-footed one, which is what they brought in but they were also looking at right-footed ones as well.
“‘[Alessandro] Bastoni and [Josko] Gvardiol were the top two targets for the left-footed one in the summer. Both of them stayed where they are, so it’s not like they missed out on them to other clubs.
“There will be another year ticked down in their contracts next summer, so those two names come back around. And maybe Spurs are in a better position to be able to get one of them on a permanent basis.”
Ambition to match Conte
A lot has been made of a potential rift between manager Antonio Conte and the board as everyone knows that the club need to spend big if the Italian is to truly transform Spurs’ fortunes on the pitch.
He certainly appears to be committed to doing so as mentioned in a recent press conference. He said (via football.london reporter Alasdair Gold): “This is a problem between me and the club. Now I am really committed for this club and for Tottenham. Then there is this project and I signed a contract with this club to accept this project & try to build and help the club.”
It’s then on the likes of chairman Daniel Levy and owners the ENIC Group to give the 53-year-old exactly what he needs and Bastoni would be a great start considering the pair have worked together before and even won silverware during their time together.
Clement Lenglet’s loan will expire at the end of the current campaign, so the squad will be back to square one in terms of lacking a natural left-footed centre-back.
Bastoni is exactly that and should come considerably cheaper (£44m) than Gvardiol, who is currently estimated to be worth in excess of £90m.
Once described as a “phenomenon” by Italian football expert Conor Clancy, the Italy international started 33 of 38 league matches – contributing to a whopping 2.45 points per game – on Inter Milan’s way to the Serie A title in 2020/21.
That season he showed a mix of expertise with the ball at his feet and the sort of aggressive character that Conte loves in his players – as per FBref, he averaged 2.34 tackles and interceptions per 90, as well as 2.31 clearances per 90 and 2.98 progressive passes per 90.
Eric Dier’s poor form saw him dropped from the starting XI last time out, whilst Davinson Sanchez cannot get a look-in and Joe Rodon is out on loan, so aside from Cristian Romero, few are guaranteed a place.
That’s why a centre-back is likely to be high on the list of needs for Conte if he’s to turn Spurs into a successful club anytime soon. Bastoni, given his potential at just 23, his history with the manager and his obvious quality would make him the most perfect candidate to match such ambition.
As such, Levy must sanction a move as soon as it’s viable to do so.
AND in other news, Paratici could seal an “unreal” steal in Spurs move for “incredible” £35m “golden boy”…