Tottenham are looking to rebuild this summer – and could snatch one of the most promising centre-backs in Europe for a bargain
(Image credit: Getty)
Tottenham Hotspur could land a talented young defender this summer on one of the bargains of the transfer window.
According to football.london, Antonio Conte is looking for a left-sided centre-back of a similar quality to Cristian Romero on the other side. With interest in the likes of Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan, however, RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol represents a cheaper option without a drop in quality.
The Croatian has ascended to become a starter for the Bundesliga outfit in both back three formations – which Conte favours – and a back four. At 20 years old, he has his whole career ahead of him, too.
(Image credit: Getty)
A recent CIES Football Observatory report which delved into the values of so-called wonderkids stated that Gvardiol could well be worth as much as £80m. This will be music to the ears of buyers across Europe since Leipzig are only asking for £42m: almost half of that.
With Tottenham planning big moves this summer, that saving could be important. The Lilywhites are apparently planning not just to replace Ben Davies on the left of the defence but Eric Dier, a long-standing leader at the back, in the middle of the trio.
(Image credit: PA)
On top of the defensive reinforcements that Conte would like to make, it's rumoured that the Italian is also going to be looking for a more creative talent to relieve some of the burden from Harry Kane – who he has stressed he would like to play further forward.
The rumours of new wing-backs persist too, with Tottenham having missed out on signing Adama Traore in January. Matt Doherty is injured for the rest of the season, leaving Emerson Royal as the most likely option on the right.
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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
