Italian outlet CMW claim Tottenham are trying everything to tempt Antonio Conte into signing a new deal by even targeting Juventus ace Manuel Locatelli in the market – a player that is also a target for Arsenal ahead of January.
Locatelli, 24, is struggling for Juventus. One of the best players at Euro 2020, Locatelli was bought by Juventus from Sassuolo. Initially on loan, Juventus have an obligation to buy with his loan deal lasting two years at the Old Lady.
Conte is currently out of contract at Tottenham at the end of the season. Spurs have a clause in his current deal that could see the Italian extend his stay by a further 12 months. But there is talk of offering him a new deal to keep him.
Indeec, that would see him remain beyond the summer of 2024. It appears Tottenham are trying their best to keep him and will even look to do so by moving big in the transfer market. Locatelli, Juve’s no.5, has been targeted by Spurs.
A player that has been strongly linked with Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on landing Locatelli ahead of the January window. But now, it appears Fabio Paratici could raid Juventus once again – and bring Locatelli to Tottenham.
Tottenham trying to tempt Conte by targeting Locatelli
What a signing Locatelli would be for most Premier League clubs. Unfortunately for Locatelli, he has joined a Juventus side where the club itself is struggling and under a transition period. He, like many other Juve stars, have struggled.
Tottenham played with Yves Bissouma in holding midfield on Wednesday night, allowing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur to get forward. But such a formation would allow an attacking midfielder, and Locatelli is that.
At least, more attacking that Hojbjerg and Bentancur. He is able to have a hand in the defensive side of the game, and has that Italian instinct to defend first – but he also has the ability to score and create. At £35million, he is a bargain.
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