Tottenham Hotspur are targeting a transfer for Stanislav Lobotka to tempt Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti to replace Antonio Conte. But the midfielder has a ‘clear’ view on a move.
Spurs are exploring their options to possibly replace Conte at the helm with the Italian out of contract in June. The 53-year-old is highly unlikely to secure new terms in north London. So, chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici are looking for their new coach.
One manager whom Tottenham are considering to potentially replace Conte is Napoli boss Spalletti, per CalcioMercatoWeb. Spurs are ready to move decisively to tempt the 64-year-old to move to England if Conte does go having enthralled them with the Azzurri’s success.
Tottenham will target Lobotka’s transfer to see Spalletti replace Conte
Spalletti has Napoli running clear at the top of Serie A in search of their first Scudetto since 1989/90. The Azzurri have won 22 of their 26 games so far this season with two draws and two defeats. They have also scored a division-high 60 goals and top the table by 18 points.
Napoli also have Serie A’s best defence with just 16 goals conceded to see Tottenham view Spalletti in a favourable light to replace Conte as their new manager. Spurs also have a first transfer target in mind to convince the Italian to take charge in Azzurri technician Lobotka.
Lobotka is an instrumental part of Spalletti’s Napoli squad, so Tottenham believe he would be an ideal welcome present. Spurs are even ready to bid €60m (£53m) for the 28-year-old this summer. They realise Spalletti’s appreciation for the Slovakian may make a difference.
What has Lobotka said about his contract talks with Napoli?
But while Tottenham are targeting the transfer of Lobotka to convince Spalletti to replace Conte as their manager, Napoli are targeting a new contract for the midfielder. His current deal is not due to expire to June 2025 after only penning his last extension in January 2022.
Napoli are in talks with the 43-cap international’s agent over another deal, though, as they want to reward his performances. Lobotka has started in 24 of their 26 Serie A matches so far this season. He has also scored a goal and laid on an assist in Spalletti’s deep-lying role.
Lobotka has also now confirmed that he and Napoli are in ongoing negotiations over a new contract. The midfielder has also stated unreservedly that he has no interest in leaving the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer. He is more than happy to remain in Naples.
“Let’s say we’re at a good point,” Lobotka has told Corriere dello Sport. “We’re chatting. It’s clear that I want to stay here and without a doubt.”
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