Tottenham Hotspur scouted Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci during Italy’s 2-1 win over Israel in the UEFA Nations League with the Premier League outfit keen to add another midfielder to their squad.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
After moving on Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso during the summer transfer window, Ange Postecoglou’s side is arguably at it’s most thin in the centre of the park.
Despite the obvious potential of one-time Barcelona target Lucas Bergvall and £35 million teenager Archie Gray – wanted by ‘every top club in Europe‘ before Spurs won the race – the North London giants remain determined to reinforce their midfield in the near future.
HITC have been told that, in 2025, Tottenham will prioritise additions capable of easing the pressure on Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and co.
There are a number of options under consideration. Tottenham have first refusal over a potential £25 million deal for Real Betis ace Johnny Cardoso, as part of the deal that took Lo Celso back to La Liga.
Samuele Ricci is another of those on the radar.
Tottenham Hotspur scout Italy and Torino star Samuele Ricci
The stylish 23-year-old has been one of the most hotly-tipped talents in Italian football for a number of seasons, and he is making good on that potential now at Torino.
Ricci has forced his way into the plans of Italy boss Luciano Spalletti. He shone alongside Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as the Azzurri stunned France 3-1 at the Parc des Princes on Friday and earned another start in Monday’s 2-1 victory over Israel.
HITC understands that Tottenham had representatives in Budapest to watch Ricci in the flesh as Italy maintained their 100 per cent start to the UEFA Nations League campaign.
A deep-lying playmaker the likes of which Spurs currently do not have at their disposal, Ricci has been likened to Arsenal ace Jorginho as well as Italy icon Andrea Pirlo and Manchester City talisman Rodri.
“I see who (plays) in my role. One in particular; Rodri,” Ricci tells the official website of the Italian FA. “Now, he is the best of the best and I try to take inspiration from players like him.
“Before, I watched Pirlo a lot.”
Tottenham’s London neighbours Fulham were linked over the summer before they brought in Sander Berge to help fill a Joao Palhinha-shaped hole. Tuttosport say that Torino are reportedly holding out for at least £25 million, having turned down a £17 million bid from The Cottagers.
Ange Postecoglou happy as Spurs start overhaul
Despite finding themselves a little short in the centre of the park, Postecoglou was overall pretty pleased with how the window turned out.
In addition to Bergvall and Gray, Tottenham also snapped up winger Wilson Odobert while breaking their transfer record on former AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
“I think it’s been another positive window,” the former Celtic boss told The Standard. “You want to go into every window and come out the other side of it in a stronger sense and I certainly feel that.
“The players we’ve brought in are already making a short-term impact and even in the longer term, I think they’re going to be really good contributors for us.
“I certainly think we’ve got a more well-rounded squad to deal with Europe, the extra games and whatever injuries we have. So yeah, I think it’s been a real positive window.
“I’m very happy. We’ve done a hell of a lot of work in 12 months, three windows. No doubts the squad’s changed.
“The demographic of the squad has changed, the suitability to the football I want to play, we’re much better equipped for that. There’s growth in the team, absolutely.
“We needed to do some fairly major work 12 months ago and since then we’ve gone a long way to getting the team to where we want to.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
