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Football London
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Emma de Duve

Antonio Conte can steal second Arsenal target with transfer for Tottenham's next Jan Vertonghen

Tottenham have had a decent start to the summer transfer window, with it only being open a week and a half. Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma have all joined Antonio Conte's squad, which seems to be going from strength to strength.

The 2022/23 Premier League fixtures were revealed last week and it is set to be a busy season for Spurs, with domestic cup matches and the return of Champions League football. The latter will hopefully help in attracting players this summer, as well as the top location, facilities and world-class manager.

Spurs' most recent signing was Bissouma, a strong addition and option for Conte in midfield. The Mali international was previously linked with a move to Arsenal, but opted for a move to the other side of north London instead.

READ MORE: Pau Torres, Djed Spence, Weston McKennie, Lucas Paqueta, Ilya Zabarnyi - Tottenham transfer plan

Another player who the Gunners have previously been linked with, but Tottenham have a reported interest in, is Evan Ndicka. The 22-year-old made 32 Bundesliga appearances for Frankfurt last season, scoring four goals and registering as many assists.

The defender also made 11 appearances in the Europa League and Spurs are reportedly in 'pole position' to sign the Frenchman. According to CIES, Ndicka has a current market value of up to £26million, with Foot Mercato reporting that the German club want at least £19million for their player.

The 22-year-old's contract is set to expire next summer and questions are now being raised over where he will be playing next season. Frankfurt journalist Christopher Michel has spoken to the Chronicle Live about Ndicka's current situation.

"It is very difficult to say. Evan Ndicka feels very comfortable in Frankfurt. Sports director Markus Krosche doesn't really want to go into their last year of contract with players," Michel said

"But, Ndicka could stay and transfer free of charge in 2023. If a club offers enough money? Only then will there be a switch. At the moment, it's completely open whether Ndicka will stay or leave in the summer. However, I no longer believe in a contract extension."

The Frankfurt journalist went on to explain Ndicka's goal-threat, which could be beneficial in Conte's side. Although the priority for the back three is to maintain a strong defensive line, the trio were also seen to move up the field where they could last season.

This was particularly seen with Ben Davies and Cristian Romero making runs to try and help Tottenham's attacking threat. With the Welsh international being the 52-year-old's only real option on the left of the back three, Conte could do with having another player who could fulfil that role - and Ndicka could be that player.

The French international has been compared to Samuel Umtiti and has been praised for his confidence and composure. The defender has previously received praise for his ability, from former Frankfurt player Alexander Schur.

"He was thrown in at the deep end and swam himself through. He shows no nerves and plays with great authority," he admitted.

This praise has been echoed by the former boss of the German side, Adi Hutter: "I honestly have to say that I was surprised by his development. Evan has developed phenomenally.

"He's very attentive in the analysis of his own game. He's very modest and always takes a lot on board."

These comments will be exactly what Conte would want from a new arrival at Tottenham - someone with quality, but who is also willing to learn and has confidence when he plays. Some of his qualities have led some to suggest he could become Spurs' next Jan Vertonghen.

The Belgian was a fan favourite during his eight years in N17, where he made over 300 appearances. The defender dealt with Premier League attackers for years and had a strong left foot, providing consistent quality in a Spurs side.

The qualities Ndicka has already shown, including his consistency and strength, could help mould him into the quality type of defender Vertonghen was and someone who could be a real asset to Conte's side. There is still some time to wait and see if the 22-year-old makes the move away from the German side. But if he does, Ndicka could be an ideal Tottenham target.

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