Tottenham may have had a successful start to the summer transfer window but the business can't stop. Antonio Conte needs the strongest squad possible, ahead of a big 2022/23 season.
The Italian led his new side to a top four finish in the last campaign, meaning a return to Champions League football. Spurs have already made three new additions to their side and a number of outgoings are expected in the next couple of months.
However the Lilywhites' attack needs depth to it, something that isn't currently available. Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski caused a threat to many Premier League opposing sides last season, especially in the second half of the campaign.
READ MORE: Richarlison, Raphinha, Paqueta and Tottenham's transfer search for an attacker for Antonio Conte
Conte did also have Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn on the bench, to rotate in the front three. However the duo failed to consistently make an impact when given the opportunity and the latter has revealed he wants to leave this summer.
This will leave the 52-year-old with a lack of attacking options, which Tottenham will need, to allow for rotation. Changes will need to be made, because of the busy fixture schedule Spurs will have to deal with.
Liverpool also have a strong attacking trio, but have quality in the depth of their side to make necessary rotations, which is something the Lilywhites need to also improve. Gabriel Jesus was one player linked with a move to N17.
However football.london understands that Tottenham aren't going to try and hijack Arsenal's pursuit of the Brazilian, with Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy's priorities elsewhere. This makes it seem more likely that Mikel Arteta's side could secure a deal for Jesus, who is valued up to £60million, according to CIES Football Observatory.
As this is now the case, football.london takes a look at three Premier League alternatives to the 25-year-old, that Tottenham could go for.
Richarlison
Fabio Paratici is an admirer of the Brazilian, who reportedly wants to leave Everton this summer, but Tottenham's interest in Richarlison doesn't come without competition as Thomas Tuchel is also believed to be a fan of the 25-year-old.
The striker scored ten goals and registered five assists, in 30 Premier League appearances last season. The Brazil international could provide Conte with a strong backup option to Kane.
Another boost Richarlison could add the the Spurs squad is his versatility, with his ability to play across the front three. The 25-year-old is valued up to £60million, according to CIES, so would be a bigger move for Tottenham than some of their other targets, but he could be worth it.
Brennan Johnson
Over the last season Paratici has also had his eye on Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johson. The 21-year-old played a big part in his side's promotion to the Premier League, bagging 16 goals and nine assists in 46 Championship appearances, during the 2021/22 campaign.
The Welsh international is another who could bring versatility to Conte's squad, with his ability to play across the attacking line. At the moment, Johnson seems more likely to remain at Forest next season.
He also isn't necessarily an obvious choice for the Italian, whose first three signings have ticked the box of having experience, to some extent. However Spurs need rotation for the front trio and also someone as a backup to Kane.
Given Johnson's age and lack of Premier League experience, it is unlikely that the 21-year-old would make the move to N17 and immediately expect to play week in and week out. Therefore the Forest man could be a solid addition to Conte's side, if he does decide to make a move away from his current club.
Alan Saint-Maximin
Another Premier League ace Tottenham have looked at, is Newcastle's Saint-Maximin. He is also another player who can slot in across the front three, although the 25-year-old played mostly on the left-wing last season.
Saint-Maximin scored five goals and registered as many assists in his 35 appearances during the last campaign, of which he started in 31 of those matches. Last September, Gary Neville waxed lyrical about the Frenchman.
"To see his speed, his movement, it’s absolutely breath-taking. We were defenders in the Premier League and played against lots of good players," Neville admitted. "But every team now has three or four players who are unpredictable and brilliant, he’s breath-taking. Honestly, he’s a massive threat and a nightmare for defenders. He creates chance after chance."
If Spurs did want to pursue a deal for the winger, it isn't likely to be an easy signing to make, as in April Eddie Howe said that people shouldn't "always believe what you read in the papers", brushing off the exit rumours. However reports are suggesting that Saint-Maximin may be looking for a new club, with the Magpies apparent unwillingness to offer the 25-year-old higher wages.
The French international is valued up to £34.3million, according to CIES, but Newcastle could ask for more, from interested clubs. Saint-Maximin would be another of Tottenham's targets that they may have to compete with Chelsea for, but he could be a strong addition to Conte's squad.
Although some fans may have wanted to see Jesus in a Spurs shirt, there are plenty of other quality players in the Premier League and beyond, which Tottenham could focus their attention on in the next couple of months.
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