Tottenham have had a successful transfer window so far. Antonio Conte has welcomed six new players to his squad and they have all now made their debuts in a Spurs shirt.
There were a number of areas that needed improving and upgrading this summer and the business Tottenham have already been able to get over the line has been a pleasant surprise, compared to what fans are used to during the summer window. At the back, Conte has added Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona, while wingbacks Ivan Perisic and Djed Spence have signed permanent deals.
Conte's back line of Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero all produced a number of solid performances last season. They were ably supported by Davinson Sanchez, who stepped in when he was needed and also performed well, in the final stretch of the 2021/22 campaign. Aside from them, Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon were the Italian's only other defensive options.
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Tanganga's injury that he picked up in March, ruled him out for the rest of the season and the Welsh international struggled to get game time. Both players have been linked with moves away, with Tanganga being heavily linked with a move to AC Milan. If one or both of them do make an exit this summer, whether temporary or permanent, Conte may look to bring in another defender. This will ensure that he has a back-up option for each of his back three and will allow for rotation.
Before Lenglet's move, Alessandro Bastoni was one of the players heavily linked with a move to Spurs. The defender has a wealth of experience, skill and has also featured 21 times in European competitions, at the age of just 23. However last month, the Italian and his agent seemed to end Tottenham's hopes of securing a deal. The defender admitted he was happy at Inter and his agent seemed to also rule out a move away this summer.
Speaking recently on the links with the north London club, the 23-year-old reiterated his current transfer status. "I’ve never had any doubt, I always wanted to stay at Inter. I’ve great relationship with the teammates, club, I love Milano…no reasons to leave," he told Calciomercato.com, via The Boot Room.
Bastoni does still have some time on his contract but with Lenglet's loan being just a year, could the French international return to Barcelona at the end of the 2022/23 season and Spurs once again target the Inter man? If this is the case, the Lilywhites may also be handed a boost in the form of Milan Skriniar.
Both the 27-year-old and Bastoni had been linked with moves away this summer and last month Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta said: "It’s certainly easier to replace a centre back than a striker… probably we will be forced to sell someone in that position."
Skriniar made 35 Serie A appearances last season, scoring three goals in his centre-back role. Bastoni clearly has a good relationship with his teammate, both on and off the pitch, which was highlighted in his recent comments. "He [Skriniar] embodies the Inter spirit. Milan has integrated perfectly over the years and we have integrated with him in the department we have built together," the Italian admitted. "Plus, he’s my best friend in the group. It would really be a shame to leave us right now, I hope he stays. I think we’ll still do a lot of great things together."
This is clearly a message from Bastoni, asking his teammate to remain at Inter this summer, but could this act as a Tottenham boost next summer? If Lenglet does return to Barcelona as planned and Spurs look to bring new defenders into the squad, could the duo not do "great things together" in N17, rather than in Italy?
Both have worked with Conte and the reported interest from the Lilywhites in both defenders means it wouldn't be a surprising move. The 23-year-old is set on staying at Inter for now, but a lot can change between now and next season.
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