Tottenham's plans for next season are already well advanced - but plenty hinges on Thursday night's critical north London derby with Arsenal.
Spurs go into the game four points behind their bitter rivals in the chase for fourth place - but a win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and victory over relegation-threatened Burnley at home on Sunday could put Antonio Conte’s side in the box seat for Champions League football next season.
Rumours are still abounding that Conte could walk out if that prime target is not achieved. But Spurs believe that the former Chelsea coach will stay whatever happens, and he and Managing Director of Football Fabio Paratici have been working on plans for the next campaign - though, of course, qualifying for the Champions League would immediately upgrade the quality of player Spurs can attract.
Bologna have offered Tottenham, and other English clubs, five players, with the Serie A club’s Sporting Director Riccardo Bigon in London this week, according to Calcio Napoli 24 .
Mattias Svanberg, Jerdy Schouten, Aaron Hickey, Arthur Theate and Riccardo Orsolini are all on offer as the Italians look to cash in on their most valued assets. Sweden midfielder Svanberg has already been linked with Tottenham.
This column has already highlighted the defensive options that Conte wants this summer, but a long term target in midfield is Leicester ’s Youri Tielemans ( Give Me Sport ).
Spurs are also in the lead in the chase for West Bromwich’s highly rated goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
A host of Premier League clubs are monitoring Johnstone, 29, including West Ham and Southampton, but according to the Evening Standard, Conte’s side are closing in on an early deal.
Meanwhile, Spurs will ask for £10million for American central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has just won the Scottish title while on a highly successful season-long loan at Celtic.
The Scottish champions want to sign the USA international on a permanent deal, but that price tag may be a sticking point.
Elsewhere, Tottenham are reportedly interested in three Everton players, including Brazilian forward Richarlison, 25, English winger Anthony Gordon, 21, and 24-year-old English defender Ben Godfrey, according to the Daily Telegraph.
