Tottenham are set to make their seventh signing of the summer, with a deal for Destiny Udogie seemingly close. On Sunday, football.london reported that a deal believed to be worth around £22million including add-ons was likely and the 19-year-old would be loaned back to Udinese, for this season.
The left wing-back made 35 Serie A appearances during the last campaign and was involved in eight goals. The youngster is a player with great potential and a bright future ahead of him.
In April, Udogie was on The Italian Football Podcast and gave an insight into both his strengths and weaknesses. "I love to attack, I love to attack," he said. "I have a very good physique, so I attack with my physique. Also with my feet I like to dribble, skill and some pace. I think these are my best qualities.
READ MORE: Destiny Udogie explains why he is perfect for Antonio Conte and Tottenham ahead of £22m transfer
On where he could improve, the Italian said: "Almost everywhere to be honest. More to be focused on the 90 minutes, all the game in defending, following the man when they do one-two. A lot of these but these are the most important."
Last season he made 33 appearances as a left midfielder and two as a left-back. Udogie also commented on which he prefers. "I prefer left-back because I grew up playing left-back. I can express myself better playing left-back," he explained. "At the end when the coach asks me to play midfield or anywhere, I try to give my best in that position but I prefer left-back."
However, Udogie's experience as a left-back and a left midfielder could make him perfect as a left wing-back in Conte's system. Last season it was Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon competing for the spot, with the latter performing better, but struggling with injury.
For the 2022/23 campaign, Reguilon hasn't been involved with the squad all summer and instead, Ivan Perisic has arrived. The Croatian has come with bags of experience and has won numerous trophies.
Not only does the 33-year-old bring his own quality to Tottenham, his leadership has already helped the youngsters of the squad. Perisic made his Premier League debut in Spurs' 4-1 win over Southampton and during his short spell on the pitch, gave a glimpse of what he is capable of.
However, when Udogie does make the move to N17, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the current left wing-back duo. Is the 19-year-old coming in with the belief Perisic may not have too long left of his career, so Sessegnon will grow older and more experienced and then Udogie comes in as the youngster?
Or in fact will there be three left wing-back options and it just means they will all have to work extra hard for game time? These are questions that can be answered now as a lot of the responses are likely to depend on how this season goes for Tottenham and who is still around next summer.
Competition and depth in the squad is just one thing Conte has majorly improved, since his arrival in the capital and it will only make players want to work harder and play better. It also is a boost for the Italian, having the ability to rotate his side, when he needs to.
It also just shows that the likes of Fabio Paratici are preparing Tottenham not only for the present, as the Lilywhites work to climb the Premier League table, but also the future. Spurs need these younger players who can develop whilst alongside the senior players so that when they move on, there is always a strong foundation at the club.
Assuming the deal for Udogie does get over the line, it looks like it could be another successful signing for the club and just puts some added pressure on the likes of Perisic and Sessegnon, as they continue to try and impress.
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