Tottenham backed to spring multiple January additions on Conte with ‘revelation’ signing the first of many
Antonio Conte has been backed to bring multiple familiar faces to Tottenham, potentially as early as January, with a summer recruit serving as a sign of what’s to come, per one observer.
Spurs were heralded for the business they conducted over the summer, though we’re yet to see the best of many of the new arrivals.
Djed Spence has barely got a look in, while Yves Bissouma has struggled to displace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Rodrigo Bentancur.
Richarlison did score a brace on his Champions League debut against Marseille, though is yet to register his first Premier League goal for Tottenham.
The Brazilian recently came under fire from an outspoken pundit when doubling down on a controversial claim involving Liverpool.
One summer recruit who has made an instant impact, however, is Ivan Perisic.
The veteran Croatian, 33, has started more often than not at left wing-back and has even deputised on the right on occasion.
Perisic’s deadly set piece delivery has contributed to his impressive tally of seven assists. At the mid-way point in the campaign, Perisic is arguably Spurs’ signing of the season, especially considering he didn’t cost a fee.
Perisic’s impact should perhaps not come as a surprise given he’s well versed with the demands of a Conte system. He was an influential player under Conte at Inter Milan and helped the Italian giants win Serie A in 2021.
Tottenham backed for more Inter additions
Now, speaking to Football Insider, former Hiberian striker, Tam McManus, backed Conte to sign several more Inter stars who he believes Conte will be able to trust.
McManus was asked about centre-back pair Milan Skriniar and Stefan De Vrij. Tottenham have drawn links with both since the summer window closed and both are out of contract in 2023.
Inter are desperate to tie Skriniar down to fresh terms, though a new deal hasn’t been signed yet. Spurs could certainly do with a long-term addition at centre-back given Clement Lenglet only arrived on loan.
Aside from the centre-halves, right wing-back, Denzel Dumfries, is also on Tottenham’s radar.
Inter have regrettably come to the conclusion a January sale is required to balance the books and reports in Italy claim they’ve decided Dumfries is the man to go.
Chelsea and Man Utd are also monitoring the Dutch international, though the Conte connection could serve Spurs well.
Perisic proves Conte reunions can work
“Conte hasn’t been at Spurs that long, really,” said McManus.
“It’s not his squad yet. It’s a bit unfamiliar. Maybe some players he has worked with before coming in could help him and the club.
“We have seen it with Perisic, he has come in and been a revelation. He’s got seven assists already I think. He’s doing some of the heavy lifting going forward and at the back.
“He is a slightly older player who a lot of Premier League teams would have looked at and maybe thought he was past it.
“Clearly, Conte knows better than that. He knows these guys.
“So if either of the guys from Inter come in then you would have to back them to improve the side.
“And let’s face it, that defence needs improving.”
