Tottenham’s summer transfer window update: Which defender could be next?

So far, Tottenham has had a successful transfer window. Antonio Conte has added six new players to his squad, and they have all made their Spurs debuts. There were a number of areas that needed to be improved and upgraded this summer, and the amount of business Tottenham has already completed has been a pleasant surprise, compared to what fans are used to during the summer window. Conte has brought in Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona, while Ivan Perisic and Djed Spence have signed permanent contracts. Last season, Conte’s back line of Ben Davies, Eric Dier, and Cristian Romero all put in strong performances. In the final stretch of the 2021/22 season, they were ably supported by Davinson Sanchez, who stepped in when needed and performed admirably. Aside from them, the Italian’s only other defensive options were Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon. Following the signing of Ben Davies, Fabio Paratici’s next four Tottenham contract priorities are as follows: Tanganga’s injury in March sidelined him for the rest of the season, and the Welsh international struggled to get game time. Tanganga has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, while both players have been linked with moves away. Conte may look to bring in another defender if one or both of them leave this summer, whether temporarily or permanently. This gives him a backup option for each of his back three and allows for rotation. Alessandro Bastoni was one of the players heavily linked with a move to Spurs prior to Lenglet’s departure. At the age of 23, the defender has a wealth of experience and skill, as well as 21 appearances in European competitions. However, the Italian and his agent appeared to put an end to Tottenham’s hopes of a deal last month. The defender admitted he was content at Inter, and his agent appeared to rule out a move away this summer as well. The 23-year-old reiterated his current transfer status when asked about his links with the north London club recently. “I’ve always known that I wanted to stay at Inter. I have a great relationship with my teammates, I love Milano…there are no reasons for me to leave “He revealed this to Calciomercato.com via The Boot Room. Bastoni’s contract is still valid, but with Lenglet’s loan only lasting a year, could the French international return to Barcelona at the end of the 2022/23 season and Spurs pursue the Inter man once more? If this is the case, Milan Skriniar could provide a boost to the Lilywhites. Both the 27-year-old and Bastoni have been linked with moves away this summer, and Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta stated last month: “It’s much easier to replace a center back than a striker… We will almost certainly be forced to sell someone in that position.” Skriniar appeared in 35 Serie A games last season, scoring three goals in that time. Bastoni clearly has a positive relationship with his teammate, both on and off the field, as evidenced by his recent comments. “He [Skriniar] is the embodiment of the Inter spirit. Milan has seamlessly integrated over the years, and we have seamlessly integrated with him in the department we have built together “The Italian admitted as much. “Plus, he’s my group’s best friend. It would be a shame for him to leave us right now, so I hope he stays. I believe we will continue to accomplish great things together.” This is clearly a message from Bastoni, asking his teammate to stay at Inter this summer, but could this serve as a boost for Tottenham the following 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 committed to staying at Inter for the time being, but a lot can change between now and next season. UP NEXT: Emerson Royal transfer verdict even clearer after Antonio Conte’s Tottenham decision Ben Davies signs new Tottenham contract as defender shines under Antonio Conte Tottenham news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Troy Parrott having Preston medical ahead of Tottenham loan exit and new contract signing Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23