Tottenham can hijack Arsenal deal with £17m defender for Antonio Conte amid £100m transfer boost

Tottenham’s search to strengthen Antonio Conte’s side, ahead of the 2022/23 season, continues. Fabio Paratici has already secured deals for three new arrivals this summer, as Spurs have welcomed Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma to N17.

It isn’t long now until the Lilywhites squad reunite, ahead of a tough pre-season and Conte is likely to want to have as much of his squad by then, as possible. One area in which the 52-year-old could still do with some more options is defence.

Perisic’s arrival means more choice on the left flank but there would be no harm in new additions to Tottenham’s back line. Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Eric Dier all produced solid performances, especially in the second half of the season but with the busy fixture schedule next season, depth is required.

READ MORE: Stefan de Vrij’s thoughts on Antonio Conte as Tottenham learn bargain price for Inter Milan star

Stefan de Vrij has been a player linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs, this summer and in previous windows. The 30-year-old made 30 Serie A appearances for Inter Milan last season, who finished second in the league, two points behind title winners AC Milan.

The defender would not only bring a winning mentality to a Spurs changing room, he would also bring a wealth of experience. de Vrij would be following the footsteps of Perisic and would be another who finds himself reunited with his former coach.

Conte has previously praised the Dutch international, in 2019 when compared to former Inter defender, Leonardo Bonucci. “Stefan [de Vrij], like Bonucci, becomes an important player because they must inevitably leave him room,” the 52-year-old explained.

“Stefan is doing well. My defenders must be the first to rely on.”

An emphasis on defenders is something that is still vital to a Conte set-up, with the wing-backs needing to make an impact down the flanks and the back three needing to create a solid defensive line and help start the attacks. The influence of this from the Italian was seen in the Tottenham squad as the season went on and with it being a system de Vrij has previous experience with, he could slot in quite well.

As well as Conte’s compliments for the defender, the Dutch international also praised his former coach, just last year. “Simone Inzaghi and Conte are two important coaches because they’ve won,” he said.

“I had already worked with Inzaghi at Lazio, Conte has had a great career because he’s always won. We won the title under Conte and you can see it now. Inzaghi has been working on a solid base and is doing an important season now.”

A month before those comments and de Vrij spoke about the links of a reunion with Conte, in N17. “The connection is easy because the coach I worked with at Inter is now there, but I don’t know anything,” the defender admitted.

“Conte hasn’t contacted me about this. I’m focused on the national team, now this is my priority.”

If Spurs did look to target the 30-year-old, it could cost them up to £17million, based on his transfer value according to CIES. With Tottenham’s £150million investment from ENIC and the £100million they have withdrawn from that budget, it wouldn’t be a huge amount for Paratici to spend.

However, a move wouldn’t come without competition. Reports have suggested that de Vrij could be part of a swap deal for Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

There are now also reports stating interest from Chelsea and Man United. The Dutchman has just a year left on his contract and Inter have to make a decision on whether to sell him to make some money this summer or try to sort a contract extension, otherwise, they could lose out, if he becomes a free agent at the end of next season.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, via HITC a couple of weeks ago, de Vrij rejected a proposed contract extension and that would make it seem more than likely that a move away this summer could be on the cards. Spurs have a world-class manager, top facilities and Champions League football to offer the defender, which Man United and Arsenal don’t have.

There is no doubting the competition Tottenham would face, if they did want to pursue a move for de Vrij. However, with what they have to offer, including a reunion with a former manager, Spurs would hope that the Dutch international could be swayed to make the move to N17.

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