Tottenham Hotspur are only left with Milan Škriniar to sign from Antonio Conte’s former side Inter Milan this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs when speaking to GiveMeSport last week.
Spurs have been linked with moves for both Alessandro Bastoni and Lautaro Martinez in the transfer window, but their options from the Serie A appear to be dwindling.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
What’s the latest on Spurs?
It has been well documented that Conte has wanted to make additions to his Spurs side this summer, as they look to balance both Premier League and UEFA Champions League football this season.
The signing of Everton and Brazil striker Richarlison has already been confirmed, whilst a season-long loan deal for Barcelona centre-back Clément Lenglet seems to be progressing ahead of August’s Premier League kick-off.
Spurs have frequently been linked with Conte’s former Inter players, and Škriniar is now the latest player to be spoken about in terms of a potential move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Bastoni and Škriniar are valued at a combined £103m by CIES, and Jacobs believes that Spurs could make a move for the Slovakia international, with him being the only option from Conte’s side that could now possibly make the move to North London.
What has Jacobs said about Škriniar?
“In terms of the higher priced centre-backs and defenders, Škriniar and Bastoni are the two that Tottenham have explored.
“Bastoni, it was made quite clear, is not for sale.
“Inter are not going to let Bastoni go and he doesn’t really want to leave either.
“Sources always told me when asking them the context of the [Romelu] Lukaku loan and a swap deal, that Bastoni wouldn't be going anywhere and [Lautaro] Martinez, even though he’s not a defender, also wouldn't be allowed to leave.
“Martinez wants to play with Lukaku anyway, so that only leaves Škriniar.”
Will Škriniar join Spurs?
With the aforementioned deal for Lenglet progressing nicely, Spurs still wouldn’t say no to the permanent addition of a proven defender who has played at the top level of European football.
Škriniar, who has been dubbed as an “absolute beast” by David Amoyal, made 48 appearances in all competitions for Inter last season, scoring four goals according to Transfermarkt.
The 56-time Slovakia international made a combined 79 tackles and interceptions last season, on top of 58 blocks and 97 clearances according to FBref, suggesting that he is willing to put his body on the line to prevent the ball from going in the back of his own net.
The 6 foot 2 colossus is also an exceptional passer of the ball, ranking in the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for pass completion rate per 90 minutes (93.2%) according to the same stats provider, something which would suit Conte’s back three system to a tee.
The 27-year-old may be an expensive buy, but if Spurs can secure the signing of the Slovak, it could have the potential to take the North London side to the next level.