Antonio Conte keen to raid Serie A for impressive duo who can aid his Tottenham rebuild

Antonio Conte urges Tottenham Hotspur to sign Franck Kessie and Manuel Lazzari in the January transfer window

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro), Antonio Conte has asked Tottenham Hotspur to sign Franck Kessie and Manuel Lazzari in the January transfer window. The rumours from Italy emerged shortly after the revelation that Conte is set to take over at the Lane.

The club released a statement recently announcing the appointment of the Italian till 2023. It also states that there is an option to extend his contract if both parties agree to it. With the managerial vacancy now filled,  it is about time the onus shifted to tactics and recruitments.

Kessie is a fine option in midfield, considering his age and the fact that he will be available on the cheap. His current contract with AC Milan will expire in the summer of 2022, and talks for renewal have not progressed. Whether Spurs can land him for a nominal fee in January remains to be seen.

Antonio Conte has given his list of transfer targets to Tottenham

Earlier, the 24-year-old’s agent, George Atangana, has said that the current offer from Milan is not acceptable. It could provide an opportunity for Spurs to take advantage of as the player would provide depth and competition to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. 

Lazzari, on the other hand, could prove to be a dynamic addition to the right flank and could replicate what Achraf Hakimi did under Conte at Inter Milan. Emerson Royal has not exactly clicked for Tottenham since joining them in the summer. Lazzari’s addition could not just offer Emerson competition but also provide Spurs with an experienced name to call upon.

Inter centre-back Stefan de Vrij and the Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic are some of the other targets on the club’s radar. They could offer more solidity at the back and more prowess in the final third, both of which Spurs have lacked lately.

Manuel Lazari of SS Lazio in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match against AFC Bournemouth (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

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These additions, if signed, would reinforce various areas across the squad as the former Chelsea boss will be challenging for titles. Kessie could be the “Marcelo Brozovic” for Conte while Lazzari can dominate that right side. With a reputed manager now in the dugout, there is bound to be expectation that Tottenham’s golden days can be brought back.