Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur to battle Chelsea for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt amidst Barcelona interest
According to Spanish news outlet Sport [Print Edition] via Sport Witness (h/t Football.London), Tottenham Hotspur are ready to battle Chelsea for the services of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt amidst interest from Barcelona.
He is one of the highly-rated youngsters in Serie A and would instantly boost most defences by slotting into the centre-back role. Juve are open to selling the 22-year-old due to their financial difficulties; Tottenham and the Blues have “launched” themselves because of this stance from the Serie A club.
Barca are also keeping tabs, but the two English clubs are placed in a better position to sign the Dutchman. The Catalans have their financial issues to deal with as well, which puts them behind in the transfer race. However, they are not completely ruled out of it and could still pose a threat to the other interested parties.
De Ligt to Spurs?
We have defended much better in recent games, but it is still far from the desired quality. Spurs need to improve even further if the club hopes to challenge for titles. Cristian Romero’s injury does not help, but regardless of that, we do require a quality signing at the back.
The Dutchman could be a great prospect to think about considering his experience in two top European leagues. The former Ajax captain is still in the early stages of his playing career, which means that the potential to grow is at a ridiculous level.
De Ligt has been impressive and a leading presence in the backline ever since he took the captain’s armband during his days at Ajax. He has gone on to be a commanding presence in Turin and for his national team as well.
Antonio Conte has used a three-at-the-back system, which calls for healthy depth in the centre-back position. Joe Rodon is not favoured by the manager and it is clear by how he is overlooked in favour of fellow Welshman, Ben Davies, who is naturally a left-back.
While Eric Dier and Davies have been solid overall under Conte, it would be advisable to have someone who will be an improvement. The Serie A defender would instantly slot into our defence due to his immense quality and could form a neat partnership with Romero once he returns.
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We would have to deal with the competition first of all, and Fabio Paratici- who has previous affiliations with the Bianconeri– could have a tough job on his hands. Thomas Tuchel’s side could use some additions in their backline due to the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rudiger and the ageing bodies of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.
But for us to think about where he best fits in our defence this season, we would have to sign him in January. The window is yet to open and if Spurs genuinely hold strong interest in the Netherlands international who plays with the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Virgil van Dijk on a regular basis, it is best if we move quickly to beat off other suitors.
