Report: Atletico Madrid join Tottenham in the race for Serie A star in final year of his contract

Spurs Transfer News: Atletico Madrid want Tottenham Hotspur target and Inter star Stefan de Vrij

Tottenham Hotspur would have to battle Atletico Madrid if they want to sign Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij in 2023, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Netherlands international is in the final year of his contract at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. This would allow both teams to enter negotiations with him in January over a potential Bosman transfer.

That is, of course, if he doesn’t pen fresh terms with I Nerazzurri. Manager Diego Simeone is said to be eager to sign De Vrij to strengthen his central defence.

Their centre-back situation could become dire. For a manager that loves to set up his side to defend, having four senior, natural centre-backs is perhaps one centre-back short of the ideal amount.

A worry for Spurs

That is especially the case given the fact that 33-year-old Brazilian centre-back Felipe could become a free agent next summer, while Mario Hermoso and Stefan Savic’s current contracts are set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season (Transfermarkt).

And this is why Atletico entering the race should worry the Lilywhites, because they could desperately use a world-class defender. The fact that he could be signed for nothing next summer is just an icing on the cake.

The 30-year-old would be aware that now is the right time if he wants to leave Inter for another club, otherwise there aren’t a lot of clubs that want to gamble on players once they are in their deep 30s.

Spurs could be a good place for him, given his history with manager Antonio Conte in Italy, where they won the Scudetto together. Moreover, there would be a place for him in our backline.

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He would arguably be an upgrade on the likes of Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon (who is on loan at Stade Rennais until the summer), and even Davinson Sanchez. It wouldn’t be a shabby idea to finally play a natural centre-back in our defensive line instead of Ben Davies as well.