Tottenham have set their sights on a highly-rated Serie A defender.
The centre-back situation at Tottenham Hotspur looks set to hog the limelight this summer, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven linked with moves away from the club.
Romero, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury against Sunderland last weekend, has a special release clause in his contract, as revealed by his father Victor. Despite signing a contract extension in August, the Argentine defender is likely to leave Spurs amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
The same goes for Van de Ven, who has been criticised lately for his substandard displays. Despite his dip in form, the Dutchman remains a coveted figure heading into the summer transfer window. If one or both of them depart, one would expect the club bosses to look to add some experience to their backline before the 2026/27 season commences, even though teenage prodigy Luka Vuskovic will return to North London following his impressive loan spell with SV Hamburger.
This has resulted in the Lilywhites eyeing defensive reinforcements. It appears the North London club have set their sights on signing a player impressing in Serie A.
Tottenham interested in signing AS Roma defender
Recent reports suggest Tottenham have been monitoring the performances of AS Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka ahead of a possible summer move.
Evan Ndicka joined AS Roma on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023. He has been among the best defenders in Serie A in the last couple of years, emerging as a leader of the defensive pack for AS Roma. The Ivory Coast international has been an ever-present in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season, racking up five goals in 37 appearances.
Roma are keen to retain Ndicka, but an offer in the region of €35 million might convince them to sell him. This is because the Rome-based outfit have been struggling financially over the past few years. They need to meet the Financial Fair Play rules in order to avoid sanctions.
Now, according to a report from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Giallorossi have an agreement with UEFA which suggests they must make a major sale by June 30. This will go down in the books as ‘big capital gain’ and keep them afloat for another season in Serie A, eliminating the possibility of a ban.
Surprise boost for Tottenham
This should come as a surprise boost for Tottenham in their pursuit of Ndicka. It goes without saying that the Lilywhites must first avoid relegation to have a shot at signing the 26-year-old. If they do, the centre-back would be an ideal signing for De Zerbi’s side.
Composed on the ball and aerially strong, the Ivorian would represent a like-for-like replacement for Van de Ven. Ndicka would add some much-needed calmness and experience to Tottenham’s backline. At 26, he is entering the peak years of his career, and if the opportunity arrives, Spurs must pounce to sign Ndicka.