Tottenham could raid the Italian market to replace one of their key defenders in the squad.
Tottenham Hotspur have been proactive in the transfer window so far and have gone after Premier League-proven players, significantly backing our gaffer, Roberto De Zerbi.
After completing deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dubravka, the North Londoners have flexed their muscles in recent days by shattering our transfer record twice in quick succession for Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. With more fresh faces expected to come through the corridors of the Hotspur Way, we could see a host of players leave Spurs in the summer transfer window.
Joao Palhinha has already confirmed that he won’t be staying with Spurs next season after the club passed up an opportunity to trigger his buy clause from Bayern Munich. Yves Bissouma has also left after his contract expired, while an unnamed top Turkish club has made an offer for Richarlison.
Djed Spence, currently starring for England at the World Cup, has also been linked with an exit. Everton have shown an interest in signing Spence, as boss David Moyes wants the Tottenham full-back to replace Seamus Coleman. Amidst interest in the 25-year-old, it looks like Spurs have identified his replacement.
Tottenham keen on Atalanta full-back
According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Tottenham are among a host of English clubs interested in Atalanta full-back/wing-back Raoul Bellanova. Everton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are also admirers of the Italian’s talents.
Raoul Bellanova endured a disappointing last season in Serie A, struggling with form and fitness, and he is not understood to be a part of new coach Maurizio Sarri’s plans. So, the 26-year-old could leave Atalanta for the right price. Atalanta paid a €24.3m base fee to buy him from Torino in the summer of 2024, and they will want to recoup the majority of that amount.
The six-cap Italian international’s profile is an interesting one for Tottenham. Bellanova’s ability to operate on both sides of the back four, and as a wing-back, coupled with his physical presence, pace and energy, would provide De Zerbi with another flexible defensive option in his squad. The report adds that the player’s most likely destination is the Premier League, and it will be intriguing to see if he would be tempted to join his compatriot’s forces in North London.
For now, Tottenham’s position is one of patient observation rather than active negotiation. Our club chiefs are presently focused on signing a new winger and striker. If De Zerbi sanctions Spence’s sale, we could knock on Atalanta’s door for Bellanova. By then, hopefully, it will not be too late.