After an undefeated start to the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur sit in a healthy third position thus far, a standing that can only be bettered by reigning champions Manchester City and arch-rivals, Arsenal, who top the pile as things stand.
Antonio Conte has made Spurs resolute. Under his stewardship, there’s real optimism that the club could end a 14-year trophy-less spell this campaign, and finish in a strong league position, too. Although they’ve already added some talent to their ranks, there are plenty of areas they can still improve in the transfer market, including in midfield.
Everyone loves a bargain. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at who Fabio Paratici could look to sign for Conte on a free transfer in 2023 – as things stand at the time of writing at least.
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Houssem Aouar
Tottenham have been interested in Aouar for some time, but this time, a move could really happen. Lyon are typically tough negotiators, hence why they’ve been adamant in their no-go stance on the Frenchman. They may not have a choice now though.
Jorginho
This is a move that certainly has legs. Already an established Premier League star, with Jorginho’s Chelsea situation uncertain, Conte could be interested in persuading his fellow countryman to make the move to N17 rather than return to Italy or elsewhere.
Luka Modric
Modric’s 10-year spell with Real Madrid is set to come to an end if he doesn’t put pen to paper before the end of the season. If the 37-year-old’s not thinking about retirement, then where better to go than a return to the club that put him on the map as a worldwide star?
Adrien Rabiot
Conte obviously has a special understanding when it comes to players at Juventus. Moves for Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur have proven to be hugely successful, and although Rabiot hasn’t featured much for the giants in Turin, you wouldn’t bet against Spurs’ manager turning his fortunes around in white and blue.
Other possibilities
Belgian international Youri Tielemans was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United in the summer transfer window, however, both opted against making an official bid for his services. The 25-year-old is still a reported target for both clubs, but Spurs could make things interesting if they wish to.
Spurs’ north London rivals also made a late move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz in the final hours of the window, but the Midlands club strangely wouldn’t budge on a £25million fee despite the Brazilian’s apparent desire to leave. With an established Brazilian contingent already at the Emirates, signing Luiz – who has Premier League experience too – on a free transfer seems like a no-brainer for the Gunners if it’s indeed possible, but again, Tottenham could challenge for his signature.
There’s also Jorginho’s teammate at Chelsea, N’Golo Kante, who may be interested in a switch from the west of London to the north, whilst Modric’s long-term Madrid partner Toni Kroos is also out of contract as things stand.
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