Tottenham manager Antonio Conte hinted that new arrivals might be needed for the club to challenge for top prizes in his post-match interview.
“To be an important team, you need important players. At the moment we are far away. It takes time. Years,”
the Italian said upon witnessing his team lose to rivals Chelsea the third time in a month.
Tottenham’s latest defeat came in the league and was Conte’s first reverse in the competition since he was appointed manager of the North London club. Prior to the match, the Italian decided to leave certain players out of the matchday squad, whose collective futures – if reports are to be believed – lie away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Dele Alli was the first notable omission from Spurs’ squad to face Chelsea. Five years ago, the Englishman had scored twice as Conte watched his Chelsea side succumb to their first defeat in fourteen games, on the verge of a domestic record.
The midfielder had enjoyed a rapid rise to the top, but his career has stalled in recent years, and opportunities early on in Conte’s Spurs reign seem to have amounted to nothing. The 25-year-old is expected to leave on loan with Newcastle United among those interested, as per The Guardian.
Talks ongoing between Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain for Tanguy Ndombele – confirmed. Player keen on the move, clubs in direct contact as per @JackPittBrooke. 🇫🇷 #PSG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2022
Negotiations in progress for loan move, PSG could include a buy option. Salary coverage now discussed. #THFC pic.twitter.com/Acfa8lJ3cR
Nor were midfielder pair Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso made available by Conte for the league game against the Blues. Spurs spent heavily on the duo two seasons ago, but neither of them has progressed the way the club would’ve hoped.
The North Londoners want to sanction both of their departures before the end of the window, whether on loan or permanently. According to Daily Mail, Ndombele is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain while Spurs could reportedly use Lo Celso as part of a swap deal.
As for incomings, Wolves’ Adama Traore is likely to join the club after it was reported that Spurs were close to striking an agreement with the Midlands side for his transfer.
Furthermore, recent rumors link the Premier League side to Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat; the Moroccan is being eyed as a replacement for Ndombele, should he leave as expected before the conclusion of the winter window.
