Tottenham make 'concrete move' for Serie A star to become first summer signing: report

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Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a first signing of the window, as they look to overhaul their squad

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy reacts during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on March 18, 2023
(Image credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur are looking at making a Serie A star their first signing of the summer.

The Lilywhites are currently managerless, having parted with both Antonio Conte and his assistant Cristian Stellini following poor form. Former midfielder Ryan Mason is in caretaker charge of the club until the end of the season – and he picked up his first three points against Crystal Palace last weekend.

But behind the scenes, moves have apparently already begun on regenerating the tired Spurs squad, as chairman Daniel Levy looks to steal a march on rivals in the transfer market. 

Antonio Conte, head coach of Tottenham Hotspur and Ryan Mason, first team coach at Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on July 21, 2022 in Enfield, England.

Ryan Mason has replaced Antonio Conte – and Tottenham have turned a corner on the pitch, at least (Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

La Repubblica, via giallorossi.net, have claimed that Roma star Roger Ibanez has caught the attention of Tottenham for his stellar performances under former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho – and that a "concrete move" is imminent.

What's more, the defender could be available for as little as £26 million. Spurs are looking to add solidity to their defence this summer, with a left-sided centre-back high on the agenda, as Clement Lenglet returns to Barcelona from his loan.

Ibanez is extremely highly-rated in Italy and has earned plaudits since arriving at the Stadio Olimpico for his combative style. Former Gialorossi full-back Vincent Candela has even told Corriere Dello Sport that the Brazilian has the potential to become one of the best in the world. 

“Ibanez can become one of the world’s best defenders, but he must work on his concentration,” he said.

Roger Ibanez of AS Roma celebrates with teammate Chris Smalling after scoring goal -0 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Monza at Stadio Olimpico on August 30, 2022 in Rome, Italy.

Roger Ibanez is of interest to Tottenham (Image credit: Silvia Lore/Getty Images)

Tottenham could even sign two Roma players for under £40m. According to 90min, Ibanez's team-mate Dybala is available for as little as £10m to Premier League sides. 

Ibanez is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt. 

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Vincent Kompany was the favourite to become Tottenham manager – but has since signed a new Burnley contract. Luis Enrique has expressed an interest, while Mauricio Pochettino may be in line to return.

Despite uncertainty in the dugout, Clement Lenglet looks set to join permanently. Randal Kolo Muani is of interest to Spurs and Aymeric Laporte remains an option. There are worries, however, that along with Harry Kane leaving for Manchester United, Dejan Kulusevski might not stay a Lilywhites player this summer.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.