Manchester City could face transfer rivalry from Tottenham Hotspur for the Italy international.
Tottenham Hotspur are working on a potential transfer to bring Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci to London, in what would be a blow for Manchester City and potential boost for North London rivals Arsenal.
Football Insider reports that Spurs' ambitions to sign the Italy international are increased by working with former managing director Fabio Paratici. The 52-year-old stepped down from his role at Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 but is still thought to have strong links to the recruitment system he built in London.
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Man City linked with £30m move for Rodri replacement
Paratici has a particular knack for brokering Serie A deals, which could be good news for Ange Postecoglou in trying to convince the in-demand Ricci to sign for the side. The Torino midfielder has been heavily linked with a £30 million move to Manchester City, Fichajes carrying that report in September, with the Championsin need of a Rodri replacement.
The Ballon d'Or nominee and heartbeat of the Manchester City midfield won't play again this season after sustaining an ACL injury when playing the Gunners in September. Finding a replacement for the Spaniard in January is likely to be a priority and Italy international Ricci had emerged as an ideal candidate.
Should Spurs manage to hijack any Manchester City deal for the player, that would certainly hand a knock-on boost to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side no doubt hold a greater chance of catching Pep Guardiola's men this season should their rivals fail to fill the chasm left by that Rodri injury.
Spurs ‘certainly interested’ in Italy international
Football Insider spoke to ex Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson about the links, teasing that the former shot-stopper 'remains very well-connected at the club'. Robinson said: "I think it’ll be a tough one to do in the winter. If you look at the way the team’s played in recent weeks in more of a 4-3-3 formation, I’m not sure whether the midfield will be a pressing position.
“But he’s a young player, he’s only 23 years old and he’s already got four caps for Italy. Tottenham are certainly interested in signing him. I think it’ll be tough to do in the winter but that is potentially one they’ll explore in the summer.
“We know that Spurs like to do their business in Italy.They’ve had a lot of success from players who have come to the club from the Serie A, and maybe that’s why Ricci is the latest name to be mentioned. It’s still got the fingerprints of Fabio Paratici working with Tottenham’s recruitment team.”