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A move to replace Tottenham defender Emerson Royal could move very fast this summer, according to one journalist, as the Lilywhites look to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Emerson wants out

It seems clear that it is the end of the road for Emerson at Tottenham. The Brazilian featured 22 times in Ange Postecoglou's debut Premier League season, but only started 11 times and only as a makeshift option when another defender was injured.

Now, he has been linked with a move to AC Milan, and has done nothing to play down that speculation: “The truth is that nothing is defined yet. Obviously, I know that Milan are in contact with Tottenham, they have asked for information about me. For me it’s very gratifying because many Brazilian players have played for Milan.

“Let’s wait and see what’ll happen. The Milan shirt is a very important and meaningful one. Knowing that teams like this are following me makes me very happy.”

Signed for £25m two seasons ago, the club are keen to minimise their losses on the Brazilian and are holding out for a £20m fee to let him leave, which could prove too hefty for the San Siro outfit.

The Italian side are reportedly exploring other options, such as a loan with an option to buy the defender, while they could yet move onto other targets too.

But should Emerson finally head away from north London this summer, Spurs have been tipped to replace him with a big signing.

Spurs readying £35m bid

That comes as local media in Florence claim Tottenham are in talks with Fiorentina over a move for teenage talent Michael Kayode. Spurs have seen plenty of success from Serie A in recent seasons, with Destiny Udogie perhaps the clearest example of this, and they could be set to return to their happy hunting ground once more in a bid to provide cover and competition for Pedro Porro.

Kayode has been one of Serie A's breakout stars this season, and was heralded by then Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano earlier in the campaign.

“Kayode has a strong character, he fears nothing, and it’s important when you are this young,” Italiano told DAZN as per Football-Italia. “Moreover, he is physically strong and motivated after winning the (U19) Euros. When he returned to Florence, he kept the gold medal around his neck for a few days.”

He started 22 times for La Viola in Serie A, grabbing a goal and two assists in the process, and appears to have caught Tottenham's eye.

That is according to journalist Mario Tenerani, who told Firenze Viola [via Sport Witness] that Tottenham could become a serious obstacle between the defender and Fiorentina, and hinted that Spurs are willing to offer £34m to complete the deal.

“Tottenham’s pressure on Kayode could turn into a nightmare for Viola supporters. The English are serious and have significant economic possibilities. They started from €40m and for now Fiorentina have resisted, but if they were to go further the picture could change suddenly,”

Any deal will surely depend on the future of Emerson and the sum that the club are able to extract from his sale, but Kayode could be a move that advances fast in the not too distant future.

After a season of ups and downs in which they came so close to finishing in the Champions League places, Tottenham Hotspur have a big summer of transfers ahead.

Ange Postecoglou got off to a flyer in North London, but injuries and a downturn in form saw his side slip down to fifth by the end of the campaign, with star signing James Maddison missing out on a place in the Euros due to his lacklustre performances.

Luckily for him and the manager, the latest player heavily touted for a move to N17 could be the perfect midfielder to help the Englishman rediscover his form and power the Lilywhites back up the table next year.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham are interested in Juventus' star midfielder Weston McKennie, and have already held talks with the Serie A side over his potential move.

Earlier this month, Football Insider claimed that the Lilywhites had 'jumped ahead' of Aston Villa and made themselves favourites to secure the American's signature, and this latest story has revealed that the Villans have ceased their interest in the player over wage demands.

In more good news for the Lilywhites, it looks like they won't have to pay a great deal for the 25-year-old, as the report claims that further talks have taken place over a £15m fee due to his contract expiring next summer.

It might not be the most exciting name and conjures up images of Leeds United's relegation in the minds of Premier League fans, but McKennie has been immense for Juventus over the last year and could be the perfect player to play next to Maddison.

Why McKennie would be a great teammate for Maddison

Now, I know McKennie's last showing in England was, to put it diplomatically, dreadful, but it was a tough stage for him to show his worth.

Brought in by compatriot Jesse Marsch for half a season to try and help the Peacocks fend off relegation in the 2022/23 season, the American looked woefully out of place in England's top flight, even being called a worse signing than Jean-Kevin Augustin by presenter and Leeds fan Joe Wainman.

However, last season, the USMNT star proved that his poor spell in West Yorkshire was just that, a spell.

Back in Turin, the "dangerous" ace, as Marsch dubbed him, made 38 appearances, 33 of which were starts, provided ten assists, and helped the Old Lady win the Italian Cup - oh, and he also won the CONCACAF Nations League with the US in March.

He's clearly left quite an impression on people in Italy as well, as former Juventus great Mark Iuliano described him as a player with "a good sense of position" who "never gives up" and, arguably just as important, a player who "puts a lot of heart into it."

These are the things that would make him the perfect midfielder to play in the left-eight alongside Maddison. His ability to get all over the pitch put out fires, and start attacks would allow the former Foxes star to focus on what he is best at playmaking.

The 27-year-old was on fire in the opening stages of the season, scoring three goals and providing five assists in his first ten full league games, but following his return from injury, he only managed one goal and four assists in 17 games.

It could be a little reductive to blame it on fatigue, but if he has an incredibly mobile player next to him willing to do more of the running, it can only help him in the long term, and according to WhoScored, one of McKennie's key strengths is his defensive contribution from midfield.

Ultimately, this may not be a move that gets fans out of their seats, but given his performances last season and the incredibly low price, it would make sense for Levy and Co to go ahead and get it done.

Considering Tottenham Hotspur were without Harry Kane for the first time in a decade last season, Ange Postecoglou did a reasonably good job in securing Europa League football in his first campaign in charge.

However, at one point in the season, it looked as if Champions League football was a forgone conclusion before injuries and a downturn in form saw them fall away.

Therefore, to ensure the Australian can lead the team back into the top four next year, Daniel Levy and Co must provide him with a reliable and prolific number nine.

Lucky for him, it looks like that may be happening, as the latest player touted for a move to N17 was on fire last season and could be a dream teammate for Son Hueng-min - although Spurs aren't the only side interested.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent BBC Sport report, Tottenham are one of several Premier League teams interested in signing LOSC Lille's star striker Jonathan David this summer.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims Chelsea, West Ham United and Manchester United are keen to bring the Canadian international to England in the coming weeks.

The good news for Levy and Co is that the 24-year-old's contract expires next summer, so the Ligue 1 star is supposedly available for just £30m with journalist Graeme Bailey suggesting in a separate report that Spurs have even lodged an enquiry to discover more about the terms of a potential deal.

It might be a challenge to get ahead of the other interested parties, but considering the Lilywhites' need for a reliable goalscorer and the bargain price David is available for, this is a deal the club cannot miss out on, and alongside Son, he could be unreal.

Why David would be a great teammate for Son

While he used to play as an attacking midfielder for KAA Gent in Belgium, David is now an out-and-out number nine for Lille, and while many modern-day strikers start out wide here and there, all 42 starts for the Canadian international came down the middle last season.

Some managers might consider this a weakness as it could reduce their tactical flexibility, but this would likely be a positive for Spurs.

After a season of starting Son and Richarlison either down the middle or on the wings, having a player with a clear preference and optimal position can only help Postecoglou optimise his team.

Moreover, while Richarlison has looked okay as the starting striker, the "insane" Lille ace, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has looked incredible, which takes us to the main reason he'd be a great teammate for the Lilywhites captain: his goals.

In just 47 games for Les Dogues last season, the "mind-blowing" poacher, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 26 goals and provided nine assists, meaning he provided a goal involvement every 1.34 games. In contrast, the North Londoners Brazilian forward scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances, which equates to a goal involvement every 1.93 games.

So, not only is the 24-year-old a more significant goal threat than the former Everton ace, but he's also a more creative player. Therefore, if he was to start the majority of games down the middle next season, there's no reason to believe he couldn't help the South Korean superstar supercharge his tally of 17 goals and, most crucially, ten assists from last season - especially as Understat have him down as underperforming his expected assists figure by 3.34 in the league.

Ultimately, David has been scoring for fun in France for a few years now, and adding a striker as clinical as himself to Postecoglou's ultra-attacking system this summer can only help the Lilywhites improve in attack next season while also helping Son reach another level in terms of goals and assists to boot.

Tottenham are on the verge of making their second signing of the summer, according to a report in their target's homeland.

Ange asks Levy for attackers

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has already made his desire for fresh blood in attack clear after a disappointing end to the Premier League campaign.

And the club have answered to an extent, with Timo Werner arriving for another loan spell after a successful second half of the season in north London, while there is the expectation that another winger will arrive amid links to ex-Lilywhite Marcus Edwards.

But there is also the need for a new striker, which has seen them linked with the likes of Ivan Toney and Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as they look to bolster their ranks and allow Heung Min Son to move back to his more natural wide position.

Now, they may have finally handed Postecoglou a number nine capable of taking the north London side to the next level, and filling the Harry Kane shaped hole still vacant 12 months on from his departure.

Tottenham closing in on Mexico striker

That has come in the form of Mexican attacker Santiago Gimenez, who Spurs have long been credited with an interest in. The striker is one of the most in-demand players of the summer, having scored 23 times in the Eredivisie last season on his way to helping Feyernoord finish second.

Gimenez was singled out for praise by former Feyenoord icon Mario Been after scoring twice against Ajax: "Gimenez truly is fantastic. He hadn't even touched the ball before his first goal, but that was a fantastic finish. Feyenoord have immense goalscoring prowess."

He was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium back in April as he watched them lose to Arsenal in the north London Derby, and the Lilywhites have long been in the hunt for his signature.

Now, a fresh update has been shared by Mexican radio station TUDN Radio [via Sport Witness], and it is good news for Tottenham fans.

That is because they claim that Gimenez is "very close to joining" the north London side this summer. Both the Lilywhites and Atletico Madrid are said to have tabled bids for the 23-year-old, but Daniel Levy and Co made the higher offer, and Feyenoord have asked Atleti to match the bid to stay in the race for Gimenez's signature.

However, the Rojiblanco are struggling to do this, and as a result it seems that Spurs are set to win the race for the striker's signature.

There is no specific fee mentioned in the report, though Italian sources have previously mooted a fee of around 50m euros (£42m) for his signature when AC Milan were credited with an interest.

With strikers at a premium this summer and plenty of clubs in need of one, that could prove excellent value for money should the news from Gimenez's homeland prove true.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to try an audacious swap deal this summer as they look to bolster their midfield on a budget, it has been claimed.

Spurs in need of additions

After a promising season under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham's Premier League campaign fizzled out and they were forced to accept Europa League football next season, despite at one point seeming nailed on for a return to the Champions League. Now, all attention is set to turn to the summer transfer window, and the club are set to be busy.

Emerson Royal is thought to be free to leave and has admitted to enjoying the reports linking him with a move to AC Milan, while the club have already made their first signing of the summer by making Timo Werner's loan move valid for a further 12 months, extending his stay in north London.

Meanwhile, Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon have both been released, and decisions will have to be made on returning loanees Joe Rodon, Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil, all of whom seem to be out of Postecoglou's plans.

Another man expected to leave is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who was named man of the match for Denmark during their 1-1 draw with England at EURO 2024.

No decision will be made on his future until after the tournament, but the Dane's agent explained: “I am working on the many requests that we have already received, yes; but we will analyse all the possibilities after the Euros, during the holidays when we will spend some time together and then look forward to the next chapter”.

With that in mind, Tottenham are going to need midfield additions, and now they are trying to find a way to land one on the cheap.

Spurs target swap deal

That comes as The Sun claim Tottenham are eyeing up an audacious swap deal for Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz, in a move that would see Welsh defender Joe Rodon head the other way. Alcaraz was in and out of Russell Martin's side for the first half of the season, though the Saints boss did praise the Argentinian for his performances.

"His mentality has been great", he explained after one performance against Leeds United. “We wanted to free him up a little bit. We did that I think - he was amazing with it. I’m really proud of him and really pleased for him. He was outstanding."

He spent the second half of the season on loan with Juventus though, making three starts in what turned out to be a difficult spell in Turin, and his future seems unclear.

The 21-year-old still has four years left to run on his £25,000 a week deal on the south coast, but The Sun claim that he likely won't be there much longer, with Spurs keen to sign him this summer. Valued at £30m by Southampton, Spurs are willing to offer Rodon, who is wanted by the Saints and is valued at around £10m, in a bid to get a deal done.

However, they may also have to stump up some cash to get it over the line should they be serious about the young midfielder ahead of the new season.

Looking to make a return to Champions League qualification, one BBC pundit has reportedly heard that Tottenham Hotspur could yet hijack Manchester United's move to seal one of the deals of the summer in the Premier League.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have already re-signed Timo Werner on loan ahead of a vital second season under Ange Postecoglou, who will be well aware of the improvements needed to his current squad. The Spurs boss saw a lack of depth eventually catch up to his side in a dismal end to the season, which resulted in the wheels falling off the North London side's top-four push.

Whilst an official new arrival after Werner is yet to appear, the headlines have been making for positive reading. Spurs have already been linked with the likes of Jonathan David and Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori. The latter is a particularly popular name this summer, having also reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and others. But he's not the only defender seemingly on the Spurs radar.

According to the BBC's Alan Hutton, speaking to Football Insider, Spurs could hijack Manchester United's move to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer. The Red Devils have already opened negotiations with Everton over their star, seeing a reported £43m bid knocked down with the Toffees holding out for their £80m price tag. Hutton has "heard" the Lilywhites could yet swoop in, however.

He told Football Insider: "I feel at times [Tottenham] have been light in that sense, actually across the back four. When you look at their starting back line, if any of them get injured or go missing for a good length of time, the players that come in aren’t quite up to the standard. To have someone in the door with that potential who could be a regular starter for England moving forward, that could be a great deal.

"He did really well last season, and there are talks [Cristian] Romero could be on the move, so there’s a few things in the pipeline that might lead towards them going for someone like [Branthwaite], and him filling that void at centre-half. I have heard there could be a hijack there, from people I speak to at the club.”

Branthwaite move would take Spurs up a level

If Spurs are looking to bridge the remaining gap on the Premier League's top four and potentially more under Postecoglou, then they're certainly looking in the right direction towards Branthwaite. The Everton star, still just 21 years old, may have another level to reach but even this current version of him would star alongside Romero in North London.

Question marks would come over where Branthwaite's arrival would leave Micky van de Ven, but that's the type of competition for places that should ultimately push a side on, with both players reaching new levels in an attempt to win their place under Postecoglou.

If you asked the Tottenham Hotspur faithful who their most important player is, one of the first names to come to mind would be Cristian Romero.

Last season, the Argentine developed into a crucial player under Ange Postecoglou, providing aggression and leadership to the backline.

Throughout the campaign, the World Cup winner started 33 Premier League matches, scoring five goals and keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

However, there’s a current player in the Spurs squad who’s now become worth even more than the irreplaceable centre-back.

What Spurs signed Dejan Kulusevski for

With attacking reinforcements needed, Spurs entered the transfer market in January 2022 with the aim of securing a short-term deal.

This is when the opportunity to sign Dejan Kulusevski arrived, and he joined on an 18-month loan deal, taking him until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Sweden international instantly became a hit, operating on the right of the attack across 18 Premier League matches and boasting an incredible record of five goals and eight assists in the second half of the 2021/22 season.

After then serving as a creative outlet in the following season, producing seven assists in the league, Tottenham made the winger’s loan deal permanent, signing Kulusevski for £25.6m.

Today, that looks like a bargain price, especially considering they were able to reduce his initial buy option, but what exactly is Kulusevski worth in 2024?

Kulusevski’s estimated value in 2024

Last term, Spurs’ number 21 featured heavily under the Australian boss, despite the signing of Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest.

The "very special" Kulusevski, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, became a constant performer, starting 31 matches in the league and only failing to make an appearance in two games all season.

This proves how important the 24-year-old was to Spurs’ attacking structure and output, as he scored eight goals and provided three assists.

Across the entire squad, this made the former Juventus ace the club’s third-highest top scorer, only behind Heung-min Son and Richarlison, but what is Kulusevski worth today?

As you can see, according to CIES Football Observatory, the left-footed ace is now estimated to be worth an incredible £68m.

This means that if Spurs were to sell the attacker, then they could be in line to make a huge profit on Kulusevski, especially as he only cost £26m.

The April-born star is also the joint-highest-valued Spurs player in the squad, alongside Destiny Udogie, who starred during his debut campaign in England, registering five goal involvements from defence.

Obviously, this means that he’s worth even more than vital cogs in the system such as Romero and Son, who are worth £51m and £25m, respectively.

Furthermore, when compared to other Premier League wingers, Kulusevski is currently the joint-fifth highest-valued winger, only behind the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Phil Foden, and the two Arsenal widemen, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. It's also even more than another attacker in Eberechi Eze, one of Spurs' alleged targets this summer.

The Crystal Palace sensation, who scored 11 goals last term, is thought to be valued at around £60m by the Eagles.

Overall, it’s clear that Spurs truly hit the jackpot by signing Kulusevski for less than £30m, and the deal should be used as a model for future transfer activity.

Looking for more summer arrivals after securing another loan deal for Timo Werner, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their attention towards Euro 2024 and one particular in-demand star.

Tottenham transfer news

The rumours have been coming thick and fast regarding potential incomings at Spurs this summer, which has seen the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jonathan David and Marcus Edwards all linked with a move. David would be a particularly interesting watch and an arrival to possibly finally replace Harry Kane a year after his departure to star for Bayern Munich.

The Lille forward enjoyed yet another excellent campaign in Ligue 1 last time out, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, and could now help Ange Postecoglou bridge the gap on the Premier League's top four, freeing Heung-min Son from the role of leading the line in the process. Only time will tell whether the Lilywhites manage to seal such a deal before their opening-day game against Leicester City.

It's not just David that the North London club have their eye on either. According to The Mirror, Spurs are in pole position to sign Lutsharel Geertruida ahead of Liverpool this summer in a deal that could be worth £25m. What's more, Caught Offside have claimed that the Lilywhites have now offered the right-back a contract in a vital step towards a possible move.

Geertruida came from the bench to help the Netherlands earn a 0-0 draw against France recently and will hope to play more of a part as the tournament goes on, before sealing his future. Given that Postecoglou's side suffered without squad depth last season, Geertruida's ability to play as a right-back, centre-back and defensive midfielder makes him an ideal option to turn to this summer.

"Amazing" Geertruida could be an upgrade on Hojbjerg

Whilst much of the focus has been on potential incomings, Spurs look likely to be bidding farewell to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer in a move that will leave a gaping hole in their squad that Geertruida can instantly fill.

Such is the 23-year-old's versatility, Postecoglou would be getting three options in one, whether that be cover for Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven or, indeed, a replacement for Hojbjerg.

Whilst Hojbjerg outperformed his potential replacement off the ball, it's clear that Geertruida's hand in goals is an element that would only benefit Spurs, especially if they remain without a replacement for Kane this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur opted against directly replacing Harry Kane last summer, with freshly-anointed Ange Postecoglou instead choosing to spread the recouped an initial £85m fee for the Three Lions captain across the pitch.

The myriad additions, namely Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, had a transformative effect on the Spurs squad but greater depth is now needed after injuries pulled Tottenham away from early title contention, ultimately missing out on top four too.

Kane, Tottenham's record scorer, has since scored 44 goals from 45 matches for Bayern Munich, and thus Postecoglou and Co will need to choose wisely in securing a reliable new marksman.

Spurs transfer news

According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham have joined Manchester United and a number of other Premier League clubs in adding Lille striker Jonathan David to their summer shortlists.

While there hasn't been any official contact between clubs yet, David, having entered the final year of his contract, will be allowed to leave this summer, and Spurs are indeed keen.

Separate recent reports claim that the Canadian striker's sale will demand a £25m outlay.

Why Jonathan David is one of the best around

David has been a reliable scorer for Lille over the years, scoring 84 goals across 183 matches after moving to France from Belgian team Gent in a €30m (£25m) deal back in 2020.

The 24-year-old has demonstrably improved his attacking ability over the past two years and will now feel ready to try his foot in the Premier League, actually hailed for his "absolutely insane" shooting skills by journalist Antonio Mango.

David might not be Kane but he does offer a certain semblance to the iconic Lilywhites forward, ranking among the top 3% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Kane is one of the pre-eminent goalscorers of his generation but he's also an unrivalled playmaker from No. 9, ranking among the top 10% of forwards for assists and the top 11% for progressive passes per 90.

David, in this regard, would be able to emulate some of the 30-year-old's more unique qualities while maintaining his own sense of prowess in striking on goal too. David, after all, also ranks among the top 17% of forwards for goals scored but only the top 49% for shots taken, emphasising his clinical quality. It is not a surprise, therefore, to see him celebrated as "one of the best strikers in the world" by Canadian reporter Tony Marinaro.

It may, unfortunately, knock Richarlison down the pecking order, but the Canada international would undoubtedly prove to be an upgrade, with the Brazilian enjoying a purple patch last season but only starting 18 Premier League matches as injuries overpowered his good form.

The 26-year-old's chequered past in front of goal as a Lilywhite is likely a key reason behind Postecoglou's willingness to cash in, with Saudi Pro League suitors among those interested in signing Richarlison this summer.

One thing's for certain, David would be an interesting profile to complete the Tottenham frontline, finally succeeding Kane with a player capable of playing his old role and enhancing the overall fluency. He is, as they say, one of the best around. Kane is too, so this seems like a fabulous pick if they are to finally replace their record goalscorer.

Tottenham Hotspur, in hindsight, completed a promising first campaign under Ange Postecoglou, finishing fifth in the Premier League and rediscovering their identity after previously falling by the wayside.

Certainly, there's plenty that can be improved on. Spurs enjoyed a blistering start to the 2023/24 campaign but ebbed away from that lofty level as injuries knocked the team off-kilter.

One thing that Tottenham were not lacking was ambition - fresh faces rained in on north London and showcased Postecoglou's burning desire to lift his team to the upper echelon of the Premier League, returning to Europe and fostering a unit capable of sustaining a position at such a level.

There was also, however, too much flotsam bobbing about, and now that fringe players are being moved on, Tottenham can invest in crucial depth, with a new defender being lined up.

Spurs transfer news

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, as relayed by TEAMtalk, Tottenham are one of the clubs to have made contact over a deal to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is currently starring for Italy at Euro 2024.

Valued at €40m (roughly £34m) by the Serie A side, who qualified for the Champions League last season, Calafiori has also attracted from Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United, with the Blues and the Magpies having also been in contact with the Italians.

Returning to European competition later in 2024, Tottenham will need depth and Calafiori boasts the kind of dynamic and versatile style to make a positive impact on Postecoglou's squad.

Riccardo Calafiori's season in numbers

Calafiori played a key part in Bologna's prosperous campaign, finishing fifth under Thiago Motta (clinching Champions League via coefficient rankings) and said to have "everything it takes to become a revelation in Italy's defence this summer" by journalist Zach Lowy.

Indeed, his efforts on the domestic front have turned Luciano Spalletti's head and earned him a starring place in the Azzurri's European squad this summer.

He might have lucklessly scored an own goal as Spain defeated Italy 1-0 last time out, but the 22-year-old won five duels, made three clearances, and won two tackles and interceptions apiece, as per Sofascore, proving himself as one of the better performers against rampant opposition after a terrific opening display against Albania.

Such modern-tailored tactical qualities have garnered attention in recent weeks but this is simply an illustration of a year-long success story.

Calafiori kept ten clean sheets from 30 Serie A games last term, completed 90% of his passes, succeeded in 71% of his aerial battles - he's been described as an "aerial monster" by analyst Ben Mattinson - and won 1.7 tackles per game, but he also proved himself perfect for a ball-centric, free-flowing system. A system, in fact, just like Tottenham's.

Why Calafiori would be perfect for Ange

Talent scout Jacek Kulig said that "Thiago Motta is creating a top-class, ball-playing" defender at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, but given that the Brazil-born manager has been anointed as Juventus' new manager, it's conceivable that Calafiori would be tempted by a move away despite Bologna having a seat at Europe's elite table.

As per FBref, the £12k-per-week ace ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 20% for passes attempted, the top 19% for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 4% for interceptions per 90.

He's an all-encompassing kind of defender with an aggressive, commanding presence, and given Tottenham's past success in bringing such a defender in from Italy, it might just be worth making the move.

Most recently, Tottenham signed Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £27m, but the Romanian, while highly versatile, is more of a no-nonsense defender than Cristian Romero, who melds uber-aggression with immense technical skills.

It's Romero who Calafiori could emulate in signing for Tottenham, with the Argentinian 2022 World Cup winner transferring from Atalanta for a £42m fee in 2021, aged 23 at the time.

Having chalked up 98 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring eight goals and establishing himself as one of English football's finest centre-halves, with none other than Lionel Messi hailing him as "the best defender in the world" back in 2023.

Possibly a little overzealous at times, but that does not negate Romero's staggering strength. He ranks among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 21% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 20% for progressive carries and the top 11% for tackles per 90.

The 6 foot 1 titan also won 70% of his aerial duels in the Premier League last season, showing that a partnership with Calafiori in the rearguard would provide Tottenham with a remarkable level of aerial superiority.

Moreover, both players boast high-class attacking qualities, albeit favouring different elements of the offensive game. But this is simply a depiction of the type of player Spurs would add to the fold, bolstering Postecoglou's fluid, fast-attacking style of play with a defender capable of contributing effectively to build-up patterns.

Tottenham have been moulded into a press-proficient unit under the craggy-faced Australian, instilled with a sense of energy and sharpened with a measure of athletic prowess. Calafiori embodies such traits, incredibly recovering 6.5 balls per match in the Italian top flight last year while nearly making one dribble every two outings.

This is a player who is perfect for Postecoglou's system. Tottenham already have a wonderful left-footed centre-back in Micky van de Ven but the Dutchman only played 27 league matches as he was tugged back by a hamstring injury.

Calafiori would offer depth and competition; he would arrive with the air of a player capable of lifting Spurs to heights unseen in a long, long time, and possibly repeat the masterclass the club played when they snapped Romero up from the Serie A in the past.