Top Tottenham Hotspur transfer target a no-brainer for Spurs

As we inch closer to the official start of the summer transfer window on June 10, Tottenham Hotspur has a clear top transfer target Alessandro Bastoni.

Two summers ago, Tottenham Hotspur seemingly had a chance to get ahead of the curve at centre-back and sign Luis Diaz as Jan Vertonghen was departing the club. Instead, Spurs passed, and Diaz was named the Premier League’s top player.

Last summer, Tottenham was again presented with an opportunity to sign a difference-making defender. This time under the leadership of Fabio Paratici, Spurs landed Cristian Romero from Juventus via Atalanta. Romero had an excellent season for the Lilywhites and should be a fixture at N17 for years to come.

This summer, Tottenham again has an opportunity to sign a difference-making defender. Bastoni is at the top of Antonio Conte‘s shopping list if you believe all the rumors. Bastoni would bring youth and immediate competition for Ben Davies at left-back. Even better, Bastoni is pure class as a player. And while Tottenham may sign a player or two on a free transfer, there is little doubt that Bastoni is the top target.

Bastoni checks all the boxes for Tottenham and Conte

Already familiar with Conte, playing for the Italian at Inter Milan, Bastoni is the Italian, left-footed version of Romero in many ways. Physically imposing at 1.9 meters (6’3″) and an excellent athlete to boot, Bastoni has the physique and ability to excel in the Premier League. And like Romero, Bastoni likes to attack the ball.

Alessandro is superb at pressuring opposing players and winning the ball. Whether on a tackle or intercepting a pass, Bastoni understands football tactics and is rarely beaten defensively.

And while Ben Davies was excellent defensively this past season, what sets Bastoni apart from Davies is his ability with the ball at his feet. Davies is a good player with the ball, and Bastoni is outstanding. The Italian defender is especially gifted at bringing the ball out of the defensive third.

He can carry the ball and dribble the ball forward and ping beautiful balls all over the park with his left foot. Bastoni can switch the ball with ease and rarely is rattled under pressure. His effortless passing and calm under pressure should result in many scoring chances for Spurs.

Bastoni is valued at £52.3m ($66m), reportedly about the price; Inter is looking for in exchange for the 23-year-old, and we know Spurs have the funds. Given that Bastoni has played for Conte before, would upgrade a position of need, and has a reasonable price tag, there is no reason for Spurs not to do this deal. If Paratici and Conte can land Bastoni, we will know this truly is a new day in north London.