Tottenham told Conte, Paratici masterstroke with Lenglet can shift ‘disappointing’ feeling for Conte

The arrival of Clement Lenglet to Tottenham would do more than enough to shift the disappointment of missing out on Alessandro Bastoni, one pundit believes.

Spurs have made a flying start in executing their summer transfer plans, sealing four new arrivals already. Former Everton striker Richarlison is the latest signing, following reinforcements elsewhere on the pitch.

However, given manager Antonio Conte’s hallmark for working with top defenders, he wants a new centre-back as his next top priority.

And Barcelona star Lenglet is Conte’s current top target. Tottenham, led on the transfer front by director of football Fabio Paratici, want the French centre-back in on a one-year loan deal.

The interest in Lenglet comes after high-profile discussions of interest in Inter’s Bastoni. The Italian was a leading light in Conte’s Inter team which won Serie A in 2021. However, Inter have reportedly put a £51million price tag on the centre-back which Spurs backed away from.

Speaking to Football Insider, former goalkeeper Paul Robinson backed Conte to get the best out of Lenglet, despite not wanting him as his top target.

“It would be disappointing if they can’t get Bastoni this year because he is a top-quality player who knows how to play that left-sided centre-half role,” Robinson said.

“That is what [Antonio] Conte needs. That is what he is looking for.

“If Spurs can get Lenglet on loan it solves a problem. Everyone is aware of Barcelona’s financial situation. If he does well there will be an opportunity to sign him.

“He is a very good player even though he hasn’t been playing week in, week out. He is a top-level centre-half.”

Tottenham fans must trust Conte over Lenglet

Robinson added that Conte’s January additions of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski – who have hit the ground running – prove that fans must trust the Italian to progress the club.

“You have to trust [Fabio] Paratici and Conte,” the pundit said.

“When you look at the signings they have brought in, Bentancur and Kulusevski, they weren’t regular starters at their previous clubs. But they have been brilliant for Spurs.

“Lenglet could prove to be another brilliant signing.”

Spurs motoring in transfer market

Spurs have wasted no time at all looking to keep the momentum from last season going.

They landed a top-four Premier League finish which has set them up for a return to the Champions League next season.

Tottenham in negotiations for Clement Lenglet from Barcelona

Tottenham are in talks with Clement Lenglet as he aims to leave Barcelona this summer

And they have four new faces joining them for pre-season this month. As well as Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Ivan Perisic have joined Conte’s ranks ahead of the new campaign.

Tottenham are ready to go ahead of the new campaign, but a new centre-back will be more than ideal too.