Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Conte told Atletico Madrid star wants Tottenham move as drastic price fall tempts Italian to pounce

Yannick Carrasco, Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar during Atletico Madrid training session. in Majadahonda, Spain

Tottenham are being presented with a golden chance to sign a long-term target after a change of stance by the player and his club, Atletico Madrid, ahead of the January window.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte used the winter market to excellent effect last year, bringing in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus. The two signings made a considerable impact on Conte’s side, pushing them past Arsenal in the battle to claim a Champions League place.

Now, with the promise of big funds at his disposal for more squad strengthening in 2023, Conte is busy putting plans into place.

Indeed, the Italian is looking at a number of potential transfer options to bolster his side. Perhaps top of his agenda is a new right wing-back with Denzel Dumfries a potentially ambitious target.

Conte also wants a long-term solution to his central defence and a big-name Manchester United man has been suggested as a January target.

There are also plans to strengthen in midfield. The likes of Adrien Rabiot – set to feature in Sunday’s World Cup final – is also reportedly a potential target. And talks over a deal to sign another impressive World Cup star, Sofyan Amrabat, have also been confirmed.

Conte also seemingly wants to strengthen in attack, amid suggestions France striker Marcus Thuram is on their wishlist.

The Italian, though, could instead look to sign an attacking midfielder – more of a No 10 if you like – to offer a different option.

To that end, they are reportedly considering a move for Rusan Malinovskyi. The Ukrainian star looks set to leave Atalanta on a cut-price deal in January with his deal due to expire in the summer.

Another name who could come back into the transfer equation though is Yannick Carrasco.

Tottenham told Yannick Carrasco is available for transfer

Conte has a long-standing interest in the Belgian, having reportedly looked into a possible deal over the summer.

At the time, Atletico Madrid were unwilling to sell Carrasco, with the player a key performer in Diego Simeone’s plans.

However, it now seems the 2021 Spanish champions have now reportedly had a change of heart over the 29-year-old.

Per Marca, they are now open to the idea of the winger’s sale in January – if the price is right.

Carrasco has lost his place as a regular starter under Simeone. And, with a deal expiring in 2024, they could decide to cash in. To that end, the report claims Atletico will ‘explore’ avenues to sell Carrasco in the January window. And they hope that Carrasco’s previous suitors, Tottenham, could once again come calling.

With a £51m exit clause in his deal, Atletico are now reportedly open to his sale for around half that figure now.

Furthermore, while Carrasco previously said no to their approaches, AS reckons a fresh Spurs approach can now turn his head.

As relayed by Sport Witness, they state the ‘scenario has changed’ and any offer from Tottenham ‘would now be more affirmative’.

In addition, Carrasco is unhappy with his current situation at the Wanda Metropolitano. And he reportedly accepts his next move will be the last big contract of his career.

Carrasco has started 11 times for Atletico in LaLiga and the Champions League this season. However, he has been in and out the side, featuring eight more times off the bench. The Belgian has just two goals and one assist to his name.

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