Dream Conte signing now available for fraction of true value, with Tottenham gifted chance to wreck PSG plan after dramatic U-turn
An ideal signing that’d go a long way to remedying Antonio Conte’s woes has been put up for sale, with Tottenham now in a race against time to complete a move at PSG’s expense, per reports.
Conte cut a frustrated figure in the aftermath of his side’s 4-2 defeat to Man City last week. Spurs went into the break with a two-goal lead, but for the first time in his career, a Conte-managed side proceeded to ship four goals in a single half.
In the aftermath, Jamie Carragher was among the most vociferous voices to call for multiple new additions at the back. Goalkeeper, right wing-back and two centre-halves were on the Liverpool legend’s wishlist for Tottenham.
Spurs are expected to replace the increasingly error-prone Hugo Lloris in 2023. Right wing-back, meanwhile, could be hoovered up by Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro.
However, today’s update regards centre-back and an elite player Conte knows well is now on the market. What’s more, he’ll cost less than half the figures quotes just six months prior.
Inter perform U-turn on Milan Skriniar
Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), report Inter Milan have performed a U-turn on Milan Skriniar and now wish to cash in this month while they still can.
The 27-year-old Slovakia international has entered the final six months of his deal at Inter and talks over an extension have not borne fruit.
L’Equipe claimed Skriniar has verbally agreed to join PSG at season’s end. However, in lieu of ill-advised and very public comments from Skriniar’s agent regarding a move away, Inter have heard enough and want to cut ties six months early.
To do so, they’ve told PSG to stump up €20m (approx. £17.7m) in the final week of the window. If they do, Skriniar can leave for Paris mid-season.
€20m is a fraction of Skriniar’s true value given he was mentioned alongside a €50m move over the summer. However, Inter’s weak bargaining position has forced them to drastically lower their demands.
Skriniar has regularly been linked with a move to Tottenham thanks in large part to the presence of Conte.
Could Conte lure Skriniar to Tottenham?
Skriniar was a top performer during Conte’s time at the San Siro and anchored the three-man backline that laid the foundations for their Serie A title in 2020-21.
Given Tottenham have tabled offers well below market value for the likes of Leandro Trossard and Pedro Porro this month, it stands to reason they’re working with a tight budget.
Skriniar’s vastly reduced price could tempt Spurs into a late-window lunge. However, given the player seemingly has eyes for PSG, they must act now rather than wait until he’s a free agent in the summer.
If they don’t make a decisive move this month, all roads for Skriniar will lead to Paris in six months’ time. In that scenario, the French giant won’t even be forced into opening the chequebook.
PSG would obviously prefer to avoid paying a transfer fee and sign the player for nothing in the summer. The onus is now on Tottenham to try their hand with a cut-price move in the final week of the window and attempt to catch PSG cold.
The fact Inter are now prioritising a sale has opened the door for them to strike. Whether they’ll stride through, only time will tell.
