Tottenham escape route opens for Sergio Reguilon, which could accelerate Paratici pursuit of midfield target

Tottenham Hotspur may have found an ideal transfer solution for one of their misfits, Sergio Reguilon, as a result of a transfer pursuit of their own, per reports in Italy.

Sergio Reguilon is the outcast in question. The Spanish wing-back has trained separately from the main Tottenham Hotspur squad this summer. The club are trying to find a buyer for him after deciding they no longer need him.

Indeed, Tottenham can instead rely on the likes of Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon to compete on the left flank. They also have added Destiny Udogie for the 2023-24 season onwards, so have cover for the future.

Offloading Reguilon has taken some time, though. He has been linked with the likes of Sevilla and Barcelona, but nothing of note has happened.

Now, though, a new suitor has entered the running for Reguilon’s signature. According to Italian outlet, Calciomercato, the ex-Real Madrid prospect has become a target for Atalanta.

The Serie A side sold Robin Gosens to Inter Milan in January, without immediately bringing in a replacement. Therefore, it is still a role they could consider strengthening before the transfer window closes.

Reguilon has been identified as a target by Atalanta scout, Lee Congerton, who knows the English market well. It could finally lead to a feasible exit opportunity for the 25-year-old.

Tottenham will be attentive to any developments. Atalanta have carried out an initial survey about Reguilon’s availability. However, the excessive cost of the operation is holding them back at present.

Reguilon’s salary would be particularly problematic for them at this stage. The Bergamo-based outfit do not have any European football on offer this season, either.

But what could play into their hands – and Tottenham’s – is the chance that Ruslan Malinovskyi could move in the opposite direction.

Sergio Reguilon for Ruslan Malinovskyi makes sense despite different positions

It has recently emerged that the Atalanta attacking midfielder is on Tottenham’s radar. He could be another piece of the puzzle that Antonio Conte is trying to finish.

Therefore, there could be the scope for a part-exchange deal of some description. The value of each player is yet to be determined.

Calciomercato confirm that Tottenham’s interest in Malinovskyi is strong. Hence, perhaps they could end up sending Reguilon to sweeten the deal.

The swap structure would be far from a like-for-like arrangement. But it may actually be beneficial to what each club needs.

Tottenham clearly feel they can get by without Reguilon, whereas Atalanta need a natural left-back. Malinovskyi, meanwhile, could consider a transfer to the Premier League to add another element to Conte’s midfield.

The fact that a player could move in each direction may help Spurs in their efforts to offload Reguilon. It may not be completely straightforward. But the benefits to either side are there.

And if Reguilon is to end up in Italy, he might not be the only Spurs flop to head in that direction this summer. Indeed, Tanguy Ndombele’s exit for Napoli is nearing completion…