Antonio Conte’s plan for Tottenham flop Giovani Lo Celso obvious after bid declined
Antonio Conte is having a successful first summer transfer window as manager of Tottenham Hotspur. He has already brought in five new players and is looking to make room for more with a number of departures, including Giovani Lo Celso.
Tottenham have already signed Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, and Clement Lenglet this summer. They also appear to be close to completing the signing of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough.
Conte’s team finished the season in fine form, stealing fourth place from rivals Arsenal, and he will want to build on that so his team can compete in all competitions.
The Italian was vocal throughout last season about wanting to rid the squad of its “deadwood,” and now the focus has shifted.
Lo Celso was loaned out to Villarreal for the second half of last season, but the club would like to part ways with him permanently now. Spurs have rejected a loan bid from Fiorentina for the versatile midfielder, according to The Times.
The Argentina international is worth around £20 million, and Villarreal are keen to sign the playmaker on a permanent basis, but they have yet to meet Tottenham’s asking price. Lo Celso made just nine Premier League appearances last season and has yet to start a game since Conte took over as manager.
But the former Real Betis star isn’t the only one who has been pushed out by the former Chelsea manager. Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon, both fullbacks, are reportedly for sale, with the latter attracting interest from Sevilla.
Product of the Academy Harry Winks is also rumoured to be on the market, with the England international linked with moves to Leicester City and Everton this summer.
The arrivals of Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentacur last season pushed the 26-year-old down the North London pecking order, and he is now deemed surplus to requirements.
Winks would not be the first player to be sold this summer, as Jake Clarke (Sunderland), Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) have all been allowed to leave the club. There is also talk of Japhet Tanganga leaving Tottenham, with AC Milan interested in the versatile defender.
Antonio Conte’s plan for Tottenham flop Giovani Lo Celso obvious after bid declined
