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Tottenham in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Serie A duo and transform defence

Tottenham are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ over a double deal to sign centre-back Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta.

New sporting director Fabio Paratici looks like he is beginning to add his own stamp to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, with the arrival of the two Atalanta stars appearing to be close. A deal to sign Bologna centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, who can also operate at right-back, is also on the cards.

Central defence has been the main focus for Paratici, especially given that the club have been unable to have talks to convince Harry Kane to stay as yet.

A backup keeper, who will eventually replace Hugo Lloris, has also been a major consideration. With that in mind, Joe Hart is expected to be moved on if Gollini signs.

The 26-year-old has spent time in England previously, having been at Manchester United’s academy. He also had a spell at Aston Villa in the Championship.

Gollini has been Atalanta’s No.1 since 2018, during which time the club has had three successive third-placed Serie A finishes. He is also a regular performer in the Champions League.

As for Romero, Spurs will have to wait to complete a deal for the Argentina international.

The 23-year-old started three games for Argentina at this summer’s Copa America, including the famous final victory over hosts Brazil.

Romero, who has also been linked with Man Utd, is actually midway through a two-year loan from Juventus. However, Atalanta are expected to trigger an option to buy for a fixed fee of in the region of £13.8m. They will then look to make a bumper profit by selling the player to Spurs.

There is no mention of the fee for Romero in the football.london report. But it is expected to be at least double what Atalanta will pay.

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Romero a class act in Serie A

Romero would be a welcome addition to a Tottenham defence that struggled at times last season. The commanding centre-back was voted as the best defender in Serie A last season, which will be music to Spurs fans ears.

With regards to Tomiyasu’s expected switch to north London, the Japan star is currently away with his country at the Olympics.

He is expected to complete his switch after the global showpiece event comes to an end on August 8.

The potential arrival of two new central defenders certainly fits in with how Nuno likes to play.

At this stage it remains unclear whether the Portuguese will start the season with his preferred 3-5-2 system or play a back four.

Wolves were at their best when playing the former. However, Nuno reverted to a four in the second half of last season. But, while the Molineux outfit created more going forward, they were also more open defensively.

The fact that Tottenham have also been linked with the likes of Conor Coady, Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vestergaard and Jules Kounde suggests they want to stockpile centre-backs to play with a trio going forward.

READ MORE: Pundit condemns Tottenham defender who has agent seeking new club

 

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