Transfer Talk: How Conte is targeting Spurs summer transformation

Antonio Conte has big ambitions for Tottenham — and he will want to make his mark in North London this summer. 

Spurs are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish but have been plagued by periods of inconsistency through the season. 

So the Italian tactician will know that his squad still needs plenty of work if they are to really push on in 2022-23. 

Ahead of tonight's trip to Liverpool, we take a look at what changes could take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the months ahead.

Time to let Hu-go?

Hugo Lloris will not leave this summer — he only recently extended his contract until 2024 — but Tottenham should still be looking to bring in some goalkeeping competition. 

The 35-year-old's status as club captain suggests that his place in Spurs' starting line-up is assured.

But there are some doubts about whether he remains a top Premier League goalkeeper. 

Based on Lloris' performances this season, it is certainly hard to make that case. 

If we look at his goals prevented data, the France skipper is conceding slightly more goals than would be expected (0.8) — and he has also made some costly mistakes over the last year. 

Spurs have recently been linked with England internationals Jordan Pickford and Sam Johnstone, who is out of contract at West Brom next month and was one of the top-flight's standout shot-stoppers in 2020-21.

Defensive reinforcements

The North Londoners have never truly replaced former defensive rocks Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld — though doing so was always likely to be a tough task. 

Cristian Romero is well on his way to becoming a world-class operator, Eric Dier seems to be enjoying a new lease of life in the middle of a back three and Ben Davies has recaptured his best form under Conte. 

But there is still undoubtedly room for improvement, with Spurs set to prioritise a left-sided centre-half to compete with Davies this summer.

The key position

Wing-backs are key to Conte's system, so ensuring they have sufficient quality on both flanks will be vital to chances of success next term. 

Perhaps resurgent Ryan Sessegnon will prove to be the long-term answer on the left — but it is harder to say the same for Emerson Royal on the right. 

The jury is still out on whether the Brazilian is cut out to play as a wing-back, although Spurs will surely be reluctant to give up on someone they paid over £25million for back in August.

A reunion on the cards?

Christian Eriksen's comeback with Brentford has been the feel-good story of the season — and Conte has not ruled out a move for the Danish playmaker. 

Speaking last month, he said: "Yeah, for sure to work again with Christian [would be] a fantastic opportunity — I enjoyed the time that we spent together [at] Inter Milan. 

"This type of player — great player, a good man — I think every manager, every coach, likes to work with them." 

Eriksen would certainly be a hugely popular signing with Tottenham's supporters. However, it is hard to see where he would naturally fit into Conte's 3-4-3 set-up, which is currently serving his side so well.

Taking the strain off Kane

After Spurs warded off Manchester City's advances last summer, it feels like the window of opportunity for Harry Kane — who turns 29 in July — to join one of the very best teams on the planet has passed. 

If the England captain is to win that elusive major trophy, he may have to do it at the club where he is on course to become their all-time record goalscorer. 

Kane could do with some help, though. As much as Lucas Moura and the prolific Heung Min Son can operate at centre-forward, neither is a natural in that role. 

With a World Cup set to interrupt next season, Tottenham would be wise to bring in a high-quality back-up, to take some of the strain off Kane.

Though as previous attempts to do that have shown, it is easier said than done.