Transfer Talk: Conte plots Serie A raid as six Spurs targets revealed

Antonio Conte is already plotting a huge overhaul at Tottenham — with six Serie A stars said to be on the Italian’s radar.

The 52-year-old, a previous Premier League winner at Spurs’ city rivals Chelsea, has taken the reins in North London after Nuno Espirito Santo was relieved of his duties on Monday.

It is an appointment which has widely been hailed as a coup, with Conte having initially turned the club down when they approached him in the summer.

Clearly his mind has been changed by senior officials — and that is largely down to significant spending promises being agreed, according to the Telegraph.

Conte is set to turn to his homeland for the bulk of his immediate reinforcements, with Calciomercato saying that six specific targets have already been outlined.

Juventus pair Federico Chiesa and Matthijs de Ligt top his wish list, with Italian international Chiesa thought to be valued in the region of £70million while Dutch defender De Ligt could cost £60m.

Meanwhile, another of Conte’s former clubs could be raided with the boss keen on Inter duo Stefan de Vrij and Marcelo Brozovic — both are likely to be attainable given the Nerazzurri’s ongoing financial woes.

Finally, AC Milan skipper Alessio Romagnoli and Fiorentina hotshot Dusan Vlahovic are also wanted men, though the latter will cost upwards of £50m and is attracting attention from top clubs around the continent.

Conte has wasted little time in identifying his requirements as he looks to deliver long-awaited success to his new employers.

In other news

Arsenal will make a loan move for Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic if Alexandre Lacazette leaves the Emirates, according to the Express. 

Jovic, 23, is clearly not a major part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans in the Spanish capital and the Gunners believe a deal could be struck — though Los Blancos would rather see him leave permanently for around £21m.

There could also be movement at fellow Spanish giants Barcelona, where Xavi has reportedly identified Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as one of four players on his wish list as the legendary midfielder readies himself to replace Ronald Koeman at the Camp Nou.

Pogba, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of this campaign and El Nacional suggest Xavi views the Frenchman as a potentially pivotal figure in his Blaugrana rebuild.

Lastly, despite his advancing years, Milan are ready to offer iconic forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic a new one-year deal to remain at the San Siro. 

Calciomercato say that the 40-year-old’s three goals in limited minutes already this term have convinced the club to reward the Swede with an extension.