Tottenham are in the frame to sign Serie A wing-back.
Tottenham Hotspur have already banked two new defenders, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving via free agency, although the latter’s move is yet to become official. Another centre-back on top of Senesi is wanted, with Spurs trying to agree on a fee with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke.
The North Londoners have already seen two bids rejected for Van Hecke, who has agreed personal terms to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This shows the Netherlands international’s desire to swap the Seagulls for Spurs and reunite with Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham prioritising defensive reinforcements over other areas of the pitch makes total sense. This comes in the wake of the team conceding close to 57 goals in the Premier League and narrowly escaping relegation last season. In addition to centre-backs, De Zerbi is eyeing a new right-back amid Pedro Porro’s uncertain future.
Tottenham, Nottingham Forest are in the frame for Atalanta full-back Raoul Bellanova
According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Tottenham could compete with Nottingham Forest for Atalanta right-back Raoul Bellanova.
Raoul Bellanova moved to Atalanta from Torino in 2024 amid a lot of fanfare and excitement. However, he has failed to live up to the expectations for La Dea. He endured a poor last season, finding himself in and out of the team and missing more than a month with a hamstring injury. This clearly impacted the Italian’s consistency levels, and after missing out on Champions League qualification, Atalanta are ready to sell him.
The report adds that the Bergamo-based outfit are open to offers for Bellanova and a fee of around €20m. Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation, while Fulham are also in the race. He could end up staying in Italy, with AC Milan long-term admirers of the six-cap Italian international.
Could Bellanova replace Porro at Spurs?
Porro has been a mainstay in the Tottenham backline in recent years. While his season did not go as per the plan, the Spaniard remained committed to the cause throughout and helped his team beat the drop.
As the right-back still has two years left on his contract, the North Londoners are in no rush to sell him. But with Barcelona vying for his signature, Porro could be tempted to return to his homeland and play for a club that will be competing for major honours again next season. Should he leave, it would create a big gap in the Tottenham squad, not only in terms of quality and experience but also leadership.
Bellanova may not possess that kind of top-level exposure, but he certainly has the attributes to potentially replace Porro at White Hart Lane. Having predominantly operated as a wing-back for Torino and Atalanta, the Italian’s attacking flair, industry and directness could be tailored for De Zerbi’s system. He will need to adapt to a full-back role at Spurs as De Zerbi plays with a back four, whilst improving on his decision-making and end product in the final third.
For €20m, Bellanova may actually be worth the gamble for the Lilywhites.