Roberto De Zerbi has shaken up his Tottenham squad so far this summer with SIX new signings but more are anticipated to arrive before the September 1 deadline
Tottenham have approached Giorgio Scalvini's camp around a potential move for the Atalanta defender, it has been claimed. Scalvini, 22, is one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in European football having impressed since coming through the ranks at the Bergamo club.
He has made 137 appearances for Atalanta since making his first-team debut in October 2021 but could now leave the Serie A side during this summer transfer window. Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato, Tottenham and Newcastle have enquired with Scalvini's representatives to ask about the Italy international.
While Atalanta are keen to keep Scalvini, they are willing to start negotiations at £42million. They won't enter talks for anything less and new head coach Maurizio Sarri still considers him as a key asset for his back-line.
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At this stage, Tottenham have not made an offer for Scalvini, with the initial discussions focused on the player's willingness to consider a move to the Premier League. Only after receiving encouragement from Scalvini's camp would Spurs be expected to open talks with the Italian side.
Former Arsenal full-back Sead Kolasinac, now of Atalanta, praised his teammate last November and said he can understand the hype around the 2003-born talented defender.
He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I am struck by the maturity of his 19 years. He reads the game well, he knows what to do with the ball, defend one-on-one, how to use his body in marking: it's nice to have him alongside in defence. But first of all he is a good guy, even humble: if he doesn't lose this character, he will have a great career."
Spurs have already signed two central defenders so far this summer but remain open to getting a third across the line with Roberto De Zerbi keen to utilise the three-at-the-back formation again next season.
Jan Paul van Hecke is expected to have a major role in De Zerbi's system having signed for £52m from Brighton, while Marcos Senesi was recruited on a free transfer from Bournemouth. They are expected to join Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso competing for three places with Cristian Romero poised to leave the club.
In total, Tottenham have spent more than £200m on new players with Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali the others to come through the doors this summer.
They remain in the market for a new-look front line, too, with De Zerbi expressing the club's need to sign a "bomba" transfer in the coming weeks. Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is one still heavily linked.