Tottenham Hotspur could have a clear run at Pau Torres during this summer’s transfer window…
What’s the word?
Spurs are one of several teams thought to be interested in the Villarreal centre-back, with the Daily Mail reporting last month that the north Londoners were exploring a part-exchange involving loan star Giovani Lo Celso.
They also claimed that Premier League rivals Chelsea were also keen but since then, the Blues have signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and appear to be closing in on a swoop for Jules Kounde, surely putting them out of the race to sign the Spaniard.
Serie A giants Juventus are another team that have been heavily mooted with Torres but they have made a move for Torino colossus Gleison Bremer in a bid to replace Matthijs de Ligt instead.
Manchester United are the third main contenders for the 25-year-old’s signature but having also brought in a centre-back in the shape of Lisandro Martinez, they too could also be out of the running, thus opening the door for Spurs to strike.
Time to move
The door has seemingly opened for the Lilywhites to make their move as it’s believed that Antonio Conte is still after another central defensive signing.
Do Spurs need to sign Pau Torres?
NO!
YES!
Torres would be quite the coup indeed as he has proven his credentials over the last few seasons, performing reliably in LaLiga, as well as the Champions League and Europa League.
He was part of the Yellow Submarine squad which clinched the latter trophy in 2021 and last season he helped Unai Emery’s side to the semi-finals of UEFA’s premier club competition.
The 6 foot 3 titan has emerged as one of Europe’s best ball-playing defenders – as per FBRef, he ranks within the top 1% for dribbles completed (0.80), and the top 10% for both progressive passes (4.39) and progressive carries (4.71) per 90, when compared to other centre-backs.
It’s no wonder that he has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by former coach Javi Calleja to The Athletic.
Conte may well have already signed a new centre-back this summer, bringing Clement Lenglet in on loan from FC Barcelona, but that’s not enough if they are to contend on all fronts this campaign.
His arrival was a necessity as he’s the only natural left-footed defensive option at the club, besides full-back Ben Davies.
Cristian Romero and Eric Dier also need quality behind them, something that the Italian may well lack in Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon; that much is evident by Conte’s lack of faith in the pair – they made just 17 league starts combined last term.
As such, sporting director Fabio Paratici must now make an official approach for Torres, having been boosted by the activity from some of the club’s rivals in the transfer market.
AND in other news, Dharmesh Sheth drops exciting Spurs transfer update…