Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make a bid to sign Torino star Samuele Ricci next year, according to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Lilywhites signed Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall this summer to bolster their squad, but also sold Giovani Lo Celso and Oliver Skipp. In addition, Piere-Emile Hojbejrg joined Olympique de Marseille on loan and apparently has no future at the club.
So, it seems the North London club are considering strengthening the engine room next year and report back on it. HITC, Outer wall has stated that Spurs are willing to sign a new midfielder to ease the workload of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr and have singled out Ricci as a serious option.
The Lilywhites are keeping a close eye on the youngster's development and sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action for Italy against Israel last night. The midfielder has been compared to Rodri due to having a similar playing style to the latter. Manchester City talisman.
Ricci has entered the final two years of his current contract, so Torino could be open to cashing in on him next year to avoid losing him for free at the end of next season and wanting around £25m for their star man.
Ricci joins Tottenham
After coming through Empoli's youth system, Ricci joined Torino on an initial loan deal in January 2022 before the deal was made permanent the following summer.
The youngster has flourished in his career with Torino in recent years and has now also secured his place in Luciano Spalletti's Italy squad.
The midfielder is comfortable with the ball at his feet, can play by filtering passes between the lines and can also contribute defensively.
Tottenham have a tendency to sign young talents and provide them with a platform to play at the highest level, as they have done with Bergvall, Gray and Wilson Odobert. Ricci also falls into the same category and could be a shrewd acquisition for Ange Postecoglou's side if they sign him.
However, it will be interesting to see if the north London club ultimately opt to make a concrete approach to secure the signature of the Italian international in 2025 to bolster their midfield department.
