Antonio Conte’s Napoli – as well as Juventus and Inter Milan – have now been told to watch out for Tottenham as the quartet compete to sign the same player.
The Italian trio are three of Europe’s biggest clubs, although one news outlet in Italy has warned the Serie A sides about the threat of Spurs in this particular transfer battle.
So, who are Tottenham trying to sign ahead of the Italian giants? Let’s take a look…
Antonio Conte and Italian giants told to “watch out” for Tottenham in Giovanni Leoni battle
A story from SampNews24 now mentions that Tottenham are keen to sign Sampdoria No.46 Giovanni Leoni.
The 17-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign with Sampdoria on loan from Padova, although Andrea Pirlo’s side have since signed the teenager permanently for a sum of €1.5m (£1.2m).
However, Leoni may not be staying with Sampdoria for much longer, as Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and Tottenham monitor his situation.
SampNews24 tells the trio of Italian giants to “watch out” for Tottenham, suggesting that the financial power of a Premier League side may be enough to see all three Serie A outfits miss out.
Leoni made 28 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring one goal while also picking up six yellow cards.
Who is the Italian Spurs target?
Given Leoni’s lack of experience, a large number of Tottenham supporters may have never heard of him or know what type of player he is.
If that is the case, a comparison to a better known footballer may help, and the wonderkid from Rome has actually been likened to Mats Hummels.
The Germany international and Borussia Dortmund legend – who was surprisingly left out of UEFA EURO 2024 by Julian Nagelsmann despite a superb 2023/24 campaign – has been one of the best central defenders of the past decade, winning the 2014 World Cup as well as six Bundesliga titles.
It was Football Talent Scout who likened Leoni to Hummels, specifically mentioning the teenager’s positioning, anticipation, composure, passing, aerial duels and physicality as his best traits.
READ MORE: Tottenham could be about to bid for £20m player who is shining at EURO 2024
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Spurs could soon add the Italian to their exciting crop of young talent, after precocious talents in Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic were also signed by Tottenham…