If a report from the Italian outlet Calciomercato is believed to be true, Tottenham Hotspur might reignite interest in Fiorentina centre-half Nikola Milenkovic. But they are not alone in the hunt for the 24-year-old Serbian as the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan, as well as their London rivals West Ham United, are keeping close tabs on his contract situation.
The Viola star signed a new deal back in August to extend his stay until the summer of 2023. He has kept his options open by not committing his long-term future in Florence and the clubs, therefore, are exploring the opportunity to secure his services prior to the upcoming campaign.
Fiorentina, too, would not block his exit next year amid fears of losing him for free in 2023. They signed him from Partizan for €5.1m during the summer of 2017 and the player soon secured a starting role in the heart of their backline. Milenkovic has made 145 appearances for the Serie A side and his towering presence in deep defence grabbed the attention of many including the Lilywhites.
Spurs are desperate for new dawn after appointing Antonio Conte as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor. The former Azzurri boss holds enormous success back in his homeland with Juventus and Inter. He won the league with all of them and the ambitious project in the Lane under transfer chief Fabio Paratici might fascinate the centre-back to ply his trade in North London.
Why Tottenham Hotspur Should Still Go For Milenkovic
Tottenham have ample central defensive options in their ranks with Cristian Romero, Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon, Davinson Sánchez, Eric Dier and Ben Davies challenging each other for first-team spots. Romero, Dier and Davies seem to be Conte’s preferred ‘back three’ across competitions, however, it’s now or never for a few who have underperformed in recent years.
Milenkovic is strong in the air, has a good physique and is known for his scoring ability from the indirect set-piece situations. His sense of positioning, concentration and intercepting skills make him one of the most promising central defenders of Europe. The Serbia international is destined for a bigger move and a transfer to Tottenham can’t be ruled out given their objective and season goals.
Spurs, meanwhile, would undergo fixture congestion in the aftermath of the international break. They have to turn it around in the league, aim for a place in the League Cup semis and continue their winning streak in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Tanganga, Rodon and Sanchez would have their chances to impress the gaffer, but the club must keep on exploring the possibilities of strengthening the current set-up.
