Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in pursuing a transfer deal for for AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Lilywhites were linked with a move for the Brazilian during the previous summer window but didn’t end up signing him.
Now though, fresh links have emerged concerning the defender and a potential move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to a recent report from Forza Roma (via Sport Witness), Spurs have once again made their interest in Ibanez known to Roma.
The report also adds that while the centre-back has a release clause in his contract worth €80m (£71m), the Italian club are in the same position they were in last summer in terms of wanting between €35m (£31m) and €40m (£35m).
After initially joining Roma on a loan deal from Atalanta in the 2020 January transfer window, the defender eventually became a permanent fixture at the Italian club in the 2021 summer window.
During his time with Jose Mourinho’s side, the 24-year-old has made 134 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with nine goals and two assists along the way.
His efforts this season in Serie A have shown why he is such an impressive player and why Spurs still apparently have their eyes on him.
Do Spurs need to sign new defenders this summer?
Yes
No
For example, across his 24 league appearances, Ibanez has not only racked up the second-highest passing accuracy at Roma (87.9%), he also has the highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (107) at the club.
Crucially, he would rank top among Tottenham’s regular defenders in both departments.
Elsewhere, his overall performances in the Italian top flight have earned him a strong season rating of 7.08/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest-rated player in Mourinho’s squad.
Hailed for his “outstanding” efforts at the back by journalist Josh Bunting, the Brazilian would certainly offer Antonio Conte’s side some much needed strength at the back considering they have conceded 36 goals in 26 Premier League games – the most in the top half.
With all of that in mind, we feel that if Spurs are indeed still interested in signing the Roma star, they should do all they can to secure the deal and get him to north London.