Early transfer success gives Tottenham and Antonio Conte a chance of breaking into Premier League top three

Tottenham have acted unusually quickly in the transfer market to reward Antonio Conte for last season’s top-four finish, which could leave them at an advantage for next season. The Italian exceeded expectations after his return to the Premier League as he usurped fellow contenders Arsenal and Manchester United to secure Champions League football, but in the immediate aftermath of Spurs’ success, Conte refused to say he would stay on for the 2022/23 season, as rumours suggested that he was looking to put pressure on chairman Daniel Levy this summer.

Ad/> Levy is not known for his enthusiastic alacrity in the transfer market, nor his largesse, so the turnaround might suggest that Conte has his support for the next season. Given Mauricio Pochettino was once treated to a summer transfer window without a single player brought in, the first transfer Spurs made this window is a notable change.

TransfersTottenham strike deal to sign Bissouma from Brighton17/06/2022 AT 15:00 Ivan Perisic may be a unique wide player, with pace, strength and height more usually associated with a central striker, but at 33 he may not have many years left at his peak. Indeed, he may already be in decline.

He arrived on a free transfer from Inter Milan on a two-year contract, which may come back to haunt the club’s wage bill if he does not stay fit or offers little to the side. Alongside him so far is Yves Bissouma, the impressive midfielder from Brighton who can offer more than the outgoing Harry Winks, who is set to leave North London after Conte accurately appraised his ability, and goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The club need more than three players, of course. With Champions League ambitions and the need to stay ahead of those reinforcing below them,