![Tottenham and AS Roma Bosses Tottenham and AS Roma Bosses](https://i0.wp.com/topfootballnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tottenham-and-AS-Roma-Bosses.jpg?resize=678%2C381&ssl=1)
This summer, the Lilywhites are looking for a new center-back.
According to Italian media reports, Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies might be part of a Spurs exchange deal to sign Roma striker Roger Ibanez.
Who will the Spurs bring in this summer?
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is thought to be planning for the 2022/2023 season behind the scenes, despite not formally commencing work until Saturday.
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Tottenham have reportedly had transfer planning discussions with chairman Daniel Levy, leading to interest in a wide range of players, while Empoli have already completed a deal for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The Lilywhites are also thought to be keen in signing Leicester City player James Maddison, with negotiations progressing towards a deal that would put an end to their extended hunt for an attacking midfielder.
However, one area in which Spurs may require reinforcements is at centre-back, especially given that no other top-flight team higher than 15th surrendered more goals than them previous season.
As a result, it is reported that Tottenham have selected a number of contenders for the position, including Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, and Juventus sensation Gleison Bremer (The Telegraph).
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Ibanez, who excelled briefly for Roma last season, has also been linked with a transfer to north London.
According to Leggo, as related by Corriere Giallo Rosso.com, there is an interesting line on this, with a possible swap deal in the works.
Indeed, it has been suggested that Spurs defender Davies may be used as a makeweight in a “hypothetical exchange” for the Brazilian, given Jose Mourinho’s admiration for the former.
There isn’t much else reported in terms of specifics, but a Tottenham exchange for Ibanez appears to be a possibility.
What have others said about Roger Ibanez?
Ibanez had very outstanding figures for Roma past season, recording more Serie A interceptions per 90 minutes than anybody else on the team (WhoScored).
The 24-year-old was also among their best in terms of successful tackles and clearances per 90 minutes, which may have piqued Tottenham’s interest.
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Former Roma fullback Vincent Candela has even suggested that he might become one of the greatest in the world at his position, but with a caveat that his “concentration” could improve.
“Ibanez has the potential to become one of the world’s best defenders,” Candela stated.
“However, he needs to work on his concentration.” It’s a pity, because following his derby gaffe, something changed for the rest of the team.”
Mourinho also described Ibanez as a “untouchable” component of his squad early in the season, so it will be interesting to see if they split ways.
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