Tottenham to make ‘second push’ for Amrabat after World Cup displays

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Tottenham are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. Antonio Conte is keen to continue building his own squad in north London and is expecting to continue to be well-backed in the upcoming transfer windows.

Spurs made a solid start to the Premier League season, heading into the international break in fourth place. Conte’s side showed great spirit during that time, though their slow starts to matches have been a major cause for concern.

Several of Tottenham’s summer signings have all made an impact, with Richarlison and Ivan Perisic both setting in well under Conte. Though the Italian boss appears to remain unconvinced by his squad, with La Repubblica reporting that his side are ‘ready’ to pursue Amrabat once again.

It was widely reported in January that Tottenham were keen on the Fiorentina star in the January transfer window but a deal never materialised, leaving the 26-year-old disappointed having rejected ‘other options’ in favour of a move to work under Conte.

Amrabat has impressed with Morocco at the World Cup with dominant performances in the centre of the park, helping them to an emphatic victory over Belgium last week when neutralising the threat of Kevin De Bruyne and co. The midfielder is known to be ‘liked’ by Conte and his displays in Qatar are more than convincing Spurs that he is now the ‘best version’ of himself.

With Amrabat’s contract expiring in 2024, it is unlikely that Fiorentina will be able to demand an excessive fee for their No 34. Though the acquisition of another midfielder could spell trouble for some of Tottenham’s fringe stars.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have shone for Spurs so far this season, with summer acquisition Yves Bissouma proving apt cover for the pair and also being utilised in a deep-lying role when Conte has switched to a 3-5-2. Thus, with Amrabat potentially on his way, it could leave academy product Oliver Skipp questioning where his game time will come from.

The 22-year-old suffered a hairline fracture in his foot during pre-season, which has meant that he has slipped down the pecking order in north London. Former Spurs star Paul Robinson has questioned whether the Englishman is capable of stepping up when called upon.

He told Footy Insider: “I’ll be honest, I think he still has a lot to prove to be considered of the level of the others. Bentancur and Hojbjerg have been brilliant this year. Spurs have a lot of quality in that side. To progress and move on they need players like Skipp to prove themselves. Conte is giving him that opportunity at the moment. I question whether Skipp is of the level of Bentancur though. Skipp has to step up.”

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