‘Important Tottenham proposal’ to manager is ‘problem’ for Serie A giants – ‘I was quite surprised’
According to an Italian journalist, Tottenham have made an ‘important proposal’ to Luciano Spalletti and this is a ‘problem’ for Napoli.
Spurs have been without a permanent manager since Antonio Conte left the club at the end of March.
Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason have spent time as the club’s interim head coach since then. They returned to winning ways against Crystal Palace over the weekend but they may have to settle for a place in the Europa Conference League next season.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, while Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is believed to be an alternative target.
Up until now, Spalletti has not really been linked with Spurs. Earlier this year he was reportedly earmarked by Liverpool as a potential long-term replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
This comes amid the 64-year-old’s brilliant achievements at Napoli. He has helped them win the Serie A title as they are 17 points clear of second-placed Juventus.
Spalletti’s contract is up at the end of next season. His deal was initially due to expire this summer but Napoli have automatically extended it until 2024.
Italian journalist Ciro Venerato thinks Spurs are plotting a move for Spalletti as they are ‘concretely interested’ in him.
This is pretty baffling as it’s difficult to imagine Spalletti leaving Napoli for Spurs, given the differing trajectories each club is on.
But journalist Paolo Bargiggia is reporting that Tottenham are trying anyway. He reckons it’s a “problem” for Napoli that the English club can “guarantee” Spalletti a “very high salary”.
“How many percentages are there that Luciano Spalletti stays at Napoli? They told me 50% and I was quite surprised. I was convinced that it was at least 70%, but whoever told me this is certainly a reliable person. There is no conversation between Spalletti and De Laurentiis to plan,” Bargiggia said (via Sport Witness).
“Why did the manager release certain statements [Napoli exercising one year extension], proving to be rather cold on the hypothesis of a renewal? The problem is that the Tuscan had an important proposal from Tottenham. Spalletti earns €2.7m a season, elsewhere they can guarantee him a very high salary.
“Then came two other potential proposals, not yet so concrete. One is PSG, even if Mourinho is more likely to go there. The second is sensational: a return to Rome. I repeat, however, there is nothing official.”
