Timothy Castagne has established himself as a key figure for Atalanta (Getty Images)
According to Le10 Sport (h/t Daily Express), Tottenham Hotspur are moving a step closer to complete the signing of Atalanta right-back Timothy Castagne.
Castagne, who has just one year left on his Atalanta contract, has been crucial to the side’s rise to top-three in the last two seasons. The 24-year-old versatile full-back joined Atalanta from Belgian side Genk back in 2017 and has gone on to play 89 matches for them across all competitions.
He has also contributed to his side with 8 goals and 9 assists, giving a clear picture of his attacking abilities. A right-back by trade, Castagne’s attacking instincts have seen him mostly being deployed as a wide midfielder by Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini since his arrival three years ago.
Though he has undergone a positional change in recent times, that does not undermine his ability to feature as a right-back. Before moving to Italy, Castagne was a regular feature at right-back for former side Genk, where he played as many as 88 times in that role.
This gives a clear picture of the Belgian youngster’s defensive capabilities and it is not a big surprise that Tottenham are interested in the versatile full-back.
Castagne, who made his debut for his national team Belgium two years ago, has appeared seven times for them to date and has two assists to his name.
Meanwhile, defensive reinforcements should remain a top priority for Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho ahead of next summer following his side’s dismal display this season. Spurs have conceded as many as 45 goals from their 35 league appearances, giving indications that they are clearly in need of new faces at the back.
The right-back spot has been a problem position for Mourinho this season, with Ivorian Serge Aurier being the only natural option for him at the moment. Apart from the 26-year-old, Tottenham currently do not have a back-up man in that role and Mourinho would be aware that it will hurt the side badly next season.
Though Aurier has displayed moments of brilliance at times, he has a tendency to commit errors and this has cost them games in the past.
Tottenham also have academy product Kyle Walker-Peters but he is clearly not Mourinho’s favourite as it was evident after the Portuguese boss sent him on loan to Southampton back in January. With their defensive frailties still remaining a major concern, it would be wise of Spurs to go ahead with their interest in Castagne and land him this summer.
Tottenham have a dearth of right-back’s in their side and Castagne’s arrival will only add more strength to their squad. A proven customer at Atalanta, Castagne can also offer Aurier a run for his money, thereby, offering Mourinho a healthy headache next season. Also, he is just 24 and can develop into a top right-back under the guidance of a coach like Mourinho.
