Tottenham are reportedly ready to challenge Arsenal in the £50million race to sign Brighton attacking wing-back Tariq Lamptey.
The right-sided defender has not long returned to action after a serious hamstring injury ruled him out of the second half of last season. Indeed, the 21-year-old has now made 12 Premier League appearances this term, with just the one assist to his name.
While those figures do not look particularly good, Lamptey is regarded as one of the top young talents in English football.
The former Chelsea academy star has played a major part in Brighton claiming the table after a tough start.
Arsenal have already registered their interest in the player, despite already former Spurs target Takehiro Tomiyasu on board.
But with Tottenham looking to offload Matt Doherty back to Wolves, Antonio Conte is expected to sign a replacement.
The report in the Express claims that Conte wants Lamptey to provide competition to summer signing Emerson Royal. The Brazilian has had an inconsistent start to life in north London, with Lamptey regarded as an upgrade.
He would certainly be an upgrade in the transfer fee department. Indeed, Brighton, who only paid £3m for the player in January 2020, are said to want around £50m to part company with one of their top assets.
Sky is the limit for Lamptey
Earlier this campaign, Seagulls boss Graham Potter lauded ‘special person’ Lamptey. He also claimed ‘the sky is the limit’ for the player after his recovery from injury.
His pace and skill would certainly give Tottenham a different dimension down their right side. In some ways, Lamptey would mirror what they have on the left with Sergio Reguilon.
Conte is likely to add at least two or three players to his squad this month. That is now even more likely after his damning verdict on the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
Another centre-back, a midfielder and a striker are also positions of need for the Italian
