Tottenham told to match Arsenal after source’s £20m Antonio Conte reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Antonio Conte can transform Tottenham into long-term Premier League challengers if he signs a new contract at the club.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, cited the rise of Arsenal – who are now reaping the rewards and topping the Premier League after sticking with Mikel Arteta’s “three-year plan”.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (8 October) that Tottenham are offering Conte a new deal worth more than £20million-a-year.
Spurs want something formalised before the start of the winter transfer window on 1 January as the Italian enters the final months of his current deal.
Conte spearheaded Tottenham’s return to the Champions League last season and is in position to repeat the feat this term with his side sitting third in the Premier League.
Whelan suggested the former Chelsea boss may demand big backing in the transfer market in order to sign a new deal.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They want clarity, and the players will want clarity.
“It’s a very strong contract, and I can’t see Conte turning that down.
“As long as he’s happy that he’s being paid his worth and he’s happy with the funds he’s got to spend.
“He’s already done very well with the players he’s brought into the club.
“Much like Arsenal, this is a three-year plan. To see what Arsenal are achieving, that took three years to plan for Mikel Arteta.
“He needs to give it that time and he needs that security from the board. Even if there is a rough period, Spurs need to stick by Conte because he will take them forward in the future.
“There has to be patience from both sides in order to give Spurs time to grow into a side who can challenge not just for one year, but a number of years at the top of the Premier League.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Tottenham launch Ivan Toney scouting mission.