The print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (04/01/23 as relayed by Sport Witness) have reported that Tottenham know they cannot activate the option to extend Antonio Conte’s contract if the Italian decides that he wants to leave at the end of the season.
Conte’s current deal at Spurs runs out in the summer and Spurs have the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.
Some reports over recent weeks have indicated that the chances of the Italian walking away from the North London club are now higher than they were a couple of months ago, with the 53-year-old wanting to see whether the club’s hierarchy share the same ambitions as he does before committing his future (The Athletic).
Gazzetta have now reported that Spurs know Conte’s position ‘very well’ and are fully aware that he is not the type to have an additional season ‘imposed’ on him if he feels the project is not the right fit for him.
The report explains that the former Inter boss has always taken up jobs where he can aim for the highest honours, which is not currently the case at Spurs.
The publication states that while Conte is currently laying the foundations for success at Spurs, he feels that the team is ‘still far away’ from reaching his goals. Gazzetta add that Tottenham’s transfer activity in January could be key to convincing the Italian that he is at the right place.
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It is clear that Spurs are not going to activate the extension option in Conte’s contract. Either the Italian is going to sign a new and improved contract or he is going to walk away at the end of the season.
I still think the former is more likely as, despite all the mixed messages he is sending and the pressure he is putting on the board, the 53-year-old will be aware that he has potentially a very good job on his hands.
If Conte walks away from Spurs at the end of the season, realistically, he is not going to get another top Premier League job for several years.
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