Five left-footed centre-backs who could be set for Premier League transfers
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 18 Jun 2022 21:31 BST
Left-footed players are often a luxury commodity in football, none more so than in defence where teams tend to search far and wide for centre-backs capable of playing on the left side.
Tottenham are among the major Premier League clubs in the market for a left-sided centre-back and Antonio Conte's side have been unsuccessful so far in their search, with top target Alessandro Bastoni set to remain at Inter this summer.
With Arsenal and Chelsea also eyeing up a new centre-back, the London sides may end up clashing with their rivals this summer.
However, with a rare surplus of talented left-sided defenders seemingly on the market, Premier League sides have a host of options available to them for the right price.
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Lisandro Martinez (Ajax)
At 5'9, many would consider Lisandro Martinez too small for the Premier League but the Argentine has impressed at the heart of Ajax's defence for the past three seasons.
The 24-year-old's height may be a concern for Premier League sides given the physicality of the league but Martinez's versatility and ability on the ball has seen him targeted by a host of top clubs.
Arsenal are said to be keen on Martinez, who can also play at full-back and defensive midfield, and have already had a bid of £25million turned down by Ajax.
Sven Botman (Lille)
In contrast to Martinez, Lille defender Sven Botman is more of a traditional centre-back, standing at 6'4 and, while capable on the ball, more focused on defending rather than transitioning the play into attack.
Having heavily pursued him in January, Newcastle and Milan have been battling it out for Botman again this summer and the Magpies have made a £30m bid for the Dutchman.
The 22-year-old led Lille to the Ligue 1 title in 2021 and is renowned for his reading of the game, aerial ability and composure on the ball.
Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)
Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol has rapidly developed a reputation as one of the finest young ball-playing defenders in Europe after his performances for RB Leipzig this season.
The 20-year-old led Leipzig to Champions League qualification during his debut year in Germany, having joined from Dinamo Zagreb for €16m, a record fee for a Croatian teenager.
Leipzig are believed to have issued a 'hands-off' warning to interested sides for Gvardiol, meaning teams may need to break the bank in order to sign the wonderkid.
Pau Torres (Villarreal)
Villarreal's Pau Torres has been a long-time target for Manchester United and Tottenham and both sides have considered activating the 25-year-old's £50m release clause.
The defender came through Villarreal's academy and has been a virtual ever-present in the team since, as well as being capped 19 times for Spain.
Torres may consider leaving the Spanish side this summer after they failed to secure European football for next season.
Evan N'Dicka (Frankfurt)
Evan N'Dicka emerged as a standout player for Eintracht Frankfrut this season after helping them win the Europa League.
Tottenham are believed to have turned their attention to the Frenchman after failing to land Bastoni and are considering making a bid for the 22-year-old.
The defender is not only tall at 6'4 but also boasts impressive pace for his height and would represent an affordable option for any side.
