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Emma de Duve

Antonio Conte told how Hakim Ziyech can bring DNA back to Tottenham amid deadline day links

Transfer deadline day is usually a busy one for Tottenham, but this summer Spurs have got their business done early in the window, meaning it may not be too hectic in N17. Saying that, it is deadline day and there are always some twists and turns.

The Lilywhites have already made seven signings this summer, helping Antonio Conte not only increase the size of his squad, but also the quality in the depth of it. The Italian has already said that if a player needs, he wants him to be replaced.

Bryan Gil looks like the closest to securing a loan move, with a move to Valencia reportedly 99 per cent done. The only part left to confirm is his replacement at Tottenham.

READ MORE: Tottenham accelerate dramatic Hakim Ziyech transfer swoop amid talks as Chelsea set asking price

Like all transfer windows, there have been names flying around all summer who have been linked with a move to north London. James Maddison was linked at the start of the window and more recently it has been the likes of Dan James, Yannick Carrasco and Hakim Ziyech.

Ziyech has made two appearances this season, struggling to get into Thomas Tuchel's regular starting line-up, with his injuries not helping. football.london understands that Chelsea are open to selling the 29-year-old, if they are handed the right offer.

AC Milan reportedly made a £21million offer, which was rejected. Ziyech has a market value of just under £26million, so it would come at a cost to Spurs. However, Conte is known for getting the best out of players and the versatility and creativity of the Moroccan could be a major boost for the Italian's squad.

Tottenham drew 1-1 at West Ham on Wednesday night and it was a pretty flat performance in the London Derby. There was creative flair missing and this could potentially be a gap Ziyech fills.

Earlier this year, ex-Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart spoke on the missing DNA at his former club. "I think Tottenham has lost a bit of its DNA," he told The Times in January.

"I miss them playing with that same passion for club and fans, I miss the pretty football. I see a team who wants to get results and that’s fine, but hey, if you think about Tottenham you think about eventful, goal-rich matches. You think about pretty and gracious football, about [Ricky] Villa, [Ossie] Ardiles, [David] Ginola, [Glenn] Hoddle and [Paul] Gascoigne. They showed you can win trophies while playing beautiful football.

"Now, they don’t win silverware, but I’m not often entertained either. Too much is depending on Son Heung-min and Harry Kane. Who is the creative man at Tottenham? Since Christian Eriksen left there is no such player," he added.

"I’ve been saying that for some time now, but I believe Ziyech is the type of player who could make a big impact in the current Spurs team. With a playmaker like him, chances are things will start to go much better. Then Son doesn’t have to go deep to collect the ball and Kane can just remain up front as a striker as well. Because they miss someone who can feed them those balls. Now they have to work too hard."

The Evening Standard have reported that Tottenham have entered the running for the Chelsea man and that talks are already underway. Only time will tell if Ziyech does become a deadline day signing for Spurs and if he does, fans will hope he can make an immediate impact in Conte's squad.

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