Arsenal ‘still a long way off’ as Harry Redknapp backs Tottenham to clinch top four and Spurs legend tells club to offer Antonio Conte new contract

Harry Redknapp believes Tottenham Hotspur should extend Antonio Conte’s contract and says Arsenal are “nowhere near beating” their former side for a place in the Premier League top four.

The Gunners had been in pole position to beat Spurs to a Champions League place, but a 3-0 loss to their north London rivals followed by a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United saw them slip to fifth. square.

Antonio Conte’s side look set to play in Europe’s elite competition next season and would only miss out if they lose to already relegated Norwich City on Sunday, with Arsenal beating Everton.

Former manager Harry Redknapp and club legend Graham Roberts have both spoken to talkSPORT about their expectations for the drama on the final day, with both backing their former club to emerge victorious in the race for the top four.

“If you’re going to face anybody and your life depends on it, you want to play Norwich in the Premier League, don’t you,” Redknapp said.

“Tottenham are in good form, a good team, they will be ready.

“I think Arsenal are still doing well. [finishing in the top four]. I always said Tottenham would finish in the top four.

“Tottenham have a good squad of players and they will be too strong for Norwich – West Ham went there and beat them 4-0! – and I wouldn’t bet on Arsenal beating Everton to be honest.

Redknapp previously led Spurs in the Champions League during his time as manager and knows exactly what it takes to be competitive in the tournament.

And the former manager insisted Conte was key if they were to continue next season.

Since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo in November, the Italian boss has turned Tottenham’s season around, beating Manchester City and earning a 3-0 victory over Arsenal in the recent North London derby to turn the tide in the top four. race.

And Redknapp and former defender Roberts think it’s obvious Spurs’ next focus after the end of the season is to secure the future of the manager who transformed their side.

“If I was Tottenham now I would sign him [Conte] on a three-year deal,” said Roberts, a two-time FA Cup winner with Spurs.

“You have to start building, you can’t keep changing managers.

“I think Conte will stay, we will get there [top four] Sunday and we are in the Champions League.

“Conte is a brilliant manager, he has players who I didn’t think could ever do it for us.

“When he took over he was ninth, now he has a chance to finish fourth and I think he’ll grab that.”

“I don’t see why he would want to leave,” Redknapp agreed.

“He’s at a big club with a big stadium, a big training ground, a big team – everything is in place.

“Where are you going? Spanish football isn’t what it used to be. PSG? It’s a mediocre league and you would win the league…but he’s at a good club.

“I’m sure he feels very lucky to be at Tottenham – they’re lucky to have him and he’s lucky to be here.

“So they’re a good couple.”