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Roberto de Zerbi says Tottenham "don't know" whether forward Richarlison will stay at the club as he "sometimes" wants to leave.

The Brazil international, 29, scored a last-minute winner as 10-man Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 in a high-profile friendly in Sydney.

After the match, De Zerbi was asked whether Richarlison - who has entered the final year of his contract - would leave this summer.

"I don't know because I like him as a player and as a guy," De Zerbi said at Accor Stadium. "He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do."

When pressed on whether Richarlison wants to leave, he added: "I don't know. I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy."

The Italian coach was keen to point out Richarlison's professionalism and impact in a chaotic campaign that saw Spurs battle relegation, scoring 12 goals.

"For me, he's still an important player because it's not easy to find another striker like Richarlison," he said. "Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we don't know.

"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score.

"All of us love him, the team-mates, the club and the staff because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can't say anything about him on the pitch."

The situation comes in the context of Spurs' record-breaking £237m transfer window, which is set to continue with the pursuit of two more attackers.

Tottenham fans will want to put last season behind them.

There was another managerial sacking, a spate of injuries to key players, and a nervy 90 minutes on the final day of the season as the ninth-richest club in the world, external narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.

A 17th-place finish for the second year running will be cause for concern, to say the least.

Off the pitch though it's a different story. Tottenham's finances, despite the team's poor form, are looking very rosy indeed. This is largely down to their new stadium and the huge revenues it brings.

So what can other clubs learn from their stadium success story? And is building a new home - or renovating an old one - the best way to balance the books?

We'll get to complying with financial rules in a moment, but first let's start by looking at how much a club like Tottenham are making on matchdays.

"Spurs' matchday income has increased from £45m in 2016-17, the season they left White Hart Lane, to £126m in 2024-25," explains football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

"So you've less than doubled the size of the stadium and yet the matchday revenue is up by two and a half times.

"What Spurs have done is they've created a welcoming environment. So if people are spending an extra 40 to 50 minutes in the stadium itself they're not just spending time - more importantly they're spending money."

Spurs can also host up to 30 non-football events a year at full capacity which is proving to be very beneficial.

Along with major concerts, the club has also hosted NFL games and boxing world title fights - including Anthony Joshua's heavyweight bout with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. It's also been the venue for rugby union's Saracens hosting Harlequins in the London derby since 2023.

All of this brings in extra commercial revenue - which jumped from £73m in 2016-17 to £277m in 2024-25.

The extra income means the club can then invest more in players like Sandro Tonali, who joined Spurs last month for a club record fee which could reach £100m.

This summer the Premier League is replacing its profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) with a new financial framework centred on squad-cost ratio (SCR) and sustainability and systemic resilience (SSR).

Put simply, SCR is designed to cap a club's total spending on its playing squad as a direct percentage of its overall revenue.

Club costs like player wages, transfer amortisation - spreading a transfer fee across the length of a player's contract for accounting purposes - and agent fees all get taken into account.

Crucially though, stadium infrastructure costs are not included in the SCR calculation.

"In the case of Spurs, their infrastructure costs are around £70m a year - but those are excluded." says Maguire. "Any money that you invest in stadiums is completely ring-fenced and excluded from your ability to invest in players.

"There's a separate issue in that stadiums do cost a lot of money. But Spurs borrowed from banks at spectacularly cheap interest rates."

In other words, for Spurs the pluses of building a new expensive stadium far outweigh the negatives, at least from a financial perspective.

"In order to be competitive, you need to have a significant increase in matchday income," says Maguire.

"You could only do that from either increasing prices, which isn't going to go down well, or increasing the size of the stadium with a greater proportion of the tickets going to the non-season ticket fanbase."

Like Tottenham, Everton and West Ham have also moved to new stadiums - which while financially attractive in the long-term, hasn't always gone down well with fans.

Other Premier League clubs are looking at their options. Should they stay or go?

Renovation is the cheaper route, but the problem then is where do the team play if they have to move out while building takes place?

The obvious barrier to moving to a new stadium is the huge cost - but there's also the concern from fans that they'll lose something by leaving their historical home.

It is clear Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a new stadium to be the statement around his involvement at Manchester United.

Yet it is equally clear a new build, with a 100,000 capacity and a significant number of corporate areas, would generate far more than United get on a matchday now, which will help drive revenues and improve the senior squad.

There are other financial aspects though, which few will consider in the bigger picture.

The initial plans unveiled by Ratcliffe in March 2025 featured a huge canopy. That in itself will be costly, but in theory the overhang and what is underneath it will be in United's footprint - and the club will be responsible for it. Will the expense be worth the 'look'?

Construction could - in part - take place off site and be shipped in if club officials are to be believed. That is likely to cost less than doing all the work in Old Trafford.

And then having a new build where it is, down the road from their current ground, deals with the potentially thorny problem about where United would play if Old Trafford was closed for a period.

None of Manchester City, Liverpool or Everton's grounds are ideal from a security perspective. All have a lower capacity than Old Trafford and all would cost a lot to hire, even if it was desirable.

United's current plans mean they can simply move from one stadium to another.

For Newcastle, a club which this summer has effectively had to sell some of its best players in order to stay within the financial rules, the argument over moving to a new purpose-built stadium is compelling.

Back to some number crunching:

"For the 2024-25 season Newcastle's matchday income was £52m. Manchester United's was £160m, Arsenal's £154m, Spurs' was £126m.

"If you're £100m behind your competitors, the only way to address that is either to be super smart or to charge more money for the product.

"How can Newcastle increase the yield per fan and still be loyal to the Gallowgate hardcore? You need to be able to offer a different product and St James' Park wasn't built for a corporate audience."

Will the fans back a move though?

Newcastle supporter Charlotte Robson has mixed feelings.

"I think we can host gigs at St James' Park but probably not on the scale of Spurs or West Ham's London Stadium.

"I don't think it would be stupid to move from the ground but I think there is so much identity for Newcastle fans who are attached to St James' Park that it would break a lot of hearts to move the ground in any significant way."

Along with increased matchday revenue, clubs weighing up whether to move will also hope to make more commercial revenue - but Maguire is cautious.

"Spurs have got the advantage that they're in London - a huge tourist trap. They are also a club with a global fanbase, so it works there.

"Is that going to work elsewhere in the country where you've got a more localised fanbase and where there is resistance to putting up prices for tickets? Then it becomes more challenging.

"We have seen a substantial increase in the costs of putting stadiums together, but there still seems to be an appetite for it."

Who Tottenham might sign this summer to bolster Roberto de Zerbi's attack, after failing to adequately replace Harry Kane since his exit in August 2023, has been a question raised on our Spurs Ask Me Anything form.

Well, one of the club's primary attacking targets is Manchester City winger Savinho. The forward wants to join Tottenham and he is understood to have expressed his desire to leave Etihad Stadium for a move to London this summer.

There is some hope now that the clubs can reach an agreement for Savinho ahead of the deadline.

It is also understood that Bournemouth attacker Junior Kroupi is a long-term target for Tottenham - but a recent foot surgery, which will keep the youngster out for a minimum three months, is likely to see the interest shelved for the time being.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Conor Gallagher says it is "a lot more enjoyable" and a "fresh" feeling being a Tottenham player during pre-season.

The 26-year-old midfielder previously spoke about being played out of position, not being liked by former head coach Igor Tudor and losing confidence as Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

However, a club-record £237m investment has been made on players and Roberto De Zerbi, appointed in March following interim boss Tudor's exit, is finally implementing his style of play on a pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

When asked about how it feels playing for Spurs this summer, Gallagher replied: "It's a lot more enjoyable not being in the situation we were in last season.

"It's a fresh start, fresh players, fresh faces. A new way of playing and trying to get everyone on the same page to understand how we play and what the manager wants us to do.

"In pre-season, that's what it's all been about. Understanding the way we want to play so we're ready for the season."

Spurs have twice broken their transfer record bringing in midfielders this window - first signing £85m Matheus Fernandes from West Ham United, before spending £100m to bring in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

However, although Gallagher has played a more advanced role during pre-season, he was still asked about increased competition in his position.

"Well, to be honest, I'm happy to play anywhere the manager wants me to play," he continued.

"The number 10, or as a number eight in the double-pivot is fine. I enjoy playing anywhere in midfield. When you play for a club like Tottenham, if there's not competition for a starting XI spot, then something's wrong.

"All the new signings are great lads. It's only going to make us stronger. We went through a really tough season last season and we're determined and hungry to improve as a team."

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Tottenham's £100m midfielder Sandro Tonali has revealed he "spoke with another team", but in the end the decision to join Spurs was an easy one.

"When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive," added the 26-year-old.

"When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it's everything - everything is perfect.

"I spoke with my wife - this was the first thing. We wanted to change our life - but not just for the city, we wanted to change everything. We spoke with two clubs."

Tonali said moving to London represented about 10% of the attraction as he wanted his family to be happy, but said football, Roberto de Zerbi and Tottenham's recruitment staff made up the other 90% of his decision.

There was also further discussion about the transfer fee, what it means for him and Newcastle, and how it effectively priced him and his family out of a move back to Italy.

"We had decided to come back to Italy but it was impossible for the money," he admitted, explaining that clubs could afford his wages but not the transfer fee.

"England was our solution and we found the best solution in England for me, for my career, for my football, for my happiness, for my family. I spoke with two teams. I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team."

At Spurs, he joins an Italian contingent within the coaching staff and links up with fellow Italy international Destiny Udogie, but he stressed the move was not motivated by any unhappiness during his time at Newcastle.

Unprompted, he said: "Eddie [Howe] was fantastic for me", adding that he wants to maintain a friendship with his former manager - who is also leaving the Magpies - and Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson.

While admitting the £100m price tag is something that will bring "a lot of pressure", he went on to explain that he wanted "the best deal" for Newcastle because they "deserve everything", while also praising the atmosphere at St James' Park and the passion of the club's supporters.

Club-record £100m signing Sandro Tonali took "10 minutes" to decide to join Tottenham from Newcastle after meeting manager Roberto de Zerbi at his home.

The 26-year-old said a shared passion for his boyhood club Brescia played a key role in the move.

De Zerbi grew up a Brescia fan and later played for them, while Tonali started his career there, and that connection helped pave the way for the biggest transfer in Tottenham's history.

"We spoke about Brescia, about the difficult situation facing our club," Tonali said, referring to the bankruptcy of his boyhood side following relegation to Italy's third tier.

De Zerbi texted a mutual friend during last season to ask whether Tonali might be interested in joining Tottenham and was told: "He is open."

His immediate focus was securing Premier League survival and, the day after Tottenham beat Everton to avoid relegation, De Zerbi contacted Tonali about a potential move.

Within 10 minutes, he had received a phone call from the midfielder.

A further meeting at Tonali's home, just outside Brescia, followed as talks progressed.

"Brescia is so small. I had two weeks there and met him two or three times," Tonali said.

Tonali said his connection with De Zerbi stretches back nine years to the coach's spell in charge of Sassuolo, when he wanted to sign him.

That brief reign helped launch De Zerbi's managerial career and began what Tonali described as a "mini-connection".

After their meeting this summer, however, he said he knew "everything" about his future manager.

Sources close to Tonali described how those meetings had captivated him, despite interest from clubs with far stronger recent records than Spurs, who had finished 17th the previous season, allowing Tottenham to pull off a coup.

"Honestly, I spoke with another team [also]," Tonali revealed, but in the end the decision to join Spurs was an easy one.

"When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive.

"When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it's everything, everything is perfect.

"I spoke with my wife - this was the first thing. We wanted to change our life, but not just for the city, we wanted to change everything. We spoke with two clubs."

Tonali said moving to London represented about 10% of the attraction as he wanted his family to be happy, but said football, De Zerbi and Tottenham's recruitment staff made up the other 90% of his decision.

There was also further discussion about the transfer fee, what it means for him and Newcastle, and how it effectively priced him and his family out of a move back to Italy.

"We had decided to come back in Italy but it was impossible for the money," he admitted, explaining clubs could afford his wages but not the transfer fee.

"England was our solution and we found the best solution in England for me, for my career, for my football, for my happiness, for my family. I spoke with two teams. I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team."

At Spurs, he joins an Italian contingent within the coaching staff and links up with fellow Italy international Destiny Udogie, but he stressed the move was not motivated by any unhappiness during his time at Newcastle.

Unprompted, he said: "Eddie [Howe] was fantastic for me", adding that he wants to maintain a friendship with his former manager - who is also leaving the Magpies - and Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson.

He went on to explain that he wanted "the best deal" for Newcastle because they "deserve everything", while also praising the atmosphere at St James' Park and the passion of the club's supporters.

Although not referenced directly, Tonali served a 10-month ban for breaches of FA betting rules during his time at Newcastle.

His £100m price tag is also something Tonali admits will bring "a lot of pressure", but he insists he will continue to behave as a "normal" Tottenham player and person in his private life.

"I don't know your impression about football players like me, but honestly, I'm a normal person. When I go back to Italy, I go to my family, to my grandma, to my friends. If it is perfect for my family, it is perfect for me," he said.

We asked for your views on Djed Spence's uncertain future amid reports that manager Roberto De Zerbi wants to convince him to remain at Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

James: Keep Spence, sell Destiny Udogie. Udogie cannot stay fit and flatters to deceive when he plays. Djed is a better defender and, as demonstrated playing for England, he is a real threat going forward when given licence to do so. Djed also has a top mentality. I cannot understand why we would let him go.

Tim: It's unbelievable if Spence leaves. Andy Robertson will not give us the longevity, although he is a great player with experience. Just look at the way he tackles and the pace he has. Spence will be superb soon, if he isn't already.

Mark: If there's one player I want to remain at Spurs it's Spence. He's got everything you need in a modern full-back - pace, power and excellent technique. He absolutely loves defending and is great going forward. His pace gets us up the pitch. He was an absolutely warrior for England at the World Cup and proved any doubters wrong. We must 100% hang on to him.

Jerome: Spurs should definitely keep Spence. He is a quality player with a strut and arrogance that singles him out from the rest. If we let him go we will regret it.

Alan: Spence should start on the left ahead of Udogie. Both are good going forward but have defensive weaknesses. Spence showed at the World Cup he has more to offer and should continue to improve.

Josephine: After last season, I see a better one ahead and good signings set the ball rolling. I would really like Spence to stay. He more than showed how good he is while playing for England. A must for Spurs.

Roberto de Zerbi says his side are targeting another attacker signing alongside their pursuit of Manchester City's Savinho.

The Brazilian in advanced talks over a move to north London, with Spurs also pursuing another unnamed target.

De Zerbi omitted the name of the player by design - but it will leave Spurs fans guessing who it could be.

Arguably the biggest available name is Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who is valued at more than £140m and exploring his options away from the European champions. Liverpool are believed to be preparing an opening bid for the France international, who has also been on Arsenal's radar.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has a £40m release clause in his contract, although his £325,000-a-week deal, which runs until 2028, could prove a stumbling block.

There is also a sense that, following his loan spell at Barcelona, the England international would prefer another move abroad after the Spanish champions opted against triggering a £26m option to buy.

Other potential targets could include Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Chelsea's Pedro Neto or AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

However, any suggestion remains speculative until Spurs reveal their hand or one of the clubs involved confirms an approach from chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says he wants to convince Djed Spence to stay at the club amid uncertainty over his future.

The 25-year-old defender, who signed a long-term deal with the club last year, has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and Everton.

De Zerbi says he sees Spence as an important part of his plans despite increased competition in his role after a summer of significant spending.

Spurs have spent a club record £237m so far this summer as they rebuild their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of last season's Premier League.

"I repeat what I said to Djed, and to Lucas [Bergvall]," De Zerbi said, referencing comments he made about the in-demand Sweden midfielder a day earlier.

"I would like you to stay if you want to stay. If you don't want to stay, if you want to leave, then you have to leave."

Spence started in 23 of his 30 league appearances in 2025-26 as Spurs finished 17th for the second season in a row.

Spain's World Cup winner Pedro Porro currently occupies Spence's preferred right-back position at Tottenham - and De Zerbi has said he regards Porro as the "best in the world" in his role.

What do you want to happen with Spence? Do you think Tottenham would regret allowing him to leave?