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According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palhinha has attracted interest from Juventus, who have also been offered Sassuolo's Nemanja Matic.

Juventus have prioritised the purchase of a goalkeeper and a centre-forward but are also looking for reinforcements in central midfield.

Juventus' potential midfield targets

According to Tuttosport, ex-Tottenham loanee Palinha is an option for the Bianconeri, who, however, have not yet made a move to sign the Portuguese from Bayern Munich.

The Serie A giants are not yet in talks for any potential reinforcement in the middle of the park and are keeping an eye on several targets.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Joao Palhinha of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

According to Tuttosport, even Sassuolo midfielder Matic, a former Chelsea and Roma star, has been offered to the Bianconeri.

Giovanni Carnevali signed the experienced 37-year-old central midfielder at Sassuolo last summer, and Matic has the same agents as Emiliano Martinez, who is Juventus' top target in goal.

Juventus failed to qualify for the Champions League in 2025-26 and will be playing in the Europa League in 2026-27.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch, among the many Premier League clubs he played for during his underappreciated career, is now one of the best pundits in the business with both humble and astute analysis that gets right to the issue.

And Spurs fans will appreciate how he sees the club's summer transfer business, because they would see it the same way. While praising the quality of footballers Tottenham have brought in under Roberto De Zerbi, including center backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, he made it clear that the next step for Spurs is to bring in a top quality striker.

Crouch said, via Chris Cowlin, "I'm impressed how Spurs have just gone for it and fair play to them for acting quickly before the World Cup is over. I really like [Marcos] Senesi and [Jan Paul] Van Hecke, they've made some really good signings. [Dominic] Solanke's got an injury problem so they're probably looking to get someone in the forward position as well. Get a striker in and they should be looking to finish at least in the top six again."

Tottenham need goals

The last part, his prediction of a top six finish, will also go down well with the Tottenham faithful and jibes with former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp's own bold prediction of Spurs getting back into a Champions League place next season.

But the striker position is the missing link for Tottenham Hotspur. Beyond Dominic Solanke's consistent injury woes over the past year, the player himself as not been consistent when on the pitch, performing particularly horribly when Spurs desperately needed wins in the heat of the relegation battle prior to De Zerbi's arrival at N17.

Richarlson led Spurs in goals last season, which tells everyone all they need to know about the plight of the striker position at N17 ever since Harry Kane made his journey to Bavaria in search of real silverware.

But Tottenham are, as Peter Crouch says, not that far off from getting back to European football and adding more silverware to their Europa League title in 2024/25 under Ange Postecoglou. With quality signings in defense and midfield, the next logical step is to land a quality striker to lead this line. And if Crouch himself is saying that Spurs need to land that Premier League proven No. 9 to bring home the goals, then you had better believe that's what Spurs need to be doing.

Today's best reads

A polarizing Tottenham signing isn't working and every fan knows it

Sky Sports said what no Tottenham fan wanted to hear about Eli Junior Kroupi

Harry Redknapp made the bold prediction Tottenham fans have been whispering

Tottenham are about to send another 250M message to the rest of the Premier League

Tottenham can't ignore the signs building around Rafael Leao

Tottenham Hotspur have made brilliant signings so far in the summer 2026 transfer window, and even if not everything comes off for the club this year, fans are happy that they at least tried and went after actual marquee targets like Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes who can be massive stars for this club whereas their secondary players like Andry Robertson are risk mitigated for free.

The transfer strategy of Spurs under Roberto De Zerbi is bolder, more ambitious, and also more likely to yield the upside of future title success for this club. Tottenham fans were outraged by what the club used to do on the market. Out of five signings, two would actually be promising players of the future but the other three would be so called budget signings, which really meant Spurs were overpaying for players who are not good enough for the club instead of spending an extra 10-20 million pounds on someone actually great.

To wit, Tottenham Hotspur spent a record 65 million pounds on Dominic Solanke in the summer 2024 transfer window after a flash in the pan season as a goal scorer from Bournemouth. Instead of splurging on him, Tottenham could have spent that much or a little bit more on Desire Doue to convince his club to sell to them instead of Ligue 1 powers PSG.

A false Harry Kane replacement

A big difference between now and then, of course, is that Roberto De Zerbi has the vision of football and charisma to convince marquee players like Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to join Spurs over powerhouse clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City. Ange Postecoglou had charisma, but maybe not the same extent to convince Doue to join a Spurs led by Daniel Levy.

Even so, the consequence of that is Spurs are stuck with subpar players on bad contracts like striker Dominic Solanke, who has struggled to score goals for the club and is coming off a dreadful season, actually producing his very worst football when Tottenham needed him the most during the Premier League relegation battle.

While Spurs fans acknowledge he is their best overall striker by default, every fan knows that this 65 million pound transfer is not working, and with Solanke only a couple of years off the age of 30, coming off injuries, and coming off a bad season, the resale value and the chances of this deal becoming good are close to zero. Spurs need a new striker and need to spend on a top one, because the Solanke deal has not worked to solve their No. 9 issue. He is certainly no Harry Kane replacement.

Today's best reads

Tottenham are about to send another 250M message to the rest of the Premier League

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Sandro Tonali transfer just confirmed what Tottenham fans knew about Roberto De Zerbi

The Athletic confirmed what Tottenham fans have been saying about Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici

Tottenham's next move after Mateus Fernandes signing is painfully obvious

Tottenham Hotspur have made a whopping six signings so far in the 2026 summer transfer window, but with gaping holes in the attack and no new forward additions as of yet, Roberto De Zerbi and Johan Lange clearly are not done adding blockbuster bombas to this very depleted squad from their near relegation in 2025/26.

But in order to buy, Spurs have to keep letting go. They have already shed Yves Bissouma and Radu Dragusin, but here are five more players who need to go before the 2026/27 Premier League season begins.

CM Pape Matar Sarr

Brentford are highly interested in Pape Matar Sarr, and while it would be ideal for Spurs to sell the Senegalese international abroad so that he can't hurt them in their own league for a local rival like the Bees, it is better for Sarr's career to stay in the Premier League because he is a decent player. But he just isn't good enough for a Big Six side, nor does he fit a team that wants to play out on the front foot going forward under Roberto De Zerbi.

ST Richarlison

Richarlison was Tottenham's leading scorer, and while Spurs could conceivably keep him, since Dominic Solanke is basically an immovable brick on the transfer market, Richy is the one who must go. Spurs will have to sell one striker to make way for a better one - and ideally, they would sell Richy and sign two with Randal Kolo Muani already mercifully gone.

CB Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero is absolute class, as he showed for Argentina in their last two World Cup wins, but the ship has sailed on the captain, who disgraced himself at the end of the cursed 2025/26 season. Tottenham just need to get as muchas they can out of his sale.

CM Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher joined Tottenham Hotspur for 40 million euros and has a salary above 50 million euros total for the next five seasons. It is a disaster of a contract and signing, and if Tottenham can somehow find an interested party, they have to sell regardless of how decent he looked at the end of the season or how much De Zerbi (pretends) to like him.

CM Rodrigo Bentancur

Three midfielders is a lot to let go of, but after signing Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, if that's what it takes to keep gems Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray and actually play them, so be it. Because Tottenham cannot afford to lose these stars of the future just to waste more minutes on Rodrigo Bentancur and Conor Gallagher.

Today's best reads

Tottenham's next sale is clear after Sandro Tonali transfer

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Tottenham fans turn on Dominic Solanke will come without new signing

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Good morning! We continue our week of Fitzie’s Track of the day (revisited). So far this week we’ve hit up two favourites of the hoddle: Wet Leg and Charles Mingus.

Today we’re going in a much different direction. When you have more than 1,000 songs on a playlist, you’d like there to be some variety, right? To me this isn’t just about genres or genders, but also featuring the occassional song from a band or artist who aren’t from America or the UK.

This one from Japanese guitar virtuoso Masayoshi Takanaka is one of my favourites. It’s from an album called Seychelles. I haven’t listened to the rest of the album yet because I want to purchase the actual record. It’s a hell of a song. For those who live in Japan or are travelling there soon, good news: He’s currently on tour!

——

Can you believe there is no World Cup football on today? What are we going to do with ourselves?

My dear hoddlers, I present two alternatives:

Tour de France stage 5: We’re all anticipating Tadej Pogacar to wear the yellow jersey at the Champs de Elysee later this month, but he is currently behind Torstein Træen. The Norwegian cyclist surged to the front of the pack in Stage 4, also complicating matters for Pogacar rivals Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenpoel. But also keep an eye on the hunt for the green jersey. That appears to be the goal for Team Lidl, whose Mads Pederson won the most recent stage.

Day 5 is all about the need for speed. That’s right, it’s a sprint stage! The course from Lannemezan to Pau will be a speedy one before the cyclists return to the mountains. Hopefully this will lead to a classic sprinter’s finish and some drama towards the end. Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier are probably favourites to win the stage, but Pedersen could also win back-to-back stages and further claim his grip on the green jersey. Olav Kooij and Biniam Girmay are also two to watch.

And even though Wimbledon has a curfew, people tend to get tired. And sometimes, when it’s late, you might be watching television or a sporting event by yourself. Kind of like Roger Federer:

Yup, that’s Roger Federer. The lone man in the royal box watching Alexander Zverev take on Jiri Lehecka. You have to love Federer for watching this. It wasn’t the most compelling matchup, but there are very few people who are greater ambassadors to the sport than him.

I also struggle to understand how anyone who would be invited to the royal box not attend this match. Perhaps less so for the match and moreso to sit next to Federer, share a few snacks and maybe a quip or two about the sport.

Wimbledon coverage continues on Thursday with more singles quarterfinals action (plus some fun doubles). Here’s what’s on tap:

Women’s singles quarterfinals

(9) Linda Noskova vs (25) Elise Mertens

(12) Marta Kostyuk vs (13) Jasmine Paolini

Men’s singles quarterfinals

(6) Taylor Friz vs (2) Alex Zverev

(9) Francisco Cobolli vs Arhur Fery

Men’s doubles quarterfinals

(7) Krawietz/Putz vs (13) Reboul/Doumbia

(6) Pavic/Arevalo vs (3) Cash/Glasspool

Women’s doubles quarterfinals

(9) Perez/Schuurs vs (13) Aoyama/Liang

Siskova/Piter vs (2) Gabrowski/Stefani

Fitzie’s track of the day (revisited): トーキョー レギー (Tokyo Reggie), by Masayoshi Takanaka

And now for your links:

BBC: “Fulham appoint Arbeloa as Silva’s successor”

PA Media via The Guardian: “Deloitte review: Premier League clubs’ pre-tax losses surge by 600% to £948m”

ESPN: “Gotham FC moving to ‘world-class’ Etihad Park, home of NYCFC”

Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani is in contact with Tottenham Hotspur over a return to the club, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The 27-year-old France international spent last season on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club but struggled to impress.

Kolo Muani has been linked with Juventus, and while a return to Serie A is possible, him spending next season at Spurs is also a possibility.

Lilywhites fans will be less impressed with the news given that he scored just one goal in 30 appearances in the Premier League last term.

Kolo Muani ended up with five goals and four assists in 41 games across all competitions for Spurs.

It is an underwhelming return for a number 9, and Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi should be looking elsewhere.

While the Frenchman has proven his quality elsewhere, it appears the Premier League is too challenging for him.

He could end up performing well should Spurs sign him on another loan spell, but it is a gamble and there are no guarantees he will turn out well.

The North London club are expected to sign attackers this summer, with Richarlison expected to be allowed to leave.

They have been linked with the likes of Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Manchester City’s Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a potential bid of £85 million for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club want to sign an attacker with Richarlison expected to leave.

Kroupi is keen on joining Spurs despite interest from the likes of Arsenal, and the Lilywhites are ready to test Bournemouth’s resolve.

However, the Cherries do not want to sell the 20-year-old and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get them to change their mind.

“Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi has lots of potential suitors,” Crook said last night.

“Arsenal one of them, but Tottenham are preparing a potential bid of £85 million, they want to test Bournemouth’s resolve.

“He is not for sale this summer, well that’s the message coming out of Bournemouth – him and Alex Scott will stay. Tottenham want another forward player and they will probably see Richarlison depart – but the message from the South Coast is Kroupi is not for sale this summer.”

Tottenham have spent £237m so far this summer after a £52m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke and an £85m deal for Mateus Fernandes.

An agreement with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali worth up to £100m has also been struck.

However, they can spend a further £250m this summer due to new spending rules, higher revenues and owners’ cash injections.

Spurs owners have injected £100m into the club for the second time in 10 months and are ready to back manager Roberto De Zerbi.

A statement move for Kroupi could be on the cards, and fans will be desperate to see their club pip Arsenal to his signing.

In a recent report, La Gazzetta dello Sport mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur have been offered a chance to land AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. It has been claimed that Spurs have been given an opportunity to bring the Portuguese talent to North London in this transfer window.

Leao’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football

Leao enjoyed a good campaign at the Milan club as he put in a series of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 27-year-old banged in ten goals and earned three assists in 31 appearances for the Italian outfit last season on all fronts.

The Portuguese talent is currently one of the gifted wide players in Serie A. Hence, it is no surprise that Spurs are eyeing a move to sign him later this year.

His current contract at AC Milan will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it difficult for the North London club to land him on the cheap in this transfer window.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 23: Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

Will Leao Be A Good Fit For Tottenham Hotspur?

Leao is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the pace to cause a lot of headaches for his marker out in the wide areas. He has also got the vision to engineer a few inviting chances for others around him in the final third.

The Portuguese sensation can shoot the ball with power from long range and can chip in by scoring and creating a handful of crucial goals for his team. Leao is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also operate as a centre-forward if asked to do so by his manager. However, there are some concerns over whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if Spurs can get a deal done for him later this year.

We can expect Leao to add more firepower to Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi’s frontline. He is good enough to compete for a regular first-team spot at the North London club.

At 27, Leao has his best years ahead of him, which makes him a worthy target for the North London club to pursue in this transfer window. With all things considered, he would be a good fit for Tottenham’s needs this summer.

Lucas Bergvall Future Holds Key to Nottingham Forest Midfield Rebuild

Nottingham Forest’s summer has, in one regard, become beautifully simple. Replace the authority, drive and range of Elliot Anderson, or risk leaving the centre of the pitch exposed. His £116 million move to Manchester City has altered the geometry of Forest’s midfield, and the search for a successor now shapes much of the club’s recruitment work.

Among the names under consideration is Lucas Bergvall, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder whose situation appears to exist in that familiar transfer-market tension, a player needing minutes and a club reluctant to part with talent. Bergvall has admirers across Europe, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all credited with interest, but Forest’s need feels particularly acute.

Forest midfield search gathers pace

Bergvall, still only 20, has spoken carefully about what comes next after Sweden’s 3-0 defeat to France in the World Cup round of 32. His priority is clear enough, even if the destination is not. “I want continuous matches in my position. That is the only goal. We’ll see what happens in the future. I’ve only been focused on the World Cup until now.” He told Aftonbladet.

That sentiment, delivered again in similar terms later, speaks to a player aware that development requires rhythm. Forest can offer the possibility of that rhythm. Their midfield has space, responsibility and, perhaps most importantly, a vacancy for someone capable of growing into the role rather than merely filling it.

Spurs stance complicates Lucas Bergvall transfer

Tottenham, though, appear resistant. Reports suggest they have told Bergvall he is not for sale, despite suggestions earlier in the summer that he wanted to move in pursuit of regular football. That internal contradiction is common enough at elite clubs, where promise is treasured even when pathways are blocked.

Photo IMAGO

And the pathway in north London looks increasingly crowded. Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have joined Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, and Bergvall’s opportunities already looked sparse. Since De Zerbi’s appointment in March, he has made one start and played only 112 minutes. For a young midfielder, that is less a platform than a pause.

Alternative targets remain on radar

Tottenham Hotspur are now considering a move for Rafael Leao, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Spurs are in the market for a winger, but have spent most of their time chasing Bradley Barcola, Crysencio Summerville, Savinho, and Cody Gakpo.

Tottenham could now turn to the 27-year-old, who has publicly admitted he wants to leave AC Milan and is eyeing a move to England.

The Portugal ace is currently strutting his stuff in the 2026 World Cup, providing the crucial assist that led to Goncalo Ramos' winner as Portugal sent Croatia packing.

Spurs could use his remarkable ability to beat defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates.

Leao is one of the very best wingers in the world on his day and can decide a game with moments of brilliance.

Milan great Zlatan Ibrahimovic once described the Tottenham target as a 'decisive player'.

He is miles better than Savinho and edges out Summerville. He is also better than Tottenham wingers Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert.

There is little doubt that Leao would raise Tottenham's ceiling.

At his best, he is an unstoppable one-versus-one winger capable of turning tight matches with a single burst of acceleration or piece of skill.

Few players in world football carry the ball as explosively or create danger so effortlessly in transition.

Leao's lack of consistency should worry Tottenham

However, any deal would come with genuine caveats.

Leao has long been criticised for his inconsistency, often following breathtaking displays with anonymous performances that leave supporters wanting more.

His defensive work rate has also been questioned throughout his career, with his willingness to track runners and press aggressively falling short of what many elite coaches demand.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi would need to decide whether Leao's match-winning quality outweighs those shortcomings.

If the Portuguese star can deliver his best level consistently, Tottenham would have a genuine game-changer on their hands.