footballtransfers.com | 2dareis2do.co.uk

Chelsea rocked by Spurs bid as De Zerbi targets summer reunion

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 04/06/2026 - 08:10

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an opening bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reunite with his former pupil.

Article continues under the video

The Netherlands international, who could start alongside Virgil van Dijk at the 2026 World Cup, enjoyed an excellent 2025-26 campaign at the AMEX Stadium and he has emerged as a top target for Spurs ahead of the summer window.

Van Hecke made 40 appearances across all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s side last season and he helped the Seagulls qualify for the Europa Conference League after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has been earmarked as one of Chelsea’s primary centre-back targets for this summer, as the Blues look for a suitable partner for Levi Colwill, but Xabi Alonso’s side are set to face significant competition in the race for his signature.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with a summer exit and it’s understood that Van Hecke has been identified as their priority replacement, with De Zerbi having worked with the 25-year-old during his time as Brighton boss.

In fact, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now confirmed that an opening bid has been lodged by Spurs as they intensify their pursuit of the Netherlands star.

It’s reported that Brighton quickly rebuffed the offer as it fell short of their valuation, but talks are ongoing and with Van Hecke’s contract due to expire in 2027, there is a belief that he could be offloaded before Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

In addition to Romero, fellow Spurs central defender Micky van de Ven has also been tipped to depart the club, although a large fee will be required to lure him away from the north London club.

Chelsea want Jan Paul van Hecke

Although Spurs have taken action by submitting an opening offer for Van Hecke, both Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in finalising a deal for the Brighton defender, as confirmed by The Telegraph.

Tottenham are hopeful that the presence of De Zerbi will help their cause in the race for the Dutchman’s signature, but Liverpool will be able to offer Champions League football and a starring role following confirmation that Ibrahima Konate will leave on a Bosman deal in July.

Chelsea, meanwhile, can’t offer European football, however they are long-term admirers of the defender, who is reportedly valued at around €80 million by Brighton.

Roberto De Zerbi wants Tottenham to complete €50m striker signing

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 06/04/2026 - 09:09

Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly eager to sign Fiorentina striker Moise Kean during the upcoming summer transfer window if he guides Tottenham Hotspur to safety.

Article continues under the video

The 46-year-old was appointed as Spurs’ new permanent head coach last week and he has been tasked with ensuring they avoid a humiliating relegation down to the Championship this season.

The north London giants are only one point and one place above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining and they have turned to De Zerbi following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor by mutual consent.

The Italian’s current focus is on securing a positive result in his first match against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, but he has already identified the aforementioned Kean as a top target for the 2026 summer window.

That is according to Calciomercato, who claim that Kean appears “destined” to leave Fiorentina this summer amid significant interest in his signature. AC Milan are also eager to sign the 26-year-old, however they are currently unwilling to match Fiorentina’s €50 million asking price, which could help Spurs finalise a deal.

The former Everton striker has scored 34 goals in 77 games since the start of the 2024-25 season, and although his current contract includes a €62m release clause, it’s reported that Fiorentina will permit a departure if they receive an offer worth €50m this summer.

Analysis: Would Moise Kean be a good signing for Spurs?

With Richarlison widely tipped to depart and Randal Kolo Muani set to return to Paris Saint-Germain after his loan spell at the club, Spurs will likely be in the market for a new striker if they avoid relegation this summer.

Dominic Solanke has caught the eye in flashes since his arrival from Bournemouth, but De Zerbi will undoubtedly want an alternative option to challenge the England international for a place in his preferred starting XI.

Kean has been one of the best strikers in Serie A over the past 18 months and if he is available this summer, a deal makes perfect sense for Spurs, despite the fact he flopped during his time at Everton.

However, the 26-year-old is unlikely to be a player capable of single-handedly lifting Tottenham back up into contention for Champions League qualification, with the club in need of several other reinforcements to climb back up the Premier League table.

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Rumours: Vinicius Junior set for Real Madrid summer exit as Chelsea eye €60m goalkeeper

Chelsea Transfer News Today: Caicedo 'does an Enzo' after new interview about Real Madrid move

Man Utd Transfer News Today: Bruno Fernandes identifies his replacement as path opens to Tonali deal

Man City put pressure on Pep Guardiola over quit claims

Arne Slot offers to resign as Liverpool manager

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

footballtransfers.com