TEAMtalk

Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly joined the race to sign Hammarby IF wonderkid Bazoumana Toure.

The 18-year-old only joined the Swedish top-flight side from Ivory Coast team ASEC Mimosas back in March but already he is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The winger, whose contract runs until December 2028, enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, scoring nine goals and creating four assists in 23 appearances.

Now, new reports suggest Arsenal and Tottenham are monitoring the progress of the Ivory Coast youngster – who has been rated at just £8.3m (€10m, $11.1m)

According to Sky Germany journalist Sarah Wieczorek, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg, and more, are watching Toure’s progress.

Spurs and the Gunners have seemingly joined a list of admirers that includes Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Benfica, among others.

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Club resigned to letting him go

Off the back of Toure’s excellent start to life at Hammarby, the club’s sporting director, Mikael Hjelmberg, suggested it is inevitable that the Ivorian will head to pastures new eventually.

However, they are determined to keep onto the young talent – who follows in the footsteps of the likes of Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou, and Emmanuel Eboué who came from Mimosas – for as long as possible.

In late September, Hjelmberg said: “Clubs in Europe want to be at the forefront in terms of scouting, and they report that they are interested and so on. But it is nothing more than that.

“There were quite a few clubs that cancelled their place against Norrköping when they realised that he was suspended. It was a bit of fun. Then there were a lot of cancellations. But there are quite a lot of big clubs coming now. And we have known about that (the interest).

“We need to plan for a future without him. Then if it happens (a deal) this winter, next summer or even further than that, I don’t think so in and of itself… we’ll see. But the longer we get to keep him the better.”

Arsenal and Tottenham lock horns again

Tottenham and Arsenal are reportedly set to go toe to toe in trying to sign Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg, 17, following an excellent 2024/25 campaign so far.

However, Spurs are also interested in Rigg’s 18-year-old team-mate Tom Watson at some point in 2025.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk revealed that although Arsenal want to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool are planning on reigniting their interest for the Spain international.

The Reds have also identified Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, but he is also liked by Premier League rivals United.

Finally, Arsenal are said to face competition from Aston Villa for Ajax ace Kenneth Taylor, who is valued at around £30m (€36m, $37.7m).

Who is Bazoumana Traore?

Born in the Ivory Coast in March 2006, Toure started his career at ASEC Mimosas and made his first-team debut in the CAF Champions League at the age of 16 years and seven months. He made one more appearance for the Ivorian club before joining Hammarby in March for just £370,000.

“Toure is more of a distinct winger, and has tremendous speed,” Hjelmberg said after completing the deal. “He is extremely fast and has an ability to pass opponents with speed and finesse.”

He has made a brilliant start to his career in the Swedish top-flight, registering nine goals and four assists in 23 appearances. The 18-year-old winger – who has three caps for the Ivory Coast Under-20s – can play on either flank and has also been praised for his defensive work rate.

He has been linked with a number of top clubs and is represented by the Unique Sports Group, whose top clients include the likes of Anthony Gordon, Brennan Johnson and Reece James.

“I think he can play at the highest level possible,” Hammarby manager Kim Hellberg said. “I don’t see why he shouldn’t have the chance to get there. There have been many players who have had the opportunity to get there but have not taken that route.

“He is unique in the way he learns things and picks things up. Now he scored two goals on his head… and we have worked so much on how he should get into the box and how he should position himself to create advantages linked to the fact that he is not a big player.”

Tottenham have received a blow, with the club confirming that Guglielmo Vicario will be sidelined for an unspecified period, after the goalkeeper revealed he played with a broken ankle against Manchester City.

Spurs’ performance against City was one of their best of the season. They bounced back from two losses in a row by downing the Premier League champions 4-0.

James Maddison scored a brace on his birthday, and the defence fielded 23 shots without conceding.

But Tottenham have not come out unscathed from the top performance, which means they’re sixth in the Premier League and four points behind City.

Indeed, the club have confirmed that goalkeeper Vicario has undergone surgery, and he will be assessed by medical staff to determine when he can return to training.

The Italian himself took to social media to explain the extent of his injury.

“Sometimes football gives you its highs and sometimes it challenges you in ways you don’t expect. I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team. Unfortunately there was no way round this one.. I needed surgery,” he said.

Vicario’s record to end

With surgery having only just happened, there’s little way of knowing when Vicario can return, but there’s a chance it could be a while.

With that being the case, his perfect appearance record in the Premier League will almost certainly end.

That record is an impressive one, with Vicario having reached 50 English top-flight appearances without having ever missed a minute, speaking to both his form and his robustness.

It’s a wonder that record did not end in the game against City, with the Tottenham goalkeeper playing much of the game with an injury.

Tottenham round-up: No move for Dewsbury-Hall

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been linked with Spurs amid his Chelsea struggles, but journalist John Wenham feels it’s very unlikely that the north London outfit would attempt to sign him from their rivals on current form.

Spurs have, though, been watching a pair of Sunderland youngsters, having been in attendance to scout Black Cats pair Chris Rigg and Tom Watson recently.

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s side could miss out on Brahim Diaz, as it’s reported Liverpool have put an offer on the table for him.

And Spurs midfielder Maddison has stated the side plays better when he is in it.

Vicario’s Prem record

Guglielmo Vicario’s Premier League appearances

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been told that Tottenham “saving” him from Chelsea is unlikely, with journalist John Wenham stating he can’t see the “disappointing” signing heading to the Blues’ rivals “at all”.

Dewsbury-Hall has struggled for minutes since moving to Chelsea. In the Championship with Leicester last season, he was one of the best players in the division, ending the campaign with 12 goals and 14 assists in the league.

But he’s scored just once at Chelsea, and in the Premier League, the midfielder has been afforded just 44 minutes so far.

He has been linked with Tottenham, but Wenham feels the chances of that move have died.

“The club really wanted Conor Gallagher. However, as has been the case historically, Spurs and Chelsea weren’t able to do a deal,” he told Tottenham News.

“Therefore, I don’t see Tottenham going to their rivals Chelsea and saving somebody who has been a disappointing signing from their point of view.

“I just can’t see Spurs saying we will take Dewsbury-Hall off your hands, pay you a fee, pay his wages. I just can’t see that happening at all.”

Tottenham links with Dewsbury-Hall span some time

When Chelsea signed Dewsbury-Hall in the summer, Spurs were in the mix, but given Enzo Maresca’s presence at Stamford Bridge, after he managed the midfielder at Leicester last term, it’s no surprise the Blues prevailed.

Amid his struggles with Chelsea, Dewsbury-Hall has again been linked with Spurs.

But it does indeed seem unlikely that they’d want to sign a faltering player from a rival, knowing that they’ve lost out big if he continues to fail in north London, leaving Chelsea laughing.

That’s especially true given the former Leicester man has been deemed “the new Danny Drinkwater”, referring to the Englishman’s own move from the Foxes to Chelsea, where he looked a much different player, and not for the better.

Tottenham round-up: Young stars on radar

Tottenham possess a good deal of youth talent, and are reportedly looking to add to those ranks, having been in attendance at Sunderland’s last game to scout not one but two teenage stars.

Their main objective was to watch Chris Rigg, but it’s said Spurs also had their eye on winger Tom Watson, who’s on a fast rise.

Meanwhile, they could be in trouble in their pursuit of reported target Brahim Diaz, as Liverpool have reportedly sent him an offer.

And James Maddison has stated that he feels Tottenham are a better side when he’s playing, after a brace in a 4-0 thumping of Manchester City.

Is KDH the latest Chelsea flop?

Tottenham were reportedly in attendance to watch Chris Rigg and his team-mate Tom Watson at a recent Sunderland game, with the list for the former growing.

Spurs have just pulled off one of the results of the season. Before their Premier League game against champions Manchester City, they had lost to Galatasaray and then Ipswich.

But they bounced back by downing the dominant Citizens 4-0.

It was a sign of things to come from Ange Postecoglou’s side, and their interest in some young stars suggests they are continuing to look to the future.

Both Spurs and rivals Arsenal are said to have been in attendance to watch 17-year-old Sunderland sensation Rigg in the second-placed Championship side’s latest game, as per TBRFootball.

Rigg is seen as a big target for Manchester United, amid comparisons to Red Devils legend Roy Keane.

Though Rigg was the main reason for Spurs’ attendance, it’s reported they were also watching his 18-year-old team-mate Watson, a winger who has played six Championship games this season after he was directly involved in nine goals in five PL2 games.

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Tottenham’s young talents

Spurs signed Lucas Bergvall and Min-hyeok Yang in the summer, and the former, at 18, has minutes under his belt in the first team, as does fellow 18-year-old Archie Gray, also signed of late.

Further to that, 17-year-old Mikey Moore has graced the pitch in the Premier League, while 19-year-old Will Lankshear has a Europa League goal to his name.

Rigg and Watson could potentially soon be added to Tottenham’s list of promising youngsters.

With the rate the pair are progressing at, they could make an impact on the Premier League.

Tottenham round-up: USMNT star on radar

Spurs are said to be interested in Malik Tillman, with the PSV attacking-midfielder also being courted by Aston Villa.

But they could be threatened in some other pursuits, with European big hitters Barcelona after Devyne Rensch.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, who is wanted by Spurs, reportedly has an offer on the table from Liverpool.

And after Spurs’ huge win against City, James Maddison – who scored a brace during the game – has stated he feels the side “is much better with me in it”.

Chris Rigg’s milestones

How old Chris Rigg was at certain milestones in his career so far

Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon is reportedly keen to have his Spurs contract ripped up so he can leave on a free transfer and reignite his career elsewhere.

Reguilon, 27, is not part of Postecoglou’s plans and hasn’t made a single appearance this season, nor has he been named on the bench for a Premier League fixture.

Reguilon was named as a substitute in the League Cup against Coventry City but didn’t play a single minute of the game – suggesting that there is nothing he can do to break into the Tottenham team.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Reguilon is ready to terminate his Tottenham contract and find a new club.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of the season but reportedly wants to leave before that and go somewhere where he can get regular game time.

Clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are said to be monitoring Reguilon’s situation and are interested in signing him, despite the fact he hasn’t played a competitive match in six months.

Tottenham would have to agree to terminate Reguilon’s contract and it remains to be seen whether they do so, but it appears they’d have little to lose if they did.

Reguilon desperate to leave Tottenham – report

Reguilon travelled to Ferencvaros last month for Spurs’ Europa League fixture against the Hungarian side, but wasn’t included in the match-day squad.

Postecoglou was asked about Reguilon’s situation, and why he attended the game despite not being involved.

“Sergio [Reguilon] is a Tottenham player, that’s why he’s here,” Postecoglou said.

“We like to have 20 players for training, we’ve also brought some young players. They had a game last night and we didn’t want to disrupt them too much.”

A report from Spain on Friday claimed that Reguilon’s agents are actively looking to secure him a move away from Tottenham in January.

Jose Mourinho has reportedly shown interest in a reunion with Reguilon at Fenerbahce, while Sevilla and Getafe have also been linked with the Spaniard.

Tottenham round-up: Angel Gomes wanted / Fulham defender eyed

Meanwhile, Tottenham could be set to rival Manchester United for England star Angel Gomes, whose contract with Lille is set to expire next summer.

A number of other clubs are keen on the midfielder too but Spurs are keen to get ahead of the pack by reportedly launching a bid for him in January.

Tottenham’ willingness to spend money on a player that they might not have to is due to the fact that senior figures, including Postecoglou, are ‘desperate’ to beat the likes of Man Utd and Newcastle to the transfer.

In other news, Tottenham have been linked with Fulham defender Joachim Andersen, despite the fact he only signed for the Cottagers this past summer.

Spurs are planning to be in the market for a new centre-back in the New Year and the Denmark international is someone on their radar, according to recent reports – but they could face competition from Liverpool.

Fulham are reluctant to sell Andersen so soon after re-signing him but reports suggest that they would consider a sizeable bid for the defender.

A Tottenham star recalled to the starting eleven for the thumping 4-0 victory over Manchester City hasn’t been shy in declaring Spurs are a “much better” team with him in it.

Tottenham produced arguably the result of the season so far when dismantling reigning champions Man City on their own turf. James Maddison – recalled to the starting eleven after consecutive Premier League matches relegated to the bench – got the show underway when bagging a first-half brace.

When speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Maddison – who celebrated his 28th birthday on the day – insisted Spurs are a superior team when he plays.

“I’ve been alright,” began Maddison (as quoted by Football London). “I’m never happy with not playing. The gaffer took me out for a tactical reason because he wanted [Pape] Sarr and [Dejan] Kulusevski – two really fit lads who can really go and press for 90 minutes – for a couple of games.”

The playmaker continued: “I’ve got a lot of self belief and if I go through tough spells of having two games out I’m at the age now where I’m able to go and show you that this team is much better with me in it.

“That is the mindset – not in an arrogant, big-headed way – just the mindset of myself and that self belief. That’s the only way you get out of them little ruts.

“I’ve actually been really happy with my form this season, been a couple games when I haven’t maybe been at the level, but I watch all the games back and I know when I’m not playing at the level.

“There’s been a couple which in football, it happens, but I’m really happy and proud I bounced back, back in today for a big game, really showed my leadership and the manager will be happy with that so I am.”

“That’s the real Spurs” – James Maddison

Maddison took the captain’s armband following Son Heung-min’s withdrawal just after the hour mark prior to his own substitution 30 minutes later.

The former Leicester man was named man of the match by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville and showcased his leadership credentials when assessing the overall display.

“That’s the real Spurs today,” added Maddison. “That’s the one that we train towards, that’s the one we worked towards.

“That 90 minutes there is what we want Spurs to be and what we have got to strive to be there more consistently.”

Latest Tottenham news – Tilman, Andersen, Reguilon

In other news, Tottenham and Aston Villa are both understood to be showing ‘keen interest’ in PSV Eindhoven star, Malik Tilman.

Elsewhere, Spurs have been linked with Fulham defender Joachim Andersen after his impressive return to Craven Cottage.

Spurs are planning to be in the market for a new centre-back in the New Year and the Denmark international is someone on their radar, according to recent reports – but they will face competition from a Premier League rival.

Barcelona have joined English Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Devyne Rensch from Ajax, according to reports.

Rensch is believed to have been identified as one of Barcelona’s main right-back targets for 2025 as they aim to strengthen a position in which they currently rely on Jules Kounde, a player who arrived at the club as more of a centre-back.

Reports earlier this week claimed Liverpool and Tottenham were both keeping tabs on Rensch, with Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid weighing up Trent Alexander-Arnold or Pedro Porro for the right-back position.

And if one of those Premier League sides loses their current starting right-back to Real Madrid, they risk also missing out on Rensch as a replacement because of Barcelona.

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona have been scouting Rensch recently, with a view to making a move for him at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Other than the competition from Liverpool and Tottenham, Barcelona are competing against Rensch’s current club Ajax – who want to offer him a contract extension beyond the end of the season, when his current deal is due to expire – to convince him to play for them next season.

Barcelona have been alert to various free-transfer opportunities in recent years and they could have the opportunity to pick up Rensch without having to pay a transfer fee – even being able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement from January if they want, although it sounds more likely they will wait until June.

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Rensch rises up Barcelona shortlist

Rensch is not the only target Barcelona are considering for the right-back role, where other than Kounde their only option currently is youngster Hector Fort.

As Sport explains, Barcelona considered a move for Almeria’s Marc Pubill in the summer just gone. He remains on their radar despite being financially out of reach last time they tried.

Given that Rensch could be available on a Bosman transfer, he might be the more accessible target for Barcelona. However, the 21-year-old may yet prefer to continue his development with Ajax.

Three years after his first Netherlands cap, Rensch worked his way back into international contention earlier this year, earning his second appearance for his country.

A move to Barcelona would be a big step up, especially considering how Ajax have been underachieving in recent years.

Barcelona transfer roundup

Interestingly, there was another rumour this week about another upcoming free agent on the radar of Barcelona, Tottenham and others.

Jonathan Tah is the player in question as he approaches the end of his contract with Bayer Leverkusen, who he captained to Bundesliga glory last season.

Barcelona are now leading the race for the centre-back, according to reports in Spain, despite competition from Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Tottenham have turned their attention to another American midfielder after lining up the addition of Johnny Cardoso for 2025, but they will have to beat Aston Villa to their newer target.

Spurs secured the right of first refusal to buy Cardoso from Real Betis in 2025 when selling Giovani Lo Celso the other way this summer. They are expected to make use of their option, but might not be done there in terms of adding to their midfield – and they could stick to the American theme.

It has now emerged that Tottenham are also taking a ‘keen interest’ in PSV star Malik Tillman, who plays as an attacking midfielder.

The news comes from TBR Football, whose report adds that Aston Villa are also looking closely at former Rangers loanee Tillman.

PSV bought Tillman from Bayern Munich in the summer after a successful loan spell, but the Bundesliga giants could also be ones to watch, since they have a buyback clause for the 22-year-old worth £29m (€35m/$36.5m).

That kind of figure represents a benchmark for what Tillman might cost if Tottenham or Aston Villa try to sign him instead.

And although Bayern still have a degree of control over his future, the report claims Tillman could be attracted by a move to the Premier League – though any preference between his two suitors is not disclosed.

Tottenham constructing American midfield

Tottenham have a lot more work to do in order to bring in Tillman compared to their pursuit of Cardoso, who they will be able to sign for a set price in 2025.

That fee is around £25m (€30m/€31m) – and even if Spurs decide against paying that price, they are entitled to a portion of the profits Real Betis make by selling him elsewhere.

Coincidentally, Aston Villa were also one of the clubs linked with Cardoso recently, while there have also been claims of interest from Atletico Madrid.

But if Spurs make the most of their advantage for Cardoso and then try and sign Tillman too, there would be an all-new American element in their midfield.

There have been five American players at Tottenham in the past: Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Clint Dempsey, DeAndre Yedlin and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Tottenham transfer roundup

In other Tottenham transfer news, Ange Postecoglou’s side have been linked with Fulham defender Joachim Andersen after his impressive return to Craven Cottage.

Spurs are planning to be in the market for a new centre-back in the New Year and the Denmark international is someone on their radar, according to recent reports – but they will face competition from a Premier League rival.

But one defender due to leave Tottenham is Sergio Reguilon, who remains out of favour under Postecoglou and has been linked with a move to a couple of European sides.

Tottenham are reportedly planning a January deal for Angel Gomes before Manchester United can get him, with top figures at the club ‘desperate’ to see him signed instead of heading to a rival.

Gomes’ form and contract situation at Lille has piqued the interest of many clubs of late. The Englishman was offered a Three Lions debut and three subsequent games under Lee Carsley as a result of recent form.

His contract, which expires at the end of the season, suggests he won’t be a Lille player for long.

Hailing from Manchester United’s academy, the Red Devils have been linked with a move for him in the summer, when he’ll be available for nothing.

However, according to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are considering making a January offer for him, which would see Lille receive a small fee rather than nothing, which they’d get in the summer.

Spurs’ willingness to spend money on a player that might not have to is reportedly due to the fact that senior figures, including Ange Postecoglou, are ‘desperate’ to beat the likes of United and Newcastle to the transfer.

It’s said they have been ‘making inroads’ in a bid to discover whether it would be possible to land Gomes for a small fee in January.

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Postecoglou can foil Amorim

The latest on the United pursuit suggested that new boss Ruben Amorim has given the green light to the signing of Gomes.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth is seemingly a fan of his, and the new boss has no problems with him being added to the side.

As such, Spurs moving for him in January would foil one of Amorim’s first pieces of business.

But it’s believed United are only likely to move for Gomes when he becomes a free agent, so there may well be a chance that Tottenham could come out on top.

Tottenham round-up: Midfield move in danger

Spurs have a priority clause for Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, but Atletico Madrid are reportedly planning to go after him in January, before they are able to trigger it.

Meanwhile, Joachim Andersen is on the radar of Tottenham just months after moving to Fulham.

It’s believed that the north London outfit could go after Caoimhin Kelleher, who it’s believed will soon depart from Liverpool.

And Jonathan Tah, who is on the radar of Spurs, is also wanted by Barcelona, who are said to be in the lead for him.

A former Liverpool star has tipped goalkeepers Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher to leave Anfield in 2025, which could help either Tottenham Hotspur or Chelsea.

Liverpool look set for a keeper revamp at the end of the season when Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives. The Reds have already agreed a £29million (€34.9m / $36.3m) deal to sign Mamardashvili from Valencia in summer 2025.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have big decisions to make. Mamardashvili will not want to be an understudy to Alisson, while Alisson believes he should remain Liverpool No 1 for several more years.

Kelleher has only picked up regular starts when Alisson has been out injured but he wants to leave so he can shine elsewhere.

Jan Molby, who helped Liverpool win a host of trophies including three league titles in the late 80s to early 90s, has now given his verdict on the club’s keeper dilemma.

Molby thinks Alisson and Kelleher could both leave in order to make way for Mamardashvili. The former midfielder has even suggested Kelleher could leave for a ‘Big Six’ rival such as Tottenham or Chelsea.

“Mamardashvili is obviously on loan at Valencia and they clearly thought that he was value for money and now was the time,” Molby said in an interview with Anfield Index (via CaughtOffside).

“Alisson Becker has never actually said anything but you just get the feeling that he might want to go and try something else.

“We haven’t signed him (Mamardashvili) for him not to be our first choice eventually.

“Kelleher will know that once Alisson is back from injury, he will be back on the bench.

“I still think Chelsea and Spurs need to improve their goalkeepers, and it would be hard for both Liverpool and Kelleher to turn some of those opportunities down.

“I think there’s every chance that our first and second choice goalkeepers will be going.”

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Liverpool must decide on Alisson, Kelleher futures

While Kelleher is pushing to leave Liverpool so he can play more, the club wants it to be on their terms.

This means their price tag – thought to be around £20m – must be met, and by the right club.

Liverpool are unlikely to sell the Republic of Ireland international to a direct top-four competitor such as Tottenham or Chelsea.

Instead, Liverpool would rather negotiate with clubs further down the Premier League, or some of Kelleher’s other suitors such as Celtic.

Alisson, meanwhile, remains eager to continue starring at the top level, despite Mamardashvili’s impending arrival.

At one stage, though, the 32-year-old is expected to leave Liverpool for a lucrative new adventure, potentially in MLS or Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool news: Starting XI prediction; PSG rumour

Liverpool great John Aldridge has told Slot to spring a surprise in the coming weeks by continuing to select Kelleher even when Alisson gets back to full fitness.

Kelleher has performed admirably while Alisson has been recovering from a hamstring issue, leading Aldridge to name him as Liverpool’s ‘standout player’.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ‘closely monitoring’ Desire Doue’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain, a report has claimed.

The forward is frustrated at not being a guaranteed starter for PSG, leading to speculation about a move away from the French giants.

Liverpool are described as ‘long-term admirers’ of Doue, having been very impressed with his previous rise at Rennes.