TEAMtalk

Tottenham have announced the departure of one of their best players, while a deal with Cody Gakpo has reportedly been struck and Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Savinho.

Tottenham conducted plenty of business nice and early this summer, with six new first-team players banked. Additions were made in the goalkeeper position, in defence and most notably with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, in midfield.

But with Spurs fully intending to splash the cash in the forward line in the final fortnight of the window, a handful of high profile sales are planned.

Djed Spence will join Inter Milan for €31.5m, with his deal containing a sell-on clause worth 10 percent.

But before that deal is official, Tottenham have just announced another defender has departed in the form of Cristian Romero.

A statement on Tottenham’s website began: ‘We have reached agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Cristian Romero.’

The 28-year-old Argentine’s deal will see Tottenham collect €40m and Spurs successfully inserted a 15 percent sell-on clause into the terms.

Tottenham’s aren’t expected to go into the market for a new centre-back having already signed Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke earlier in the window.

Regarding arrivals, it’s in the forward line where the fireworks will come, with Tottenham seeking to provide Roberto De Zerbi with two new wingers.

Cody Gakpo agrees personal terms with Tottenham

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Savinho of Manchester City are the two players in Spurs’ sights. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto is a back-up target to Savinho, but it’s the Brazilian who is the real prize on the right side.

And according to the latest from Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Tottenham have taken a huge step towards signing Gakpo by agreeing personal terms with the Dutchman.

They wrote: ‘Cody Gakpo has agreed in principle with Tottenham Hotspur, who have further intensified their pursuit of the forward by contacting Anfield

‘As a result, the chances of Gakpo making the move from Liverpool to north London this summer have increased significantly.’

On the subject of cost, Liverpool value Gakpo around the £70m mark, which isn’t a figure that is dissuading De Zerbi or Spurs.

Liverpool are expected to approve Gakpo’s sale if signing two new wingers of their own, with the top target being PSG’s Bradley Barcola. Ibrahim Mbaye, also of PSG, is the other wide man Liverpool are pushing to sign.

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Regarding Savinho, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to YouTube to provide a brief update on the state of play.

“Savinho remains a top target for Tottenham, don’t forget about Savinho,” declared Romano.

“Tottenham want two wingers. Cody Gakpo, we spoke about him in the last video, but for Savinho, negotiations are taking place.

“So the Savinho story is absolutely on and we have to keep Savinho’s name in mind for Tottenham Hotspur.”

Savinho has already agreed personal terms with Spurs who hope to get Man City’s green light as soon as City sign a replacement winger of their own.

Pedro Neto is Enzo Maresca’s top target for the right wing.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun this summer, with sources confirming they have made enquiries with his team over a potential deal.

The north London club have laid the groundwork for discussions over a potential deal that could cost in the region of €60million (£51.3m), sources close to the situation have indicated.

Balogun – the United States international who came through the ranks at Arsenal – has attracted widespread interest following an impressive campaign in Ligue 1 and a strong showing at the recent World Cup.

Newcastle United remain firmly in the picture and have monitored the 25-year-old throughout the transfer window. Meanwhile, Galatasaray and clubs from the Saudi Pro League have also made enquiries in recent days, seeking clarification on Monaco’s asking price.

Balogun scored 19 goals across all competitions for his side last season and further enhanced his reputation on the international stage. His contract runs until 2028, giving Monaco a strong negotiating position.

The French club are understood to be open to a sale provided their valuation, thought to be between €50-60million (£42.7-51.3m), is met.

Balogun gives nod to Premier League return

The striker is confirmed to be keen on a return to the Premier League, where he would count as a homegrown player for any English club.

Some sources suggest he has already signalled his willingness to join Tottenham, though no formal offer has yet been tabled and talks remain at an early stage. Spurs would look to offload Dominic Solanke or Richarlison before signing him, sources close to the club have stated.

Earlier in the summer Chelsea, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus were among those linked with the Brooklyn-born forward but no real offers arrived. However, the focus has sharpened on Spurs in recent days as the window enters its final weeks.

With the new Premier League season fast approaching, Tottenham, under Roberto De Zerbi, are looking to bolster their attacking options.

Whether they can secure Balogun’s signature remains to be seen, but the American is clearly one of the most sought-after strikers available this summer.

Destiny Udogie is the latest player to be linked with a move away from Tottenham, with reports in Italy suggesting Roma are set to launch a move to sign him this summer.

The 23-year-old has gone through periods of patchy form for Spurs but re-established himself as a key part of the starting XI following Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as manager last season.

Udogie played a key role in Tottenham avoiding relegation, but according to Italian outlet Il Romanista, as cited by Sport Witness, he has given a ‘firm yes’ to joining Roma this summer.

It’s claimed that Spurs are demanding €30million (£25.6m / $34.6m) for Udogie, though it’s hinted that even €25million (£21.4m / $28.8m) could be enough to get him, which gives Roma ‘hope.’

However, the report states that Roma are likely to come forward with an offer to sign Udogie on an initial loan deal, including an option to buy.

With Djed Spence set to head to Inter Milan, Spurs are reportedly facing the prospect of losing two key full-backs ahead of the coming season.

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Tottenham expected to block Udogie exit

TEAMtalk named Spence as one of five players who could follow Cristian Romero out of the Tottenham exit door in an exclusive update earlier today, but Udogie is not one of those who is likely to leave.

In fact, sources indicate that the opposite is the case.

We revealed back in June that Spurs boss De Zerbi is a huge admirer of Udogie and has made clear to the club’s hierarchy that he has big plans for him.

It is true that there is interest from the Serie A in the Italian international, but with Spence on the way out, it would be a monumental shock to see Udogie leave so close to the start of the new season.

Spurs signed Andy Robertson via free agency following his departure from Liverpool, but Udogie remains a key part of De Zerbi’s for the present and future.

Udogie is contracted with Tottenham until 2030, so the London club are under zero pressure to sell him.

Spence’s exit, however, is imminent.

As mentioned, the England international is close to finalising a move to Inter, after he agreed terms with the club.

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho, while they have also identified an ‘expensive’ backup target, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham promised Roberto De Zerbi a squad rebuild this summer to help get the club back into the European qualification places, and they have brought in six new players during a busy summer so far. Spurs started by overhauling their backline with the captures of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

De Zerbi then asked Spurs to overhaul his central midfield options, and they went on to smash their transfer record twice.

Spurs paid West Ham United £85million for Mateus Fernandes before eclipsing that deal with the £100m capture of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

Spurs have now turned their attention to their forward line. They want at least one new winger, plus a centre-forward who can compete with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

On his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that Gakpo and Savinho are both key targets for Spurs, with talks ongoing.

“More movements are expected at Tottenham in the next days, because don’t forget their top targets remain two players: one is Cody Gakpo, the other one is Savinho,” he said.

“On the wings, they are working on these two deals. No negotiations for Folarin Balogun.

“I know there have been many reports in the last 24 hours, but Tottenham are not working on a Balogun deal.

“The two top targets [for] wingers remain Cody Gakpo and Savinho. [The] alternative is Pedro Neto, who is very expensive.”

Spurs could end up splashing out a huge £137m to sign Gakpo and Savinho.

Liverpool want £70-72m for Gakpo, while City are demanding £60-65m to sell Savinho.

De Zerbi likes Gakpo for his ability to play as either a left winger or centre-forward. The Dutchman struggled for Liverpool last season but looked far better at the World Cup, scoring three times.

Ben Jacobs said on August 5 that Liverpool will be more inclined to sell Gakpo if they bring in Bradley Barcola and a second wide player.

Savinho, meanwhile, has already agreed personal terms with Spurs.

Tottenham in for Cody Gakpo AND Savinho

Spurs failed to sign the Brazilian last summer but are more confident of getting a deal done this time around.

Previous reports have suggested Spurs are on the cusp of forging a £65m agreement for Savinho. But going off Romano’s update, it seems Spurs are currently offering less than £60m for the 22-year-old.

De Zerbi could use Savinho as a left winger regularly if he decides to play Gakpo as a striker.

Once again, though, Savinho’s versatility makes him an attractive option. He is equally comfortable playing on either flank.

We confirmed on August 6 that Spurs see Chelsea’s Neto as a backup option for Savinho.

But that transfer would be difficult to agree given the rivalry between Spurs and Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid have finalised an agreement with Tottenham for Cristian Romero, with the Argentina international set to leave the club this weekend, and TEAMtalk can confirm the five other stars who could depart Spurs next.

Tottenham sources have confirmed that a deal worth €40million (£34.2m / $46.1m), including add-ons, has been agreed, while Romero has already settled personal terms with Atletico – as TEAMtalk previously revealed.

The agreement also includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause in Tottenham’s favour.

Atletico have long admired Romero and the move was always the Argentine’s preferred option should he leave north London this summer.

Spurs had accepted that their captain could depart if the right offer arrived, despite the defender having three years remaining on his contract.

Inter Milan and Barcelona had also been interested, while Arsenal made an approach for the centre-back, but Atletico have ultimately won the race.

Romero’s departure is another major part of Roberto De Zerbi’s reshaping of the Tottenham squad.

Spurs have added significant experience and quality this summer with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson, but there has also been a steady stream of departures.

Luka Vuskovic, Manor Solomon, Radu Dragusin, Will Lankshear, Alejo Veliz, Alfie Devine and Yves Bissouma have all left, with more changes now expected.

We understand that four more Tottenham stars could leave before the window slams shut, with Djed Spence’s exit believed to be imminent.

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Spence and Phillips set to follow Romero out of Tottenham

Spence is on the verge of completing his move to Inter Milan after Tottenham agreed terms with the Italian champions.

TEAMtalk understands the England international should complete the transfer this weekend after making it clear that Inter was his preferred destination.

Spence has already enjoyed football abroad with Rennes and Genoa and the opportunity to return to Serie A proved decisive as negotiations accelerated.

Ashley Phillips is another expected departure.

His proposed move to Middlesbrough stalled last week after complications over the structure of the deal due to issue with his medical, but we understand the defender is still expected to leave Tottenham within the next week.

Middlesbrough remain a possibility, with a loan deal that could include an option now being discussed as the clubs attempt to revive negotiations.

Vicario loan likely as Sarr, Bergvall futures hang in the balance

Tottenham are also expecting Guillermo Vicario to leave on loan for Serie A this month, with Juventus among the clubs interested in the goalkeeper.

Juventus, however, are also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain about possibly taking Zion Suzuki on-loan, who is finalising a move to the Parc Des Princes from Parma.

However, PSG are deciding whether to give Lucas Chevalier another chance or bring in Suzuki now. If they go with Chevalier, Juve have already confirmed their desire to take the Japanese number one.

Torino also remain keen on Vicario. They had been hoping to land Leeds’ Lucas Perri but Marseille have stepped in and look set to land him on a permanent deal.

There are also continued doubts over Pape Matar Sarr, with a number of clubs monitoring the midfielder. We understand Aston Villa and Brentford are among those who have shown an interest.

Lucas Bergvall’s future will also be decided in the coming weeks, but as we previously revealed Roberto De Zerbi is keen to keep the Scandinavian starlet – despite interest from the likes of Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the sell-on clause number that Tottenham Hotspur have retained on skipper Cristian Romero, as they prepare to offload the Argentine to Atletico Madrid.

Spurs are cutting their losses on Romero after it became evident that the 28-year-old wanted out of the club after back-to-back 17th-placed Premier League finishes.

Despite only signing a new contract with Tottenham just 12 months ago, Romero has always wanted to test himself in Spain, and that wish has now been granted as he prepares to make a €40million (£34m / $46m) move to Madrid.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Wednesday evening: “Cristian Romero to Atlético Madrid, HERE WE GO!

“Agreement in place between clubs with Tottenham at €40m package, add-ons included. Inter deal off in July, Barcelona decided not to proceed days ago, Spurs were never gonna sell to Arsenal. Atléti: done.”

As Romano stated, the Arsenal talk was indeed just talk, with Tottenham never considering entertaining offloading their skipper to their bitter rivals, no matter the price.

To that end, and given Romero’s desire to move on, Spurs have had to settle on selling the World Cup winner for a fee that is less than double what they were looking for prior to him signing that new deal last summer.

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Jacobs reveals Tottenham, Romero sell-on clause

Meanwhile, Jacobs has revealed the sell-on clause Spurs have retained for the centre-back after his Atletico switch was agreed.

The journalist revealed on X: “Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Spurs for Cristian Romero.

“The Argentine defender was keen on the move last summer. Inter have also explored a deal this summer as well. And Arsenal have discussed Romero, but Spurs have no intention to sell to their rivals and deny any approach to date.

“More on Cristian Romero’s imminent move to Spurs. €40m package, including add-ons. Spurs also retain a 15% sell-on.

“Spurs agreed to sell for the same number as Napoli negotiated, but Romero never agreed terms.”

Romero is set to join fellow defender Djed Spence in making an imminent exit, with the England star on his way to Italian giants Inter Milan in another bargain deal.

Indeed, it’s being reported that Tottenham could recoup up to £128m (€150m) with a triple sale after contact from Barcelona over another key first-team star.

As for Romero’s exit, the club skipper is poised to leave after five years in north London, during which time he made 156 appearances for the club and also lifted Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years after they tasted Europa League success in 2024/25.

However, his time at Spurs was blighted by disciplinary issues, with Romero red-carded six times, which, since his debut for the club in August 2021, is more than any other Premier League player during the same period.

Indeed, the writing was on the wall for Romero’s exit after the club signed Marcos Senesi on a free transfer early in the summer window, and then followed that up with the capture of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton from £52m.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to sell Djed Spence to Inter Milan for a shockingly low fee, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Spence made 44 appearances last season as Roberto De Zerbi saved Tottenham from relegation to the Championship. Tottenham won three of their last seven league matches to finish in 17th place on 41 points, ultimately sending West Ham United down. It was the second year in a row that Spurs had finished one spot above the relegation zone.

Spence was a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, given Spurs’ recent struggles, but the full-back had a great tournament.

Spence was one of England’s best performers as they reached the semi-finals before losing in painful fashion to Argentina.

Spence’s stock rose significantly thanks to the World Cup, yet De Zerbi has greenlit the 26-year-old’s sale. De Zerbi cannot guarantee Spence regular starts, and Spurs will not stand in the player’s way as he searches for guaranteed minutes.

We revealed on Tuesday that Inter’s talks to sign Spence had accelerated, and Romano has now stated that an agreement is in place.

On X, formerly Twitter, the journalist wrote: ‘Djed Spence to Inter, here we go!

‘Verbal agreement in place now with Tottenham for England RWB. Transfer fee worth €31.5m [£27m].

‘Full agreement also with Spence who wanted the move as revealed over recent days. Deal in place.’

Spurs selling Spence for just £27m is a bizarre decision given he was one of England’s standout players at the World Cup, plus the fact he has three years left on his contract.

It is understandable they want to cash in on him while his stock is high, but they could have received far more than £27m.

Djed Spence to leave Tottenham for Inter Milan

Spence’s agents have reportedly offered him to clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool in recent weeks. However, Inter have always been viewed as his most likely suitors.

The Englishman could be one of several defenders to leave N17 before the transfer deadline.

According to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, Barcelona have ‘made contact’ for Pedro Porro.

It is hard to see Spurs selling both Spence and Porro though, as such deals would decimate their options at right-back.

Instead, centre-half Cristian Romero is expected to quickly follow Spence out of north London.

Atletico Madrid are preparing a new bid to finalise the signing of Romero, having hijacked Inter’s talks for him.

Tottenham could wave goodbye to three high profile defenders in the coming days and weeks, with the biggest deal involving Barcelona, according to reports.

Spurs wrapped up three bumper deals nice and early this summer, spending a combined £237m on Jan Paul van Becke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Further big-money arrivals are planned, with Tottenham aiming to sign £60m-rated Savinho from Manchester City, as well as a left winger or striker.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo – valued at £70m – remains a target and the Reds would be open to selling if they can get a deal for Bradley Barcola over the line.

Perhaps inevitably given the vast sums Tottenham are spending, exits for major-name players are now ramping up.

Barcelona make contact for Pedro Porro

Firstly, Spanish journalist, Gerard Romero, has brought news of LaLiga champions Barcelona making a play for Pedro Porro, who is reportedly valued at €80m / £68m.

“Contact has been made in recent days with Pedro Porro, with the full-back’s entourage,” Romero revealed (as cited by Goal).

“He is one of the highest paid players at Tottenham, he renewed very recently, but Barcelona have sounded out his entourage in the event that Jules Kounde leaves.

“Kounde has many offers from the Premier League, so far the player hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to leave but it’s a case that’s half open, so anything can happen.”

Kounde is on Arsenal’s radar as The Gunners seek defensive cover amid William Saliba’s back injury and Jurrien Timber’s ongoing groin issue.

Djed Spence heading to Inter Milan

Another full-back could go, with Djed Spence already agreeing personal terms with Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Our insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on Tuesday that a club-to-club agreement is now on the cusp of being agreed.

And per the latest from transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, the final fee is projected to be in excess of €30m / £26m.

Romano wrote on X: “Inter sent opening official bid for Djed Spence to Tottenham as expected, talks ongoing between clubs at fee over €30m.

“Spence said yes to Inter contract conditions and now club hopeful to reach club to club agreement.”

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Cristian Romero expected to join Atletico Madrid

Finally, Cristian Romero is expected to move to the Spanish capital by way of Atletico Madrid.

Like Spence has with Inter, Romero has approved a move to Atleti and attention is now on finalising the transfer fee and deal structure.

Again taking to X, Romano explained: ‘Cuti Romero and Atlético Madrid, deal close as new bid will be sent soon to Tottenham.

‘Romero gave his green light to Atléti; talks enter final stages. Spurs never considered to sell the player to Arsenal.’

A separate report from The Mirror claims Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have now agreed on a €40m / £34m switch.

If Spurs were to sell all three of Porro, Spence and Romero, they’d stand to bank around €150m / £128m.

Atletico Madrid have launched a €35million (£30m / $40m) bid for highly-rated Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, TEAMtalk can reveal, while Manchester City and Tottenham consider making moves of their own.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a major target for Diego Simeone’s side as they look to add further attacking options, with Atletico now putting serious money on the table to try and get a deal done.

Lille are under no pressure to sell Fernandez-Pardo, however, with the club set to receive more than €100million (£85m / $115m) from Manchester City for midfield starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Lille are determined to give new head coach Davide Ancelotti a squad capable of challenging for honours.

That has left Lille considering Atletico’s proposal rather than immediately accepting it.

Atletico, meanwhile, insist the move is not connected to the future of Julian Alvarez and point to their long-standing desire to add a player capable of operating from the left as well as centrally – qualities Fernandez-Pardo possesses.

We can confirm Fernandez-Pardo is open to the prospect of moving to Madrid, but Atletico face strong competition from England.

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Man City, Tottenham eyeing moves for Fernandez-Pardo

Man City are among those interested and TEAMtalk understands they have done significant work on Fernandez-Pardo. They like what they have seen and are considering whether to make their own move.

City are looking for a new forward with Savinho pushing for a move to Tottenham.

We understand talks between City and Spurs over the Brazilian have been ongoing for weeks, with Savinho increasingly frustrated by the situation.

Tottenham are also growing frustrated by the Savinho situation and in-turn have been assessing options elsewhere and one of those they are looking at is Fernandez-Pardo, with the Belgian now one of the alternative attacking options.

Spurs like the fact Fernandez-Pardo can play centrally as they are also looking for someone who can help bolsyer those options – with that they are also looking at the likes of Villarreal’s Georges Mikautadze and Monaco’s Falorin Balogun.

From a financial perspective, the 21-year-old is particularly attractive to both Premier League sides, with TEAMtalk understanding that a fee below €40million (£34m / $46m) could be enough to convince Lille to sell.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all previously made enquiries about Fernandez-Pardo and have now been informed of Atletico’s offer and the developing situation.

Atletico have made the first major move with their €35million proposal, but with several Premier League heavyweights monitoring the situation and Fernandez-Pardo open to a move, the race is far from over.

Paul Scholes has named which north London club has got the better deal this summer, after Tottenham Hotspur’s capture of Sandro Tonali and Arsenal’s recent acquisition of his former Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes.

Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes was unveiled to Gunners fans at The Emirates on Sunday following his £75million switch, with Mikel Arteta identifying the 28-year-old as his top midfield target earlier in the summer.

Arteta certainly has high hopes for Guimaraes and believes the Brazil international can help take Arsenal to the “the next level”.

“I think he describes himself as a warrior,” Arteta said. “I think he’s a warrior with a tremendous quality as well and intuition and leadership and charisma that is going to help us.

“It is going to really ignite something different in the team. I’m delighted to have him.

“We see very clearly – especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground – the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club.”

Meanwhile, Tonali said it took him “just 10 minutes” to decide to join Tottenham in a record-breaking £100m deal for the club, after speaking to new Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi.

“Honestly, I spoke with another team [also],” Tonali admitted. “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 understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team.”

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Why Scholes rates Tonali as the ‘better player’

Scholes admits that he has never been blown away by Guimaraes, although the Man Utd legend insists he could “make Arsenal a better football team”, as they attempt to retain the Premier League trophy they won for the first time in more than 20 years last season.

“I think Bruno Guimaraes will make Arsenal a better football team,” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I don’t think the football we watched from them was great. You need midfield players to make your team play good football – is he going to do that enough for Arsenal?

“I know they won the league but I don’t think they got the midfield right last season.

“Maybe this is the answer to it but I do think Sandro Tonali is a better player, he’s got more legs about him.

“I don’t think Bruno is amazing physically but he might be more suited to Arsenal.”