TEAMtalk

The feeling in Spain is Tottenham are virtually guaranteed to take up their priority option to buy for a €25m signing in the summer of 2025.

Tottenham waved goodbye to Giovani Lo Celso in the previous window, with the Argentine re-joining former club Real Betis.

Spurs received a modest fee of around €10m / £8.4m, according to the BBC. But as part of that agreement, Tottenham successfully inserted an option to buy into the contract of Real Betis midfielder, Johnny Cardoso.

Spurs can activate their option to buy in a two-week period in June of 2025. The deal would be worth €25m / £21m if triggered.

Tottenham also inserted a sell-on clause into Cardoso’s contract, meaning they’ll be in line to receive a percentage of the fee if Cardoso is sold to another club. Of course, Spurs have priority through the presence of their option to buy.

And according to a fresh update from the print edition of ABC Sevilla, all the signs point towards Tottenham activating their option next summer.

As cited by Sport Witness, Real Betis consider Cardoso moving to north London ‘a certainty.’

Where will Johnny Cardoso fit?

Should Cardoso arrive at Spurs he’ll join a midfield corps that is already congested.

With Ange Postecoglou often deploying Dejan Kulusevski AND James Maddison in a midfield three, that has left just one space spare for Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr to scrap for.

Cardoso, 23, is a defensive midfielder by trade and the 17-cap USA international will hope to muscle his competitors aside and earn a place in the starting eleven.

Cardoso has started four of Real Betis’ last five LaLiga matches as well as both of their fixtures in the Conference League this season.

Latest Tottenham news – Conte raid / Werner clause

Elsewhere, former Spurs boss Antonio Conte is reportedly weighing up a January raid for Radu Dragusin.

Conte has his Napoli side top of the Serie A table and mid-season reinforcements are being sought to double down on their title challenge.

In other news, Postecoglou is reportedly ‘leaning towards’ ignoring the £8.5m option to buy in Timo Werner’s loan agreement.

If dismissed, Werner would simply return to parent club RB Leipzig at season’s end.

Finally, Gary Neville suggested Tottenham are the reason Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag.

Neville told Sky Sports earlier this week: “I suspect the Tottenham game was probably a catalyst for them to start thinking about a new manager.

“You look at who is available then you try to think of the timing. You are half hoping the manager can turn it around but 99 times out of 100, the tide is against you and continues to go against you.

“They’ve probably chosen a moment that was decided a few weeks ago – that the next bad loss or bad result, we’re probably going to have to act. That has come yesterday [vs West Ham]

“They would have started the process of finding Erik ten Hag’s successor, definitely, because that Tottenham game a few weeks ago did feel like the end.”

Who is Johnny Cardoso?

European football expert Andy Brassell previously gave his verdict on Cardoso in the aftermath of Tottenham’s option to buy being announced.

“Quite an interesting backstory, so he was born in the USA to Brazilian parents but he moved back to Brazil when he was three or four months old,” explained Brassell.

“To all intents and purposes, he is a Brazilian player, he’s come through the system there before going over to Betis.

“Very popular, very energetic, you can imagine Cardoso working really well in the Premier League because he loves a tackle, he loves to get stuck in, so you can imagine him protecting that Tottenham defence going forward.”

TEAMtalk’s features specialist, Ryan Baldi, has taken an even deeper dive into exactly what type of player Spurs are on course to sign…

Napoli are reportedly lining up a shock January move for Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin, while the Italian giants are also interested in a top Spurs target.

Dragusin has found consistent minutes hard to come by since his switch from Genoa in January, prompting speculation that he could make an early return to Italy.

Inter Milan have previously been linked with a move for Dragusin and now he’s on Napoli’s shortlist, but luring him away from North London won’t be straightforward.

According to journalist Paolo Paganini, Napoli are considering a January move for Dragusin and Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, who has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou is keen to bring in more competition for Destiny Udogie at left-back and Dorgu is a player Tottenham have had their eye on for months.

“Be careful because Napoli is ready to make a double move in January. One is Dorgu from Lecce and the other is Drăgușin from the Premier League,” Paganini told Rai 2.

Antonio Conte’s side currently sit top of the Serie A and the former Tottenham boss is keen to strengthen his squad further as he looks to lift the fourth Italian title of his managerial career.

Tottenham are very reluctant to sell Dragusin – sources

Dragusin started in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night – playing the full 90 minutes for the fourth time this season.

In what could prove to be a big blow for Spurs, Micky van de Ven hobbled off with an apparent hamstring injury after 14 minutes.

With the Dutch centre-back potentially out for the next few weeks, this could be Dragusin’s big chance to nail down a spot in Postecoglou’s starting XI.

Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that despite Napoli’s reported interest, it would take a huge bid for Tottenham to consider Dragusin’s sale mid-season.

Recent reports suggest that Tottenham are considering signing a new centre-back in January, but that’s because Postecoglou wants more options in the position, rather than the club covering for any potential outgoings.

We can also confirm that Spurs are interested in Dorgu, so we could potentially see them go head-to-head with Napoli for his signature.

Dorgu is under contract with Lecce until 2029 so they are in a strong negotiating position, with reports suggesting it will take £25m to sign him.

Tottenham transfer gossip: Kulusevski targeted / New winger eyed

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski, is also being linked with a shock return to Serie A amid interest from AC Milan.

Milan’s sporting director Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly a huge admirer of Kulusevski and views him as a potential replacement for Rafael Leao.

Leao remains a target for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, and while Kulusevski would not be a direct replacement, he could provide a different spark to the Milan attack.

Reports suggest that Milan will ambitiously start the bidding for Kulusevski at €50million (£42m / $54m). But that offer seems doomed to fail as the right winger – who can also play as a No 10 – is a key player for Ange Postecoglou and has seen his value soar in recent months.

Spurs are expected to demand in excess of £70m for Kulusevski and that will be enough to price Milan out of a move.

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly one of several Premier League sides interested in signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

However, Postecoglou’s side are set to face competition for the 24-year-old, who has scored three Premier League goals so far this season.

Arsenal are being heavily linked with a move for Semenyo, while Newcastle United are also believed to be big admirers of his.

Former Tottenham scout Mike Brown has revealed the club are eager to land a new centre-back in January, as he explained why Arsenal and Manchester City are so successful.

Spurs have of late been a fairly solid defensive outfit in comparison to other Premier League sides. So far this term, they have conceded 10 Premier League goals in nine games, a tally bettered by only three sides.

In any case, they are looking to improve their defensive capabilities and the depth of their back line.

That is according to their former scout Brown, who told Football Insider they would like to be able to rotate more at the back than they can currently.

“Tottenham worry me defensively,” Brown said.

“They fall down at the fundamentals, they’re just not good enough at the back. That’s even with their first-choice team on the pitch. Their strength in depth is an issue too because it makes rotation difficult.

“They’ve got a settled pairing in [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] Van de Ven, but behind them, they’re short of real quality options and strength in depth.

“From what I’m hearing, they want to bring in someone who can fill in if those two miss out.”

Arsenal superiority explained

Brown also explained the defensive strength of rivals Arsenal – who have also conceded 10 league goals this term – is one of the reasons they and champions Manchester City are currently so strong.

“All the best teams have defensive units that you know you can rely upon every week,” he said.

“Look at Arsenal, for example, the big reason they’ve been able to challenge for the title is because of their defenders.

“Gabriel and [William] Saliba are so solid at the back, and everybody does their bit.

“Man City as well, everybody talks about their attacking talent and rightly so, but their defence is outstanding with the likes of [Ruben] Dias, [Manuel] Ajanki and [Josko] Gvardiol.”

Tottenham round-up: Two wingers could leave

Tottenham could see the back of one important player if AC Milan get their way. Senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly eager to take compatriot Dejan Kulusevski to the club.

Fellow winger Timo Werner’s Spurs career will seemingly last no longer than his current loan spell, as Ange Postecoglou is ready to let him return to his parent club.

Instead, he wants to sign Marcus Edwards from Sporting CP, with TEAMtalk sources stating the club are very keen, but Manchester United – potentially soon to be managed by Ruben Amorim – have also been linked with the winger.

Meanwhile, a transfer closer to home could be made, as Tottenham are said to be interested in the signing of Karl Hein, who is owned by rivals Arsenal, but currently on loan at Real Valladolid.

Tottenham centre-back depth

Tottenham have just four senior centre-backs in their squad at the moment.

Radu Dragusin has not impressed enough since his signing last January to displace Romero or Van de Ven at the back, and Ben Davies has only been used sparingly of late.

As such, their desire to increase depth at the back makes sense.

Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to ask Tottenham to take up Timo Werner’s option to buy, and TEAMtalk understands an attacker Ruben Amorim wants at Manchester United is being eyed up as the German’s replacement at Spurs.

Werner re-joined Tottenham for a second loan spell over the summer. The 28-year-old’s deal contains an option to buy worth roughly £8.5m.

Werner’s displays this term – returning figures of zero goals and one assist in 445 minutes of action – have done little to suggest he warrants being signed outright.

And according to GiveMeSport, Spurs boss Postecoglou is ‘leaning towards offloading him at the end of the season.’ In other words, the option to buy would be ignored and Werner would return to parent club RB Leipzig.

There has been speculation Tottenham could cut Werner’s loan spell short in January on the back of Mikey Moore’s emergence as a genuine option for the left wing. However, GMS suggest Werner will be retained for the full length of his season-long loan.

Werner’s eventual exit will free up a place in the forward ranks and per the report, Tottenham are already ‘actively scouting alternative options.’

No specific names were mentioned, though TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Gillan, has been told Tottenham are very keen on bringing Sporting CP’s Marcus Edwards back to the club.

That could put Spurs in direct competition with Man Utd after transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti revealed Edwards is one of three Sporting CP stars Ruben Amorim wants brought to Old Trafford.

Tottenham vs Man Utd for Marcus Edwards – who wins?

On first view, Man Utd would appear to be favourites for Edwards given the Amorim connection.

The Portuguese manager has agreed to become Man Utd’s permanent successor to Erik ten Hag. In turn, Man Utd have signalled their intention to trigger his €10m release clause.

However, when Edwards initially left Tottenham for Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2019, Spurs retained 50 percent of the player’s economic rights.

Edwards subsequently joining Sporting CP three years later in 2022, though crucially, Spurs retained their economic rights in the player.

Their stake in Edwards was later reduced by 15 percent as part of the agreement that brought Pedro Porro from Sporting to Spurs.

As such, Tottenham are in line to receive 35 percent of the transfer fee if and when Edwards is sold by Sporting.

What that also means – given Tottenham would receive 35 percent of Sporting’s profits – is Spurs can effectively sign Edwards for a much smaller sum than other clubs.

That could result in Tottenham being willing to bid higher than Man Utd in the knowledge they’ll receive part of their bid back. Sporting would have no reason to favour a lower offer given 35 percent of the accepted bid would be heading to Tottenham irrespective of where Edwards goes.

Latest Tottenham news

In other news, JuveLive claim AC Milan chief, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has become ‘obsessed’ with bringing Dejan Kulusevski to the San Siro. The Swede has been a revelation this season after transitioning into a central playmaker.

Elsewhere, Postecoglou confirmed injured winger Wilson Odobert suffered a “serious” setback on his road to recovery.

Finally, Gary Neville pointed to Man Utd’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on September 29 as being the point where Erik ten Hag’s fate was sealed.

“I suspect the Tottenham game was probably a catalyst for them to start thinking about a new manager,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“You look at who is available then you try to think of the timing. You are half hoping the manager can turn it around but 99 times out of 100, the tide is against you and continues to go against you.

“They’ve probably chosen a moment that was decided a few weeks ago – that the next bad loss or bad result, we’re probably going to have to act. That has come [vs West Ham].

“They would have started the process of finding Erik ten Hag’s successor, definitely, because that Tottenham game a few weeks ago did feel like the end.”

Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Tottenham summer signing Wilson Odobert has suffered a “serious” setback in his recovery from injury.

The £25million former Burnley attacker returned as a substitute against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last Thursday after more than a month out with a hamstring issue.

However, he was not in the squad for the hugely disappointing 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace on Sunday and Postecoglou has confirmed the talented 19-year-old faces another spell on the sidelines.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City, Postecoglou, having already revealed skipper Son Heung-min’s absence from that game, said: “The only other one missing out which is a bit of a disappointment is Wilson, who has had a setback during the week and it seems like it is a serious one so we’re just waiting for more information. It’s not exactly the same [injury] but the same area.”

Odobert has made five appearances for Tottenham since his summer switch from the Clarets, making three starts and coming off the bench twice.

He came on as an 88th-minute against AZ Alkmaar last Thursday, which was his first appearance since the Carabao Cup win at Coventry on September 18.

Son, meanwhile, has missed the past two games with a tight hamstring and the South Korean is still not ready to return. However, Postecoglou is hopeful of him being fit to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Australian added: “Son is almost fit but probably from our perspective we’ll aim for the weekend. We’re quite confident he’ll be right for the weekend.”

Odobert, Son absence opens door for Moore

The absence of Odobert and Son means teenage winger Mikey Moore could get another chance to shine against City in the Carabao Cup.

The 17-year-old was electric in the first 20 minutes of the second half in the win over AZ last week, doing enough to get the nod ahead of Timo Werner for the weekend loss at Palace.

However, he failed to hit those heights again and was ultimately replaced by the German as Spurs chased an equaliser against an Eagles side that had previously not won a league game this season.

But with Werner’s confidence levels at rock bottom, it’s more likely that he will give Moore another crack against Pep Guardiola’s men.

The only other alternative would be to push James Maddison out wide on the left or move Dejan Kulusevski back to his right wing spot and switch Brennan Johnson across to the other side.

Either way, Tottenham need Son back in action as soon as possible, with the South Korean looking like he was finding his best form again in the thumping win over West Ham.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Milan chasing Kulusevski / Spurs eye new keeper

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly eager to sign Dejan Kulusevski for AC Milan but his offer is unlikely to be enough to convince Tottenham Hotspur to sell.

According to Italian source Juve Live, the former Juventus man has long been admired by his Swedish compatriot Ibrahimovic. The legendary former striker has appreciated Kulusevski’s ability ever since he was developing at Swedish club IF Bromma before heading to Atalanta’s academy in July 2016.

Ibrahimovic is now a senior adviser to the Milan board, and he is apparently ‘obsessed’ about landing Kulusevski for the Italian giants.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, who is currently on loan with LaLiga side Real Valladolid.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly eager to sign Dejan Kulusevski for AC Milan but his offer is unlikely to be enough to convince Tottenham Hotspur to sell.

According to Italian source Juve Live, the former Juventus man has long been admired by his Swedish compatriot Ibrahimovic. The legendary former striker has appreciated Kulusevski’s ability ever since he was developing at Swedish club IF Bromma before heading to Atalanta’s academy in July 2016.

Ibrahimovic is now a senior adviser to the Milan board, and he is apparently ‘obsessed’ about landing Kulusevski for the Italian giants.

Juve Live claim the Tottenham playmaker is ‘in the sights’ of Ibrahimovic and Milan as they prepare for life without Rafael Leao.

Left winger Leao remains a target for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, and while Kulusevski would not be a direct replacement, he could provide a different spark to the Milan attack.

The report adds that Milan will ambitiously start the bidding for Kulusevski at €50million (£42m / $54m).

However, that offer seems doomed to fail as the right winger – who can also play as a No 10 – is a key player for Ange Postecoglou and has seen his value soar in recent months.

Tottenham are in a strong position as Kulusevski’s contract does not expire until June 2028. The North London side are hard to negotiate with and will likely demand upwards of £70m (€84m / $90.9m) before even considering the 24-year-old’s exit.

Kulusevski shines after failed Arsenal approach

It is understandable that Milan would like to sign Kulusevski, as he is thriving under Postecoglou and has established himself as one of Spurs’ main sources of creativity.

Kulusevski may have only notched two goals and two assists in 13 games so far this term, but that does not tell the whole story. He is pivotal in helping Spurs tick and break through opposition defences.

Kulusevski got on the scoresheet during the 4-1 win over West Ham United on October 19 and starred in the No 10 role after James Maddison was taken off at half time.

After the match, both Glenn Hoddle and Peter Crouch praised the Stockholm-born ace.

“Ange would have loved that performance, that’s how he wants them to play,” Hoddle said. “They had the flow of the full-backs, Udogie picked up lovely positions, Son came to life, Kulusevski was outstanding today. A 4-1 win in a London derby, a great day all round.”

Crouch added: “They came out all guns blazing [in the second half], West Ham couldn’t control Kulusevski in that further role. It was a big call to take off Maddison at half time but it really worked, it freed up Kulusevski who was the best player on the pitch by a mile.”

However, he could have gone to Spurs’ rivals Arsenal. On Sunday, it emerged that Arsenal tried to sign Kulusevski in 2022 after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus.

The Gunners made contact for Kulusevski but then Spurs chiefs Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici ultimately won the race for him, something Postecoglou will be very thankful for.

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Tottenham transfers: Arsenal raid, Man City concern

Meanwhile, Spurs and Chelsea are both looking into the possibility of signing Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein.

The Spanish press claim Hein’s performances while on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga have impressed Spurs and Chelsea scouts.

Arsenal are ‘aware’ of the interest in the 22-year-old and have set his price tag at around €15m (£12.5m / $16.2m). Although, Spurs or Chelsea may have to pay more given their rivalry with Mikel Arteta’s side.

While Hein is being eyed as a possible addition to Spurs’ squad, there is speculation Pedro Porro may leave.

As per Football Insider, Manchester City have been ‘laying the groundwork’ as they try to re-sign the right-back.

Porro has been identified by City as an ideal successor for Kyle Walker, who is now 34 years old.

Porro was previously on City’s books between August 2019 and July 2022, though he did not make a single first-team appearance. The Citizens will have to offer around £80m (€96m / $104m) to get Spurs thinking about potentially selling Porro.

Arsenal have been backed to open talks for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo as they try to beat Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United to his signature.

Semenyo enjoyed a great start to the season, as he notched three goals and one assist in his first six Premier League games. The winger has not found the back of the net in his last three league outings, but he remains one of Bournemouth’s biggest threats going forward.

Semenyo’s electric performances have seen him emerge as a target for some of the biggest clubs in England, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has now praised the versatile attacker and reacted to claims Arsenal could win the race for him.

“He’s had a really good season so far,” the pundit said in an interview with Football Insider.

“You’ve got to look at it over a longer period of time and I do think he’s a quality player. There’s more to come from him as well.

“When you look at how Arsenal play with three behind the main striker, he would be a good fit for all of those positions. Higher up in the wide areas especially, and he’s a goal threat.

“It’s clearly an area that they’re going to look at going forward, but I don’t think Arsenal will be the only side at the table holding talks with him.

“Other teams across Europe will look at the way Semenyo has been playing and his stats. If you look at his incredible running stats as well, they’re right up there. He works hard.

“He’s definitely a player who fits the Arteta mould.”

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Bournemouth to make big profit

Bournemouth paid Bristol City around £10m (€12m / $13m) for Semenyo in January 2023 and he is now worth far more than that sum.

Last week, it emerged that Bournemouth will sell the Ghana international if a £40-50m (up to €60m / $65m) bid comes in.

On October 10, TEAMtalk revealed that Newcastle are leading the race for Semenyo.

Arsenal, though, cannot be ruled out. Their sporting director Edu is reportedly plotting a double move for Semenyo and his Bournemouth team-mate Milos Kerkez, with the left-back also earning a big reputation.

Arsenal news: Big transfer miss, keeper link

Meanwhile, Arsenal reportedly missed out on the signing of Swedish playmaker Dejan Kulusevski to rivals Spurs.

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal chased Kulusevski after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus in 2022.

But then Spurs chiefs Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici barged Arsenal aside to strike an agreement for Kulusevski first.

The central attacking midfielder, who can also play on the right wing, has since managed 17 goals and 21 assists in 108 appearances for Spurs and is currently thriving under Ange Postecoglou.

Elsewhere, the Argentine press claim Arsenal are ‘closely following’ Boca Juniors goalkeeper Leandro Brey ahead of a potential move in the near future.

The 22-year-old has usurped former Manchester United backup Sergio Romero and is now emerging as Boca’s first-choice keeper, which has caught the attention of Arsenal scouts.

The Gunners are looking for a new backup for David Raya, with Aaron Ramsdale having left over the summer and Neto – his replacement – only on loan from Bournemouth.

Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, who is currently on loan with LaLiga side Real Valladolid.

The 22-year-old is rated highly in the corridors of power at the Emirates and has put in some good performances at Valladolid, reportedly catching the attention of multiple clubs.

Arsenal’s current first-choice goalkeeper David Raya looks set to be between the sticks for many years to come, so a move away from the Gunners could be the best thing for Hein’s career.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham and Chelsea have ‘launched into the race’ to sign Hein as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options.

Hein has shown ‘not only reflexes and agility between the posts, but also an ability to remain calm under pressure’ and these qualities have ‘not gone unnoticed by scouts at Chelsea and Tottenham,’ per the report.

Arsenal are said to be ‘aware’ of the interest in Hein from their Premier League rivals and ‘could consider’ selling him for a fee in the region of €15m (£12.5m / $16.2m).

Speaking about Hein earlier this year, Mikel Arteta said: “Karl has continued to impress us with his attitude and commitment to getting better every day. We value being part of his continued development.”

Tottenham, Chelsea linked with Arsenal goalkeeper

Tottenham signed Guglielmo Vicario in the summer of 2023 but he has made a few big blunders, leading to speculation that Spurs could sign a new goalkeeper.

Reports have even claimed that Vicario could make a shock return to Italy, with Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing the former Empoli man.

Chelsea, on the other hand, already have four goalkeepers on their books, with Robert Sanchez currently Enzo Maresca’s first choice option.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that Maresca is happy with his current squad and is not currently planning to make any major additions. A striker would be the most likely incoming, but only if the right opportunity presents itself.

It’s therefore unlikely that Chelsea would spend £12.5m on Hein unless Sanchez’s performances take a significant downturn. He has made nine Premier League appearances so far this season, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are keen to sign a new back-up shot-stopper to compete with Raya, suggesting that Hein won’t be given a chance in the first team any time soon.

Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia remains on the Gunners’ shortlist, along with Boca Juniors star Leandro Brey.

Transfer gossip: Porro targeted by Man City / Chilwell to West Ham?

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly at risk of losing right-back Pedro Porro amid interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to sign a new right-back who can be a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, who is past his prime at the age of 34.

Man City have identified Porro as a top target but Spurs certainly won’t let him go on the cheap. Reports suggest that it would take a bid of at least £80m for the North London side to even consider his sale.

Real Madrid are also interested in Porro and could make a move for him if they miss out on their top right-back target, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are ready to sell out-of-favour left-back Ben Chilwell in January and a number of sides are considering bids for him.

We exclusively revealed earlier this month that Borussia Dortmund are admirers of Chilwell but now West Ham United have emerged as potential suitors for him too.

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Manchester City are preparing for a blockbuster raid on Tottenham Hotspur as they look to re-sign Pedro Porro, according to reports.

Football Insider claim that Man City are ‘laying the groundwork’ for a deal to capture Porro. City chiefs views the right-back as someone who would fit ‘like a glove’ in Pep Guardiola’s system amid his excellent form with Tottenham.

While the report does not provide too much specific detail on City’s pursuit of Porro, the fact they are ‘laying the groundwork’ suggests they have contacted his agent to discuss a potential move.

It was claimed last week that Tottenham would surprisingly be open to selling Porro for £60million (€72m / $78m), despite him being one of their biggest stars, but Football Insider reinforce the fact the Spaniard’s price tag as is actually £80m (€96m / $104m).

City have set their sights on Porro as a successor to Kyle Walker on the right side of defence. Walker is now 34 years old and City are ready to sell him for £15m (€18m / $19m), with Saudi Arabia a possible next destination.

City will face competition from Real Madrid for Porro, however. Madrid are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old as a possible replacement for Dani Carvajal in case they are unable to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It remains to be seen whether Porro would be happy to re-join City, having failed to make a single senior appearance when previously on their books.

City signed Porro from Girona in August 2019 but he went on to have loan spells at Real Valladolid and Sporting CP before joining the latter permanently in July 2022.

Walker is not the only club icon City must replace in the near future, as Kevin De Bruyne has entered talks with San Diego FC over moving to MLS when his contract at the Etihad expires next summer.

City have been linked with Turkey sensation Arda Guler, but it is hard to see Real Madrid selling the 19-year-old even if he is not a regular starter in their side.

City landing Bayer Leverkusen ace Florian Wirtz is a more likely solution, though they will face competition from Madrid and Bayern Munich for his signature.

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Porro verdict and Aguero prediction – Man City news

On Friday, former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson backed the North London side to ‘fight tooth and nail’ to keep Porro.

“[I] wouldn’t like to see it from a Tottenham point of view. He’s certainly one that is on the radar for Manchester City,” Robinson said.

“From Tottenham’s point of view, they are fighting tooth and nail to keep him.

“If they want to be competing in those Champions League places, you need players like that and you certainly don’t need to be selling, I’m going to say, to ‘rivals’.”

“Now Tottenham aren’t really title contenders are they? So they’re not really a direct rival, but actually a player like Porro would fit into that Manchester City team.

“When he plays in that hybrid role, he’s a player who often finds himself isolated up the pitch, high up the pitch, but his quality lies in the final third with his delivery, with his vision, with his passes.

“And he’s got great delivery as well and he’s not afraid to shoot.

“He’s definitely a player that you could see working in that Pep Guardiola system, as much as that pains me to say it.”

Meanwhile, former City striker Sergio Aguero has predicted Guardiola to join an international side such as Brazil or Argentina next.

“There is no longer a team for Pep after Barca, Bayern or City. It would mean going back to doing what he did at City by making signings and I don’t see him starting that routine except for a national team,” he said.

“He would have less daily work and could analyse more. In a short time he could introduce his playing style to internationals who already have talent, although that depends on which country he chooses.

“In addition to Brazil and Argentina, there are teams [countries] in Europe that could fit his style.”

A top source has revealed Arsenal were beaten to the punch by Tottenham for a forward now thriving under Ange Postecoglou, though the Gunners might not have too many regrets given the player they signed one year later.

Arsenal pushed to sign striker Dusan Vlahovic – then of Fiorentina – back in the winter window of 2022. Ultimately, the Serbian would go on to join Juventus and has remained a player of interest to the Gunners ever since.

According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal responded to the disappointment of missing out on Vlahovic by attempting to poach a player from Juventus – Dejan Kulusevski.

But per the reporter, Tottenham – led by Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte – barged their bitter rivals aside to strike a deal with Juve.

Kulusevski would join Spurs on an 18-month loan on January 31 of 2022, with the deal containing a loan fee worth €10m along with an option to buy worth €35m.

Kulusevski officially joined Tottenham outright in the summer of 2023 and after being converted into a central playmaker under Postecoglou, has quickly developed into a chance-creating machine.

The 24-year-old – who is also a growing presence for his country having captained Sweden during the last international break – sits fifth in the Premier League this season in the chances created category with 23.

Bukayo Saka leads the way with 27, with second, third and fourth spots taken by Dwight McNeil, Andreas Pereira and Cole Palmer.

Who Arsenal signed instead

It’s a case of what might have been for Arsenal, though the the position Kulusevski is now thriving in is wrapped up by the imperious Martin Odegaard at the Emirates.

Kulusevski was originally a right winger at the time the two north London clubs were battling for his signature. As such, he would’ve originally come in direct competition with Saka if brought to Arsenal. It’s possible his transition into a central playmaker may have happened far sooner at the Emirates.

Nonetheless, Arsenal would go on to sign Marquinhos six months after Kulusevski joined Tottenham. The Brazilian has made zero impact at Arsenal, though Leandro Trossard – who arrived six months after that – has exceeded all expectations.

The Belgian has come in for criticism in recent weeks, with his errant back-pass resulting in William Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth. Trossard also missed a penalty last time out against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Nonetheless, it is inarguable Trossard’s impact at Arsenal has been an overwhelmingly positive one and he’s become synonymous with scoring important goals off the bench.

Latest Tottenham and Arsenal news

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly desperately trying to fend off Manchester City’s interest in right-back Pedro Porro.

The Spaniard has been identified as a viable replacement for Kyle Walker who has been transfer-listed for £15m.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have been told the form of Gabriel Jesus is a “big problem” for Mikel Arteta. The Brazilian has not scored or assisted despite making 10 appearances this season.

Finally, German outlet Kicker claim Tottenham won’t stand in Timo Werner’s way if exit opportunities arise in January.

Werner is part-way through a season-long loan, though has made little impact this season. Amid the emergence of 17-year-old sensation Mikey Moore, Werner’s minutes are only going one way.