TEAMtalk

Former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora has revealed why he decided to snub Arsenal in favour of a move to north London rivals Tottenham despite talks with Arsene Wenger back in the day.

Zokora joined Spurs from Saint-Etienne for £8.2million in the summer of 2006 after impressing for Ivory Coast at the World Cup in Germany that year.

But at the time, Zokora was also on the radar for Wenger’s Arsenal, who had just pipped Spurs to Champions League football after the infamous ‘lasagna-gate’ incident.

A sickness bug swept through the Tottenham squad on the eve of the final game of the season, leading to a 2-1 defeat that saw them lose fourth place to rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners had also been Premier League champions just two years earlier and were about to move to the Emirates. However, despite holding talks with Wenger, Zokora has revealed why White Hart Lane was the right place for him.

“When I signed for Spurs, Arsenal also wanted me,” he once told the Telegraph. “I spoke with Arsene after the World Cup but I preferred to come to Spurs because it gave me a good option for my life. I am very happy.”

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Zokora’s Tottenham trophy legacy

Zokora’s decision actually ended up being vindicated as became one of the players who last tasted silverware for the club as Tottenham beat Chelsea in extra-time to win the League Cup in 2008.

Arsenal, meanwhile, where on the nine-year trophy drought which eventually ended with an FA Cup triumph back in 2014.

Zokora’s form at Spurs also saw him linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid, but after signing a new deal in the white half of north London in 2008, the midfielder revealed why it was important to stay.

He added: “Everybody knows Real Madrid wanted me but I signed a new contract for this club and, if they want me, I stay.

“The club needs me, my life is here. Real are one of the best clubs in the world so that is good for me, no? That means I am not a bad player!”

Zokora actually only lasted another year at Tottenham after losing his place to Wilson Palacios as a regular starter, moving to Sevilla in the summer of 2009.

Spells in Turkey, India and Indonesia followed as his playing career drew to a close and the 43-year-old is now back in his homeland and was most recently assistant manager at AFAD Djekanou.

Tottenham midfield balance one of the keys to cup final win

Zokora made 88 Premier League appearances for Tottenham without scoring but offered a fine balance with Jermaine Jenas at the heart of Juande Ramos’ midfield in that final win over Chelsea.

Indeed, that engine room had a bit of everything with Zokora’s driving runs, ability to break up play and dynamism aided by Jenas’ more technical quality play but also his willingness to stick his boot in when it mattered.

Out wide there was the technical ability of Frenchman Steed Malbranque, who only spent two seasons in north London but walked away with a League Cup winners’ medal, and the searing pace and energy of Aaron Lennon on the right.

The latter spent a decade at Tottenham and was a hugely popular figure at the club, scoring 30 goals in 364 games under numerous managers.

In truth, the spine of that Tottenham team was very strong with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, who scored the extra-time winner, an outstanding centre-back pairing while club legends Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane formed the front two.

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott named a big-money Tottenham star when asked for his signing of the season, while another Spurs man has been talked up by Jamie Redknapp.

Walcott spent 12 years on Arsenal’s books, scoring 108 goals across all competitions and placing seventh on the club’s list of all-time leading scorers in the Premier League era with 65.

Yet despite his loyalties to the Gunners, Walcott showed no hesitation when naming Dominic Solanke as potentially the smartest piece of business over summer.

Speaking to NOW TV, Walcott was asked who has made the best signing in the Premier League this season.

“I like Solanke,” replied the 35-year-old. “I do really like Solanke.”

Tottenham committed to a package worth £65m (£55m plus £10m in add-ons) when prising Solanke out of Bournemouth.

If the add-ons are met, Solanke would become Tottenham’s all-time record buy, surpassing Richarlison (£60m package)

Explaining his decision to select Solanke, Walcott added: “I think he did exceptionally well for Bournemouth and I think now if you’re putting him in a Tottenham team who, no disrespect to Bournemouth, [he’s] going to be around better players, he’s going to be playing with the likes of [James] Maddison behind him as well.

“The amount of goals he scored [at Bournemouth]… I was a bit disappointed for him bless him that he didn’t get into the England team.

“But again now he’s gone to Tottenham, a big, big stage for him. I think he’s probably going to be a one under the radar signing, definitely.”

Redknapp expects big things from Archie Gray

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp was asked the same question by NOW TV and cited fellow Tottenham new boy, Archie Gray.

“I like Archie Gray that Tottenham have signed,” began Redknapp. “Really good young midfield player.

“You look at [Fabio] Carvalho who’s gone to Brentford, they’re really good signings.”

Redknapp added: “I’ve got a feeling for Archie Gray this year. I think he’s going to be a really big signing for them.

“A really good midfield player and a really good lad as well.”

Solanke wasn’t first choice / Another Leeds raid wanted

According to Football Transfers, the money Tottenham spent on Solanke had originally been earmarked for Eberechi Eze.

However, amid claims the Crystal Palace talisman had his ‘head turned’ by a bigger Premier League rival, Spurs switched focus to Solanke and did not disappoint.

Elsewhere, TBRFootball claims Tottenham aren’t content to settle with signing just one Gray.

Spurs are reportedly in the mix for Archie’s younger brother Harry who like his sibling, has risen through the youth ranks at Leeds United.

A cluster of heavyweight sides are tracking the 15-year-old starlet, though the belief is Tottenham have the upper hand given the presence of Archie on the books.

News out of Italy suggests a £17m raid on AC Milan is also being lined up for the January window.

Solanke or Gray – who’ll have the better season?

The obvious answer to that question is Solanke given the frontman will be the regular starting striker when fit.

Furthermore, Ange Postecoglou has shown reluctance to throw Gray into the heat of Premier League action, with the teenager limited to two substitute appearances so far.

However, Solanke has been signed as the de facto replacement for Harry Kane and will be judged accordingly.

As Walcott mentioned, Solanke is now playing alongside more creative and higher quality stars and anything less than the 19 Premier League goals he notched for the Cherries last season will be viewed as a disappointment.

Gray, meanwhile, may actually see his importance and influence reach boiling point in the Europa League.

When Tottenham recently announced their squad for the Europa League group phase – which now consists of eight matches instead of six – only one right-back was named (Pedro Porro).

Djed Spence was omitted from the squad and Emerson Royal was sold to AC Milan over the summer.

To avoid burning Porro out and to keep him fresh for the Premier League, Gray – who regularly played at right-back for Leeds – may find himself in the starting eleven in the backline.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the main suitors for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez after a report revealed they made an approach in the summer.

It was certainly a summer to remember for Lopez, who was part of the Spanish squads that won Euro 2024 and the men’s Olympic football tournament. And it has now been uncovered that he caught the attention of multiple clubs along the way.

As revealed by Relevo, Tottenham were at the front of the queue for Lopez this summer after making an approach to Barcelona.

However, Lopez’s current club closed the door by pointing to the player’s €400m (£337.8m/$443.3m) release clause, which was obviously never expected to be activated.

And Barcelona are now working on upgrading Lopez’s contract, not only beyond its current expiry date of 2027 but also to adjust his salary more appropriately for a player who made 42 appearances for the first team last season.

Therefore, Tottenham may have missed their chance to sign Lopez, who – as the report explains – is now fully classed as a first-team player by Barcelona and not someone who will drop into the B team if he isn’t selected by head coach Hansi Flick.

The midfielder may find it interesting, then, that it is simultaneously being reported that Barcelona want to reinforce his position.

According to Marca, Barcelona have taken an interest in PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten, who they could sign for €25m (£21.1m/$27.7m).

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Barcelona transfers: Schouten in sights

Barcelona director Deco is still tasked with finding a new holding midfielder who can fill the void left by Sergio Busquets over a year ago.

In his prime at the age of 27, Schouten has been identified as a possible target. He may be easier for Barcelona to sign than either Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich or Aston Villa new boy Amadou Onana.

Alternatively, Flick could put his faith in another La Masia graduate, Marc Casado, depending on how he develops.

Since Lopez isn’t a sitting midfielder, it shouldn’t seem to affect him too much, but at a club like Barcelona, key areas are always going to have high competition.

Who could Tottenham turn to in midfield?

It remains to be seen if Tottenham will return for Lopez in the future, but with a potential new deal on the table at Barcelona, that appears unlikely.

Re-energising their midfield remains something on their agenda for their long-term plans and it has led to Spurs being linked with other midfield options.

For example, Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace is still on Tottenham’s radar, although the latest reports have indicated their fear of being outbid by rivals for the England international.

Tottenham have also been one of the many clubs linked with recent England debutant Angel Gomes over the past couple of weeks, with Lille only having him under contract until the end of this season.

Lopez could save Barcelona millions

With Barcelona due to tie Lopez down, they have the opportunity to build up their core of academy graduates flourishing in the first team.

La Masia has produced a plethora of top talents over the years and, while under Financial Fair Play scrutiny, perhaps Barcelona should be maximising them even more.

Lopez enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, during which Casado, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Guiu and Hector Fort also made their LaLiga debuts, not to mention Lamine Yamal becoming a superstar.

After quoting Tottenham such an extortionate fee for Lopez, Barcelona could benefit further if the Andalusian continues to develop within their senior setup.

Real Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat will be in attendance for Sunday’s North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal with William Saliba and Cristian Romero on his radar and amid claims a high-profile swap deal could be on the cards.

The reigning European and LaLiga champions flexed their transfer muscles over the summer by bringing in Kylian Mbappe on a high-profile free transfer and with top young Brazilian talent Endrick arriving from Palmeiras for a fee of €47.5m (£40.1m / $52.6m). Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid are highly fancied to repeat their 2024 trophy double with Carlo Ancelotti’s side boasting incredible options across their midfield and attack.

Despite that, the LaLiga giants could be gearing up for an even bigger transfer assault in 2025, with ambitious president Florentino Perez casting his eye over some serious defensive additions.

To that end, their interest in repeating their Mbappe free-transfer trick with Trent Alexander-Arnold is well documented as time ticks down on his Liverpool deal, while another big 2025 move is beginning to gather pace with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies in their sights.

However, Perez also wants to strengthen in central defence and they have been strongly linked with moves for both Tottenham defender Romero and classy Arsenal counterpart, Saliba, in recent weeks.

Now according to Defensa Central, interest in prising one of that pair to the Bernabeu in 2025 is set to ramp up with Los Blancos sending their chief scout Calafat to check on the pair in Sunday’s north London derby.

And it’s claimed the Spanish champions see ‘enormous potential’ in both players to slot into their defence and with Calafat’s assessment likely to be key to which of the pair they prioritise.

Deals for Saliba and Romero not easy as Arsenal swap deal is mooted

Their prospects of signing either player though will be tough with both Romero and Saliba both still have three years remaining on their existing contracts.

Furthermore, Defensa understands it would take a fee in the region of €100m (£84.4m / $110.8m) to persuade Spurs to cash in on World Cup winner Romero, while Arsenal value Saliba at even higher and in excess of €125m (£105.6m / $138.5m).

Of the two, it’s suggested that Saliba is likely to be their preferred option with Fichajes on Friday claiming Perez is willing to sacrifice France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in a high-profile swap deal for the Arsenal man.

And the report claims that, with the Gunners well stacked for central defensive options, Arteta would be prepared to let the stylish French centre-half leave, believing that a midfield axis of Tchouameni and Declan Rice will be key to ultimately wrestling the Premier League crown from Manchester City’s grasp.

However, Saliba is hugely appreciated by Arsenal boss Arteta and it’s reported by Football.London that securing both Bukayo Saka and Saliba – the former whose deal also runs to 2027 – will be something soon addressed by the club.

Arsenal target three big signings in 2025

With Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all capable of playing at centre-half, Arsenal certainly have a lot of quality options there, so reports earlier on Saturday linking them with a January move for Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen perhaps come as a surprise.

Per the report, via El Nacional, Barcelona are open to offers for the former Chelsea man as they look to move him on for a sizeable profit and with Hansi Flick well blessed for options to cover in the centre of his defence.

In other Arsenal news, Arteta and Co are reported by The Times to be planning a massive 2025 summer assault with three of the game’s elite stars – Nico Williams, Jamal Musiala and Benjamin Sesko – all under discussion as transfer planning for next year begins.

The incredible side Real Madrid could play next year if three big signings arrive

With Real winning an incredible six Champions League trophies in the last 11 seasons, it feels like Perez is starting to put the wheels in motion for what could be a sustained period of domination.

Blessed with quality options all over the park, the side they could play in 2025/26 season looks frighteningly good and one capable of sweeping all before them for years to come.

Much is made about the Galacticos era that saw the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Roberto Carlos swashbuckling their way around Europe; now it seems like a similar era could be taking shape with the very best in the world earmarked to join their ranks.

A defensive unit of steel and strength, solidifed by three summer signings, Tchouameni and Federico Valverde marshalling the midfield and a front four of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mbappe, together with Endrick in reserve, really would be an elite XI.

Tottenham ‘fear’ their chances of signing Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze have been dashed by one of two bigger Premier League sides, while Manchester United may also have missed out amid confirmed interest.

Tottenham courted Crystal Palace and England ace Eze over the summer, with the 26-year-old available via a release clause. But the clause – believed to be worth £68m – expired on August 16 without being activated.

According to online outlet Football Transfers, Spurs had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Eze earlier in the window, presumably regarding his willingness to join the club.

However, the report then stated Tottenham’s move was put on ice once Eze’s representatives ‘informed’ Spurs a rival Premier League side had also made contact regarding a future move.

That prompted Tottenham to shift focus and the money set aside for Eze was channelled over to Bournemouth for the signing of Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham reportedly retain interest in Eze, though the optimal time to strike may have passed. Indeed, the report’s headline stated Spurs ‘fear’ a move for Eze has been ‘hijacked.’

Football Transfers added Eze’s ‘head has been turned’ by the high-powered club that registered their interest.

The identity of that club was not revealed, though the report narrowed it down to two teams – Arsenal and Manchester City.

The inference there is Eze is content to play for Palace for one more season before moving to Arsenal or Man City next summer.

Eze release clause clarified; Man Utd interest confirmed

Eze’s release clause may have expired on August 16, though the Daily Mail recently reported it will re-activate in 2025.

The value of the clause will reportedly remain unchanged, meaning clubs can take Palace out of the equation by bidding £68m.

Man Utd are another club to hold interest in the versatile attacker who bagged 15 goal contributions in 27 Premier League appearances last term.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported earlier in September of United’s admiration of Eze on the back of offloading Jadon Sancho to Chelsea.

Romano wrote: “Still, we can say that, with Jadon Sancho leaving for Chelsea, the idea of the club in 2025 is to add one more winger, and there have been some fans asking me about the links with Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace.

“For sure, Eze is a player United have been scouting and monitoring as they appreciate his ability, the same was true of Michael Olise while he was at Crystal Palace but the deal was too expensive and he joined Bayern Munich instead.

“In the next months, United will be tracking several wingers, and in summer 2025 there is a concrete chance that they will invest money in a new signing for that position.

“For now, I’m not in a position to say that it’s guaranteed that they’ll move for Eze, or who will be their top target, but they will consider bringing in a new winger, and so they will be following several players in the next months.”

But if Football Transfers are correct, Eze already has his sights set on joining either Arsenal or Man City.

Tottenham eyeing two different moves

With Eze seemingly now out of reach for Spurs, Milan Live recently brought news of Tottenham eyeing up a £17m move for Noah Okafor in January.

Tottenham are also seeking to make it a family affair by signing the brother of new recruit Archie Gray.

Archie joined Spurs from Leeds United in a deal worth roughly £40m over the summer, though the common consensus is his younger brother Harry may be even more talented.

Harry Gray is only 15 years of age, though counts heavy hitters Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool among his admirers.

But with older brother Archie already on the books, Tottenham hold the advantage and TBRFootball claimed Spurs have already informed Leeds of their desire to sign Harry too.

Where Eze would rank in all-time English transfers

Assuming Eze were to move for the £68m his release clause is set at, the Palace ace would become the seventh most expensive English player in football history.

Declan Rice leads the way following his £100m plus £5m in add-ons transfer from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023.

Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid could eclipse Rice’s fee if add-ons are met, while Jack Grealish (Man City) and Harry Kane’s (Bayern Munich) deals were also worth nine-figure sums.

Harry Maguire’s £80m move from Leicester to Man Utd is fifth and Maguire remains the most expensive defender of all time.

Jadon Sancho takes sixth spot at £73m. You’d be hard pressed to find a Man Utd fan who believes that deal proved value for money.

Slotting in at seventh would be Eze, while new Tottenham frontman Solanke (£65m) takes eighth. The players who round out the top ten can be found below.

Tottenham are reportedly willing to pay in the region of £17million for AC Milan forward Noah Okafor, as Ange Postecoglou is looking for attackers for the January transfer window.

Spurs currently have seven attackers in their first-team squad. The biggest name is Heung-min Son, and he has been joined by a couple of new signings in Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert of late, along with the other players already at Spurs’ disposal.

But after three games this term, and only one win, the north London outfit reportedly want more options.

Indeed, Milan Live suggests Tottenham have ‘started looking for offensive players’ to give to Postecoglou in January.

And one of those is Milan forward Okafor, according to the report.

It’s stated that Spurs are ‘on his trail’ and willing to pay approximately £17million for his services.

It’s believed he is seen as a fringe player at Milan, and they would use the money paid for him – which would be a profit of about £5million – to buy players who are more appreciated by the club.

It is also suggested that contacts could become ‘heated’ between Spurs and Milan in the coming weeks.

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Okafor back on Tottenham radar

Okafor first emerged on Tottenham’s radar ahead of the 2023 summer window.

It was suggested at that point that he was highly likely to move on from Red Bull Salzburg.

And that was the truth, but not to Spurs, with Milan his eventual destination.

But while Okafor has notched seven goals for the Serie A giants – in games played throughout last season and the first three of this term – Alvaro Morata has now joined, and is seen as the better option up top.

As such, Spurs’ desire to get Okafor through the door again now makes sense.

Tottenham plotting more changes

The changes in the works at Tottenham are not only for the attacking positions. That said, Harry Gray, the 15-year-old brother of recent Spurs signing Archie, is on their radar, after eight goals up top for Leeds under-18s last term.

Centre-back Jonathan Tah is also on the radar, with Bayer Leverkusen struggling to get him to commit to another year, and his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, midfield star Angel Gomes is in their thoughts – his deal is also up at the end of the campaign.

Those two free transfers would add a lot to the side, and would obviously be good business, too.

How does Okafor compare to Richarlison

If Okafor is to be signed, given he plays anywhere across the front line, he could be competing with Richarlison. The Brazilian managed to avoid an exit this summer, with a lot of reports suggesting he would be pushed out.

And he also plays in a variety of attacking positions, so if Okafor is deemed a better option for one, he could be that for all of them.

So far this season, Richarlison is taking more shots per 90 minutes, with 3.6 to Okafor’s 2.76. Okafor’s expected goals tally is better, though, at 0.6 per game compared to Richarlison’s 0.2.

Okafor has scored one goal this season, and the Spurs man is yet to get off the mark. Richarlison has played fewer minutes, but if he wants to stay at the club, he will have to add value when he is in the side.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing 15-year-old Leeds academy star Harry Gray, brother of Archie, with Spurs taking steps to the transfer.

Tottenham signed Archie Gray in the summer off the back of a fantastic breakout season for Leeds. He played 44 Championship games and three in the playoffs, as the Whites missed out on promotion to the Premier League in the final.

He has played twice for Spurs since moving to north London.

But coming from a family full of talented footballers, Gray is not the only member of the current generation who has a chance of making it big.

Younger brother Harry has the eyes of some big Premier League clubs on him as a result of his displays for Leeds under-18s.

According to TBRFootball, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool are all very keen on the signing.

And Spurs, with his older brother already on the books, seem to be in the lead for the 15-year-old, with the report stating they have ‘already informed Leeds’ they’d like to sign him.

It’s believed they’re eager to be kept in the loop regarding the thriving young talent.

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Gray would join older brother

Tottenham’s interest in Gray makes a lot of sense, after he bagged eight goals in 11 under-18 Premier League games for Leeds last season.

He would also be linking up with his brother, which could be good for his development.

As such, Tottenham could be in with a good chance of signing the 15-year-old.

And if his trajectory is anything like his sibling’s, Spurs will be in good shape for years to come, particularly with teenage talents like Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore in the squad.

Tottenham plotting more signings

More signings are in the works at Spurs at the moment. The theme of youth stardom continues in one of their other linked players, Angel Gomes.

He is still only 24, and broke through in the Premier League at a very young age. The England midfielder is on the radar of a number of Premier League sides, with Spurs finding competition from Newcastle and Liverpool.

Elsewhere, the north Londoners are looking into the signing of Jonathan Tah.

It is believed that while Bayer Leverkusen are going to make one more attempt to keep him on board, the defender will not pen a new deal, and then he’ll be available to move on in the summer, potentially to Spurs.

Grays could become latest Prem brothers

If the younger Gray brother was to sign with Tottenham, he and Archie could become the latest pair of brothers to play in the Premier League.

There have been multiple sets of brothers to play in the English top flight.

Of late, the likes of Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsey and Michael Keane and Will Keane have done so.

It would take some doing to beat the record of most appearances for a pair of brothers – not necessarily for the same side.

Indeed, Gary Neville and Phil Neville played a combined total of 902 games in the English top flight.

The next most is Rio Ferdinand and Anton Ferdinand’s combined tally of 722 games. Both those pairs started in the Premier League at a young age, so if the junior Gray can soon make the move up, there’s chance that he and his brother could begin the quest to dethrone the Nevilles.

Chelsea reportedly have ‘strong interest’ in Manchester United and Tottenham target Vanderson, who will cost a starting price of £30million this summer.

The Blues have not seen an awful lot of Reece James in the past few seasons. Last term, the right-back played just 10 Premier League games, and is yet to make a squad this term, owing to injury.

Malo Gusto played in the position for much of last season, and has done so for each league game this term.

However, the Blues are on the hunt for another right-back, with Caught Offside stating Monaco man Vanderson is ‘attracting strong interest’ from Enzo Maresca’s side.

The report states he is valued by the Ligue 1 side between approximately £30-34million, a price which should be easy for the cash-rich Blues to pay.

And while Chelsea have the strongest interest, both Man Utd and Tottenham are said to want Vanderson.

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Vanderson a long-term Man Utd target

Links between the right-back and United began back in 2022, when he was rated at £52million, much more than his current value.

That was after Brentford came close to the signing, but failed at the last hurdle.

Tottenham have also been linked for some time, with reports also in 2022 suggesting they were keen on the now-23-year-old Vanderson.

As recently as August, it was said they were preparing a bid of £25million for him.

There was no update, suggesting the bid was not lodged, but given it was below Monaco’s valuation, there’s a good chance it would have been turned away.

Full-back additions in works at Chelsea

Along with Vanderson, Chelsea have an interest in another full-back, this time on the left side, with Patrick Dorgu in their sights.

The Dane plays as a left-sided defender or a left-winger, and he has impressed in the second of those positions for his country of late, scoring a goal on his debut.

Chelsea could also see some players exit Stamford Bridge.

David Datro Fofana has left for AEK Athens, and Carney Chukwuemeka is on the radar of Galatasaray.

TEAMtalk sources state they are struggling to convince him to move at the moment, but there is still time before the Turkish window closes for that to change.

Vanderson fits Chelsea style

Vanderson seems to fit the mould Chelsea look for in their right-backs. Both James and Gusto are attacking full-backs, with the latter assisting 10 times in all competitions last term.

Vanderson, still only 23, has scored 11 goals and assisted a further 14 times to this point in his career.

Last term, he scored three goals and assisted once, and he got things going in the first game of this campaign, assisting the only goal of a 1-0 win against St Etienne.

Tottenham and Chelsea are both sizing up moves for a Danish phenom who can play in multiple positions, with a report revealing how much a transfer will cost.

National sides often ring the changes in the first international break following a major tournament. Chelsea winger Noni Madueke made his senior England debut in the 2-0 victory over Finland on Tuesday night, while Denmark handed a first and second cap to Lecce ace Patrick Dorgu.

The 19-year-old wasted no time in laying down a marker at international level when scoring with his first touch in Denmark’s 2-0 win over Switzerland last Thursday.

That was followed by his second outing for the Danes in another 2-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday.

According to Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo, Premier League giants Tottenham and Chelsea are both ready to ‘launch an attack’ for Dorgu in the transfer market.

Both clubs are long-term admirers of the left-footer and it’s claimed the pair won’t wait until the end of the 2024/25 season before opening negotiations with Lecce.

Whether that means they’ll target a January transfer or whether they’re spying a move for the summer of 2025 was not made clear.

But what was made clear is the level of sum Lecce will command for Dorgu. Per the report, the Italian side will demand a minimum of €30m (£25.3m / $33.1m) before greenlighting a sale.

The report stated any negotiations promise to be ‘long and not at all easy’. Nonetheless, it was declared that with high-powered suitors ready to act, Dorgu’s sale appears to be ‘inevitable.’

Tottenham, Chelsea interest confirmed by Fabrizio Romano

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed both Spurs and Chelsea were in the mix for Dorgu’s signature over the summer.

Taking to X on Saturday, September 7, the trusted reporter stated: “Understand Tottenham had Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu on their shortlist this summer.

“Chelsea also considered signing 2004-born left-back via [sister club] Strasbourg in July.

“Talks didn’t advance as Lecce wanted more than €30/35m for Dorgu who has scored his first goal for Denmark this week.”

Dorgu compared with Tottenham icon

Dorgu initially started life as a left-back, though his attacking instincts have seen him deployed in more advanced roles over time.

Dorgu has also played at left wing-back, in left midfield and even on the right wing in a front three, such is his attacking threat.

The Dane’s profile has even seen him compared to Tottenham icon Gareth Bale who like Dorgu, started his career at left-back.

Lecce manager Luca Gotti said of Dorgu (as quoted by the Daily Express): “He seems to have great adaptability. He enjoys playing on the pitch.

“Important people from the football world are starting to call me to ask me what I see. (Bale) becomes a forward. He could have played as a full-back. This could happen with Dorgu.”

Chelsea have made it their mission to hoover up world football’s brightest young talents. Dorgu certainly fits that billing, though Tottenham too are on a youthful recruitment drive.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray – both 18 years of age – arrived in north London over the summer and significant fees were paid.

Tottenham fishing in familiar waters

Spurs have made a habit of plundering the Italian market over recent years and the majority of their signings have been successes.

Guglielmo Vicario, Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie, Ivan Perisic, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski all arrived from Serie A clubs since 2021.

Of those eight players, six are still at the club and three (Vicario, Romero, Udogie) are regular starters. Romero and Udogie in particular are crucial players for Ange Postecoglou.

Bentancur and Kulusevski are highly valued stars in their own right, while Dragusin is yet to truly be given a chance to prove his worth.

Back-up goalkeeper Gollini and veteran Perisic have both departed, though the former was only a loan signing and Perisic did not cost a fee when arriving as a free agent.

Tottenham’s penchant for Italian deals came at the behest of former managing director Fabio Paratici who signed up in the summer of 2021.

Paratici resigned from his role in 2023 after losing an appeal against a worldwide 30-month ban from football activies for his part in Juventus’ transfer irregularities.

However, elements of his ban were subsequently lifted and Paratici since began advising Tottenham on a consultancy basis.

Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing Italy international midfielder Samuele Ricci from Torino after scouting the player in the Nations League on Monday evening.

The 23-year-old has attracted the attention of a host of European clubs with his performances in Serie A, with Torino valuing him at £25million (€29m, $32m) as Spurs keep tabs on his progress ahead of a potential move.

According to HITC, the north London club watched Ricci in action during the UEFA Nations League clash between Italy and Israel as the Italians ran out 2-1 winners.

Ricci started the game at the Bozsik Arena. playing 86 minutes before being replaced by Mattia Zaccagni.

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The fee of £25m for a player who is still at the start of his career and has been capped four times for his country appears more than reasonable.

Postecoglou still hunting midfielders

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou still has an eye on bringing in another midfielder in the January transfer window having missed out on several targets over the summer.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall were brought in while Oliver Skipp and Giovani Lo Celso were sold, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was loaned out and Tanguy Ndombele released.

Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur have all featured in Postecoglou’s engine room so far this season but Postecoglou wants more of a forward-thinking No.8 to balance out the options he has.

And while Gray and Bergvall are considered mainstays for years to come, Ricci could compliment that pair if Tottenham do decide to follow up their interest.

The Italian has been likened to Manchester City star in terms of his playing style and would be a sound investment at that price point.

Rabiot remains a free agent option

Ricci is not the only midfielder being linked with a switch to north London, with links continuing to former Juventus star Adrien Rabiot, who is also on Arsenal’s radar.

The France international was released by the Turin giants over the summer and remains on the market, despite offers being on the table from Turkish clubs before their window shuts on September 13.

That lateness of the window closing in Turkey could also cost Spurs one of Postecoglou’s trusted defensive stars, with Galatasaray pushing to sign Wales international Ben Davies.

Ricci fits the bill for Ange

In terms of how Ricci would fit in at Tottenham under Postecoglou, journalist Stephen Ganavas previously said of the player: “Like the key figures of Roberto Mancini’s European Championship winning midfield – Marco Verratti, Jorginho, Nicolò Barella, Manuel Locatelli – Ricci is supremely confident playing in tight spaces, evading pressure and punching short, crisp passes to break defensive lines.”

Ricci scored one goal and had four assists for Torino last season, lining up 23 times as a defensive midfielder, five times in the No.8 role and four outings as a No.10. That shows the versatility the player possesses, something Postecoglou loves to utilise in his free-flowing brand of football.