Sport Witness

Tottenham are expected to change their sporting leadership this summer.

Spurs have been stumbling from one identity to another and now, they are keeping tabs on another Italian to fix their problems.

The man in question is Cristiano Giuntoli, who is currently without a club, having left Juventus before the end of last season.

He found himself under pressure after the sacking of Thiago Motta, and was held responsible for a lot of bad deals done by the Bianconeri.

Interestingly, Juve haven’t exactly been better since his departure. Whilst that probably points to larger issues at the club, Guintoli is well known in Italy for having engineered Napoli’s rise to the top.

As he looks for a new destination, Tottenham have emerged as a possibility.

Tottenham one of many clubs in the mix

Il Messaggero – via LaRoma24, make it clear that Guintoli will find a new club in the summer.

This comes amidst some drama at AS Roma. Chief advisor Claudio Ranieri and manager Gian Piero Gasperini have been fighting a public war for a week.

On Friday, they were at loggerheads over several transfer decisions made by the club. There is every chance Ranieri departs.

At the same time, this can also lead to sporting director Ricky Massara’s exit. If that happens, Guintoli may come in as a replacement.

The Giallorossi’s task won’t be easy. The Italian is on the radar of many clubs – including Tottenham. Roberto De Zerbi’s former club Marseille are also interested, having always been quite a chaotic sporting institution.

There doesn’t seem to be an outright favourite yet.

Our take: Guintoli could be a good arrival

During his time at Napoli, Guintoli thrived on signing players for relatively low fees who ended up becoming recognised stars. This includes Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Jorginho, Fabian Ruiz and Kim Min-Jae.

His strengths aligned with Napoli’s ideas of building a sustainable club that relied on making the most out of young signings.

An approach like this will help Tottenham. Regardless of whether they stay in the Premier League or not, their aim is to rebuild from the bottom. Guintoli did exactly that with Napoli, winning one Serie A title and laying down the foundations for their Scudetto win last season.

The 54-year-old was present at Spurs home game against Crystal Palace earlier this year.

Tottenham may not be able to land Manuel Locatelli, with a renewal close. That’s a shame for Spurs, as it’s believed he could’ve been perfect for Roberto De Zerbi.

Some weeks ago, Sport Witness covered claims on the London club’s interest in the Italian. This was mainly because of De Zerbi, who worked closely with Locatelli during his time at Sassuolo.

In fact, it was under the Tottenham manager that the midfielder really took important steps in his career. This allowed him to earn a move to Juventus and he is now their captain.

The 28-year-old appears close to signing a new deal in Turin, extending his stay until 2030.

As a result, Locatelli’s stay has become a talking point, with the player having been very influential in the ongoing campaign.

Former coach asked about Spurs move

Walter De Vecchi, who coached Locatelli during his time at AC Milan, spoke to TuttoJuve about the player’s situation.

He was asked about the talk around Tottenham and whether he could’ve been a fit for De Zerbi.

The Italian responded: “For me, yes, but who wouldn’t want him right now? He’s a player everyone wants, but Juve are right to lock him down.”

Adding more praise, De Vecchi said: “There are few players like him in Europe, and they’re all quite expensive.”

Further, the coach described the midfielder as someone with a special mind.

“I never had any doubts about the player; he’s a special guy with an equally magical mind. He just needed to find a symbiosis of ideas, and he succeeded with Spalletti’s style of football, which truly makes him a protagonist.”

He also appeared to praise Locatelli’s decision to sign a new deal at the Old Lady.

“I hope they can win, but in the next two years with Spalletti, it could seriously happen. Juventus now has a European style of play. They’re one of the few teams in Italy that comes high and always tries to dominate the game.”

Only De Zerbi could’ve convinced Locatelli

During their time together at Sassuolo, it felt like De Zerbi and Locatelli were meant for each other. The midfielder made the manager’s playing style tick, breaking the opposition press and often progressing the ball forward.

Even if Tottenham are struggling, the 46-year-old could’ve been key in bringing Locatelli to London. Relegation survival would’ve been necessary but the player would’ve enjoyed himself under his former manager.

Inter Milan have been chasing Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for the summer.

The Serie A side are keen on bringing the former Empoli man back to Italy and have been working on this operation for several weeks.

Vicario arrived at Tottenham in June 2023 and has been the first choice for the Premier League side since then.

To put it in context, the Italy international has played 117 matches, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding 170 goals.

His Premier League stats this season are as follows:

Appearances: 31

Starts: 31

Clean sheets: 7

Goals conceded: 50

Total saves: 83

Saves per game: 2.7

Penalties saved: 0/2

Tottenham have struggled this season and are now in the relegation zone. However, this hasn’t put off the Nerazzurri from pushing to sign the stopper after this season.

At the start of this month, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy that Inter Milan have reached an agreement in principle with him for a four-year contract.

Tottenham open exit door

L’Interista now cover the latest on Inter Milan’s ongoing pursuit of Guglielmo Vicario and Spurs’ stance.

Recent claims have said the Italian club are having second thoughts about the stopper. The outlet dismisses that and insists there’s no doubt about the Tottenham Hotspur starter as the main target for the San Siro club.

The agreement between the two parties for a four-year contract worth around €3m per year gets a mention again.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side, for their part, ‘will not oppose’ the player’s exit after this season.

It’s now down to Inter Milan to sit down with Spurs and find an agreement over the transfer fee, and their aim is to secure the deal for around €18-20m. This is now pending for the move to go through.

To sum it up, Cristian Chivu’s side have the contract ready for Vicario, who can sign it if an agreement is reached with Tottenham. The Serie A side will only look for an alternative if they can’t agree a deal with Spurs.

Our take: Spurs most likely to sell

With Inter Milan pushing and Tottenham Hotspur not opposing Guglielmo Vicario’s sale, the move should eventually go through in the summer.

The operation could collapse if there’s a huge gap in valuation between the two clubs. His contract expires in 2028, and Transfermarkt value him at €23m.

On Wednesday, Sport Witness relayed news that Roberto De Zerbi has identified Juventus stopper Michele Di Gregorio as an option to replace Vicario. However, he may not be keen on a move to north London.

This is an indication of the English club already starting to prepare for life without the Italian next season.

Tottenham Hotspur appear likely to lose Guglielmo Vicario in the summer. Roberto De Zerbi seems to have identified a potential replacement, who can also come from Italy.

The Spurs stopper is increasingly becoming a clear summer target for Inter Milan. Sport Witness have covered the talk extensively, with personal terms already agreed between the two parties.

Talks are yet to be held with Tottenham but the Nerazzurri are convinced they can get a discount. Spurs’ potential relegation can act as a driving force for the summer deal too.

Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio, who has had a strange season, is now in line to replace Vicario. The deal is unlikely to be easy, as TuttoSport take a closer look at the Italian.

Things improving for Juventus player

Throughout the campaign, Di Gregorio has been the subject of criticism from many Old Lady supporters. There was a point earlier this year when he was dropped from the starting eleven, with Luciano Spalletti preferring Mattia Perin instead.

This worked, as Di Gregorio has been key in the last two games. He saved a penalty against Genoa and also came up with a vital performance against Atalanta at the weekend.

The newspaper believe Roberto De Zerbi is a big admirer of the ex-Monza player. He is keen on bringing him to Tottenham in the summer but Di Gregorio only has Juve on his mind.

The recent change in fortunes is a decisive factor, as he believes he can keep making an impact for the club. Even if Juve do sign another experienced goalkeeper, he is willing to fight for the club and start regularly.

He is described as ‘worthy of a superhero’ for this, with English interest likely to be swept away.

Our take: Things might not be as certain

TuttoSport have a habit of exaggerating their stances and hyping up Juve players. This seems like another case of that.

Di Gregorio has made quite a turnaround but there is no chance he stays in Turin, if Juve end up with David De Gea or Emi Martinez.

Those are the two names the newspaper have mentioned and they are proven shot-stoppers. They wouldn’t be second choice at any club – not even at Juve.

Besides, Di Gregorio’s issue has always been inconsistency and he will have to do more to change his club’s stance.

That is why Tottenham can still have a chance of signing the 28-year-old. A move will depend on Premier League survival but the Italian has enough credit in the bank from last season to command a move to England.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea’s pursuit of Maxi Araújo is now being met with a more proactive response from Sporting CP, as the Portuguese club move to protect one of their most in-demand players.

We’ve already reported with exclusivity that both clubs made contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives. Since then, they’ve kept a close eye on him, with scouts showing up in Lisbon and even at Wembley when he was with Uruguay.

On the pitch, Araújo keeps giving them reasons. He’s played 37 matches this season, starting 33, with six goals and four assists. In the Champions League, he’s added two goals and one assist, which has only pushed his name further into the conversation.

His versatility is a big part of it. He’s been a left-back for Sporting this season, but he can play higher up the pitch and cover the whole flank without dropping intensity.

Attempt to get ahead of the situation

Maximiliano Araújo’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed inside Sporting. According to Record, the club have already started working on a renewal, even though his current deal runs until 2029.

The idea is simple – improve his salary and try to lock him in for at least one more season.

That says a lot about how they see the situation. This isn’t just about rejecting offers anymore. It’s about trying to stay one step ahead before things get out of control in the summer.

That’s because Araújo is now firmly on the radar across Europe. Tottenham and Chelsea remain among the most involved, but they’re not alone.

Juventus, AC Milan and Atlético Madrid have also been tracking him, and several clubs were present when he faced England at Wembley in one of Uruguay’s lastest international friendlies.

Sporting know what’s coming

Maximiliano Araújo is not an easy player to find, and also to keep in this kind of market. Sporting want him to stay, that part is clear. But they also know how this works. If the right offer arrives, things can change quickly.

He has an €80m (£69m) release clause, which gives the club some protection. At the same time, there’s a feeling that offers above €40m (£34.5m) would at least open the door to discussions.

Now Sporting are trying to secure him early. Tottenham and Chelsea are already in position. And other clubs are watching and waiting.

The next move will likely come from the market. And when it does, Sporting will have to decide how strong their stance really is.

AS Roma’s financial struggles can prove to be a major opportunity for Tottenham, who have been keeping an eye on Evan Ndicka.

The Ivory Coast international has emerged as a leader for the Italian side over the past few years. He joined them on a free transfer in 2023 right after his contract at Eintracht Frankfurt ran out.

This season, he’s played 37 times in all competitions. Apart from a suspension and call-up to the national team, he has played and started every single time in Serie A.

In recent weeks, Sport Witness have covered Tottenham’s interest in the defender, with Manchester United also having made contact for his signature.

Now, Spurs have a better chance to sign Ndicka, as Roma struggle financially.

Roma have financial deadlines

The Italian side have had troubles with Financial Fair Play over the past few years. Despite often being close, they have failed to qualify for the Champions League since 2017. This is now catching up and can cost them this summer.

Tuttomercatoweb note that as per an agreement reached with UEFA, Roma have to make a major sale by 30th June. This will have to go down as a big capital gain and keep them afloat for another season, removing the possibility of a ban.

The outlet believe Ndicka is the biggest candidate to leave and this can appeal to Tottenham. Even if Manu Kone can also depart, Ndicka can hand Roma a much bigger capital gain.

This is because he joined for free and anything Roma earn will be a ‘plusvalenza’ for them.

The defender’s valuation is currently €35m, which can prove to be very enticing.

Ndicka could be a big Tottenham signing

It is obvious to say that Tottenham first need to avoid relegation to have a chance at Ndicka. If they do, the 26-year-old could actually be a fantastic signing.

He can also prove to be an upgrade on Micky van De Ven, offering more than the Dutchman’s trademark pace. He is arguably better on the ball and is more composed as a defender.

The Spurs backline chaos is constantly uncertain with the Netherlands man and Cristian Romero. Ndicka will help fix that, adding more calm.

He is also at the right age and one of the best in Serie A, having earlier proven himself in the Bundesliga.

So if given the chance, Tottenham shouldn’t think twice about signing Ndicka.

Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt has admitted he could have joined Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Anfield.

Speaking on the Rondje Rob podcast, the Feyenoord legend explained why he rejected Spurs at the very last moment. He chose loyalty over a Premier League switch.

“I could have gone to Spurs”

The former Netherlands striker has revealed that he turned down Tottenham a year before moving to the Premier League with Liverpool.

He joined the Reds for €18m in August 2006. He went on to make 285 appearances at Anfield, bagging 75 goals and 40 assists and winning the league cup during his time in Red.

That saw him firmly establish himself as a fan favourite during his time on Merseyside. But things could have been very different, as Tottenham came calling a year earlier.

Kuyt confirmed that Tottenham, led by chairman Daniel Levy, made a serious push to sign him in the final hours of the window. But the forward refused to walk away from Feyenoord.

“I could have gone to Spurs on the final day, but I didn’t want to do that to Feyenoord,” 1908 report him saying.

He then expanded on that conversation with Levy. “I told him at the time: ‘I don’t want to do that to Feyenoord on the final day of the transfer window.’

“At that point, you do find yourself thinking: ‘Will that opportunity ever come around again?’ But a year later, Liverpool came calling.”

Atlético Madrid sent a private jet

Tottenham weren’t the only side who trying to prise Dirk Kuyt away from Feyenoord either. He revealed that Atlético Madrid also came incredibly close to securing his signature.

“The president of Atlético Madrid had sent a private jet to Rotterdam. He had the intention of flying us to Madrid,” he added.

“My agent said to me: ‘You have to realize: if we get on that plane, we’re not coming back.’ I felt it was a truly wonderful thing that we decided not to go through with it after all.”

No regrets

Fortunately for the former striker, it appears he has no regrets. He stayed loyal to Feyenoord. A year later he then got a big fee from Liverpool. Then he became a cult icon at Anfield.

He even then got a storybook ending back at Feyenoord. He returend at the end of his career and scored a hattrick in his final game to seal the title. That was their first in 18 years.

None of that might have been possible had he accepted Tottenham’s offer all those years ago, something it seems he’s clearly aware of.

Fiorentina may be a potential destination for Lucas Bergvall this summer, if he ends up leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

Journalist Gianluca di Marzio provides the suggestion today, in comments relayed by Fotboll Direkt. He can see Bergvall reuniting with director of football Fabio Paratici in Florence.

Injury plagued season

Lucas Bergvall has had an injury hit season at Tottenham this year. The youngster has only made 19 appearances in the Premier League to date, totalling 916 minutes.

He’s recently returned to the picture after an ankle sprain that left him out from the end of January until March 22nd. He’s since played 45 minutes and against Nottingham Forest and 62 minutes against Sunderland.

It means he’s been unable to play a role as Tottenham have slid towards relegation. It also means his reputation has taken less of a hit than it might have in such circumstances.

The 20-year-old Sweden international remains highly thought of on the European stage. And, if Spurs do go down this season, there will be plenty of suitors waiting to take him. Aston Villa and Chelsea already tried in the January transfer window.

Fiorentina and Paratici

But Gianluca di Marzio can see a different move on the cards. He thinks Fiorentina could be where Lucas Bergvall ends up next.

“To be honest, Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham are currently only focused on staying in the Premier League,” he said.

“They are not listening to offers, and they have not even decided which players they want to keep or sell. If I were to name a club that I think could potentially sign Lucas Bergvall if Tottenham were to let him leave, I think Fiorentina is an option.

“Their sports director Fabio Paratici likes young players, and especially Bergvall. So, they could try to sign him if his future does not lie in Tottenham. If he is on the market, Fiorentina will try.”

Will Tottenham sanction an exit?

The question is whether Tottenham would even consider letting Lucas Bergvall leave this summer. Even in the event of relegation, the answer is surely no.

In the middle of a squad clear out, Roberto de Zerbi and co would presumably prefer to build around the youngster, who is the future, rather than other senior players.

There’s also no desperate need to sell given his contract currently runs until 2031. That would surely put him at the bottom of the list of required sales.

Of course, Bergvall may want an exit as well. But if that’s the case, he would surely want a club higher than Fiorentina, who have spent most of this season battling relegation from Serie A.

Fabio Paratici would have some convincing to do to get his side back to the top of the list.

Xavi Simons didn’t just move to Tottenham Hotspur last summer; he arrived in London convinced he was about to rule it.

With a €65m transfer, after a battle with Chelsea, and a determination to prove himself in the Premier League, he was convinced he could become the “Next King of North London”.

Or at least, that’s what the advertising campaign with PUMA said. Instead, it’s been a disastrous season for him and Tottenham.

And now BILD’s Leipzig edition want to stick the knife in.

German media not kind

The German newspaper report on the Tottenham forward today and it is not kind. The German outlet are openly revelling in his downfall, painting Xavi Simons as a would-be superstar who has completely misjudged his own rise.

They point out that instead of a coronation, Simons is now sweating over a potential relegation from the Premier League.

Tottenham’s defeat to Sunderland on Sunday left them in the bottom three. West Ham, in 17th, are now two points clear. Nottingham Forest are three ahead in 16th and Leeds United now six in 15th.

The extra jab for Simons in all that, is that Sunderland’s goalscorer was a former RB Leipzig player, Nordi Mukiele. He’s currently 16 points ahead of him in 10th.

Flirting with Barcelona

Simons, once hyped as Leipzig’s next great export, now looks like a player trapped in a disaster he ever saw coming. Six games remain for him to rescue Tottenham.

BILD doubt he’ll be able to manage it.

According to their information, the 22-year-old has already begun flirting with a return to Barcelona. But BILD mock that idea too? Would Barcelona even want him back. Right now, the Catalans seem far more interested in players who aren’t battling Premier League relegation.

They say it is ‘questionable’ whether Hansi Flick and co ‘would have any use for him’. That’s a sign of just how far he’s fallen.

It’s a grim situation for a forward who didn’t expect to be in this situation. Back in Germany, they’re very clearly revelling in that fact.

Thomas Frank’s agent says his client is enjoying life with his family and friends since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in February.

Spurs parted ways with Ange Postecoglou in June 2025, days after he helped them win the Europa League.

The Premier League side appointed the Dane as his successor, but things didn’t work out.

Two months ago, Tottenham showed the exit door to Frank and brought in Igor Tudor. The latter has also left the club, and Roberto De Zerbi took over from him on March 31st.

Frank managed 38 matches during his time at the north London club. His record with them are as follows:

Matches: 38

Wins: 13

Draws: 10

Loses: 15

Goals scored: 62

Goals conceded: 54

Frank’s status after Tottenham exit

Wednesday’s edition of Ekstra Bladet has a report on what Thomas Frank has been doing since leaving Spurs.

He hasn’t given an interview to anyone or appeared on any podcast or show to discuss his exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

The newspaper points out it’s common for Danish managers to speak after leaving clubs and cite Frederik Birk and Jacob Neestrup’s exits earlier this season from Brøndby IF and FC Copenhagen respectively as examples.

Frank’s silence is ‘somewhat unusual’ as he’s already denied four requests from Ekstra Bladet for an interview.

The newspaper contacted the north London club to find out if there’s a clause that prevents the 52-year-old from speaking about Tottenham. However, there was no response.

Ekstra Bladet then approached Frank’s agent ​​Allan Bak, and asked about the current situation and lack of interviews.

Responding to that, he said: “He is going to relax a bit and visit friends and family. Still a little too early for interviews.”

“He is enjoying himself with family and friends right now. Has decided to pull the plug and relax.”

The clause part of the scenario was skipped.