Sport Witness

Inter Milan chairman and CEO Beppe Marotta has suggested Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium could be one of the ‘reference models’ for the new Milan stadium.

FC Inter 1908 cover comments from him today on the sidelines of the Football Business Forum. Inter and AC Milan announced their plans for a new stadium this week.

The two clubs have formally signed off on plans to knock down the iconic San Siro stadium and replace it with a new 71,500-seater stadium costing €1.2 billion. They are planning to move into the new stadium by the 2030/31 season and for when Italy co-hosts the 2032 European Championship with Türkiye.

The current San Siro is not considered modern enough for UEFA. Given that, it won’t be approved to host tournament matches.

What route the two Italian clubs take with their new stadium, remains to be seen. No designs are set to be published until the first half of 2026. No completion date has been set as yet either.

They will likely look around Europe for ideas and Tottenham’s stadium will surely be in focus if they do. It’s considered one of the best stadium in the world, having received numerous awards for design, fan experience and versatility.

Marotta was asked about it directly, with the question ‘could the stadium development idea be similar to that of Tottenham’. He didn’t answer that directly but admitted it is a reference model.

“I won’t go into it, because we’re clearly still in the preliminary phase,” he said.

“Dr. Ralph will take care of that for us. I’m certain that Inter and AC Milan’s goal is to build a stadium that meets modern standards in terms of hospitality, safety, and welcoming atmosphere. There are many reference models in Europe.

“However, the clubs’ desire is to do something different, something truly excellent.”

A good performance in the Champions League this week has not been enough to save Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons from criticism.

That’s if the latest from Johan Derksen is any indication. He’s targeted the Tottenham man again, via Soccer News. And yes, it’s all about his physicality.

Simons has endured a difficult start to life at Tottenham since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window. He was brought in as a direct replacement for James Maddison, who is out with a serious knee injury picked up in pre-season.

He’s yet to prove he can be a replacement, though, with a handful of disappointing displays so far. That’s particularly been the case in the Premier League. Last weekend he was substituted on and then off again following a poor display in the defeat to Chelsea. Indeed, he was partly at fault for the Blues’ winning goal.

Questions have been asked about his suitability to life in the Premier League, with much made about the physicality. The prevalent thought, particularly in the Netherlands, is that he’s not up to the mark physically. Some think he never will be.

Tottenham player not up to it physically

Derksen is one of those who has been vocal on the matter. And he’s targeted the Tottenham man once again today.

“That Simons, he’s physically incompetent,” he said on Vandaag Inside.

“In England, they’re all skilled on the ball and can all play football, but you also need physical strength. Tijjani Reijnders has that, and so do the guys at Liverpool, but Simons is getting lost in the onslaught. Simply because he’s physically incompetent.”

Time for the gym, Xavi.

France manager Didier Deschamps has included Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani in the squad for November’s international break.

L’Equipe reports the decision hasn’t gone down well with some France attackers, and their entourages.

Kolo Muani spent the second half of last season at Juventus and was keen on returning to the Serie A side in the summer. They failed to find an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, who then sent him on loan to Tottenham on deadline day.

The 26-year-old made his Tottenham debut in their Champions League win over Villarreal in September. He then picked up a muscle injury, forcing him to spend over a month on the sidelines.

On October 22nd, the France international made his comeback in the 2-2 draw against AS Monaco.

Despite his lacklustre form for the north London club, the frontman will return to the France squad for the first time since June.

L’Equipe report his selection is ‘causing friction among some of his rivals for the position’. There’s a belief his level doesn’t warrant the confidence Deschamps is showing.

The report states: ‘Kolo Muani has a status in the French national team, and Deschamps will not let him go as long as he shows the same mindset and manages to perform well in the national team.’

On Wednesday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Tottenham’s interest in Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic.

They claimed there is still a chance of him staying in Turin despite his contract running out in 2026. Spurs, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are keeping an eye on him, and Vlahovic’s future can also depend on his relationship with Luciano Spalletti.

Today’s Corriere dello Sport takes a more detailed look at the Serbian.

The 25-year-old was nearing an exit in the summer. Things have now changed dramatically as the striker is becoming a leader in Turin once again. Corriere dello Sport describe him as an ‘indispensable’ part of the Juve side.

The Bianconeri are open to renewing his contract but only if he reduces his wage demands. This is because the Old Lady want to keep their finances under control.

Vlahovic is demanding a ‘top salary and signing-on bonus’, whether that be from Juventus or interested clubs like Tottenham. This is likely to make it difficult for Juve. There have been no indications that he will reduce these demands.

Should he resurgence continue this season then the battle to sign him as a free agent is likely to grow.

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all monitoring Brentford striker Igor Thiago, according to Trivela and ESPN Brazil.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has become one of the Premier League’s standout players this season. He has scored six goals in 11 matches, just one behind Erling Haaland. Those include strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United, which raised his profile across England.

His form has also impressed Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti. Igor Thiago appeared on the preliminary list for the November internationals, although Vitor Roque was chosen instead. Even so, Trivela reports that Ancelotti remains “impressed” by the Brentford striker’s development.

Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have already made enquiries to understand his price and availability. Brentford, however, are determined to keep their top scorer. The Bees have already lost Bryan Mbeumo Yoane Wissa and do not want another major exit so soon.

Igor Thiago’s story is one of steady progress. After leaving Cruzeiro in 2022, he shone for Ludogorets in Bulgaria and later at Club Brugge in Belgium, where Brentford found him.

His first year in England was difficult due to two knee injuries that limited him to only 169 minutes. This season, with Wissa and Mbeumo gone, he earned the starting role and delivered right away.

Numbers back up the growing attention. Since August 2022, only Vinicius Junior and Raphinha have scored more goals among Brazilian players in Europe. In the current Premier League campaign, Igor Thiago has almost as many goals as Richarlison, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Igor Jesus combined.

Brentford signed him in July 2024 on a five-year deal running until 2029, with an option for another season. With age, form and confidence on his side, Igor Thiago looks set to be one of the most talked-about names in the next transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid are interested in a move for River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero.

Last month, we covered claims from Argentina that Spurs are expected to make an offer. The Premier League side had also sent a scout to follow the 22-year-old live in action.

On November 2nd, La Razón reported Tottenham’s interest in the centre-back worries the La Liga side.

DSports cover the latest on Atlético’s plan to get ahead of Tottenham and other potential suitors.

The defender’s maturity, man marking and his reading of the game have convinced Los Rojiblancos. They believe he has a great potential to become a key player in a medium term.

Although Atlético’s interest in the Argentina international is firm, it won’t be easy for them to sign him. He has a $100m [€87m] release clause and Tottenham and Real Madrid are also in the picture.

DSports reports Atlético are confident their sporting project, Diego Simeone’s leadership and the possibility of making the leap to La Liga could tip the balance in their favour.

In short, Atlético are optimistic these factors can help them overcome competition from Tottenham. Whether their confidence is misplaced needs to be seen, but the ‘race to sign him has already begun’.

Jonathan David joined Juventus on a free transfer in June. Despite a disappointing start to the season, Tottenham and Chelsea are said to be interested in the striker.

The Canadian international has scored just once in Serie A. He’s failed to establish himself as a first-team regular, delivering unimpressive performances.

Gazzetta dello Sport look at Juve’s striker options under new manager Luciano Spalletti.

They expect the Italian to use Dusan Vlahovic as his primary striker. This is because David has witnessed what is described as a ‘downward spiral’.

The newspaper believe that a January exit could be on the cards for the 25-year-old. Tottenham and Chelsea are keeping an eye on him, having also monitored Vlahovic’s situation closely.

Since Jonathan David seems to be further down the pecking order, he is likelier to depart in the winter market.

While this would be dramatic, the striker’s exit can hand Juve a major capital profit. He earns €6m per season right now, which is a significant amount for the Old Lady.

Arsenal and Tottenham target Rayan could soon sign the biggest deal of his career, as Vasco da Gama prepare a new contract offer worth around €180,000 (£155,000) per month.

According to Lucas Pedrosa from SBT and NewsColina, the Brazilian club are working on a five-year renewal plan designed to keep the 19-year-old in Rio for longer.

Rayan’s current contract runs until December 2026, but Vasco want to tie him down until 2031. The proposal includes a sharp salary rise and a long-term project aimed at helping the youngster mature in Brazil before heading to Europe.

The club want to avoid what they call the “bounce-back” effect – when young players move early and struggle to adapt abroad, as happened with Vitor Roque.

The Rio giants believe Rayan can become a generational talent. They even dream of seeing him play in the 2026 World Cup while still wearing Vasco’s shirt.

The club also hope to keep Fernando Diniz as manager to lead that project and ensure Rayan’s development continues smoothly.

Both Arsenal and Tottenham have been watching Rayan for months, with scouts attending several of his games. Vasco’s new offer, however, shows they have no plans to let him go cheaply.

Any Premier League move would now require a bid well above the €30m (£25.7m) previously discussed.

Sweden manager Graham Potter has included Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall in his list for November’s international break.

On October 20th, Sweden announced Potter as their new manager, and he announced his first squad on Wednesday. There were concerns over the Tottenham player’s involvement with the national team for the upcoming fixtures.

Potter says Bergvall remains hopeful he’ll be fit on time to face Switzerland and Slovenia in the World Cup qualifiers, and the Swedish football association’s official website have relayed his comments.

Last weekend, the midfielder started in Spurs’ league defeat to Chelsea. He was forced off the pitch after seven minutes due to concussion.

The 19-year-old missed Tottenham’s Champions League win over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday. Prior to this clash, Thomas Frank also said the Sweden international will miss the weekend’s Premier League match against Manchester United.

Liverpool summer signing Alexander Isak, who has been sidelines with an injury, is picked for the two World Cup qualifiers. Potter has explained that as things stand, the duo will join the national team camp this month.

“As things stand right now, they are available. Lucas has had a concussion but hopes he can be there when it is time for us to play. Alex can hopefully play a little this weekend and will come to Spain on Monday,” he said,

Dusan Vlahovic’s contract at Juventus runs out in 2026. Tottenham are monitoring the possibility of signing him on a free transfer.

Gazzetta dello Sport look at the striker’s situation in some detail.

The newspaper believe Luciano Spalletti’s arrival at Juventus has ignited hope of Vlahovic staying in Turin. He scored against Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday. At the weekend, he impressed against Cremonese.

The question about his stay is financial. Even though both parties would like to continue, the 26-year-old has a massive salary.

He earns around €12m per season and this is weighing heavily on Juve’s accounts.

Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are considering the possibility of signing him on as a free agent next summer.

Their moves can now hinge on how the relationship between Vlahovic and Spalletti develops.

The report claims that Tottenham might have to pay the Serbian more than what he currently earns. This can tempt Vlahovic into not renewing in Turin and seeking an exit.

He had come close to leaving Juve some months ago. As no clubs came forward, he ended up staying.