Sport Witness

Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic has repeatedly been the subject of Tottenham Hotspur links recently. His situation is heating up, with the Italian club making attempts to sell him.

On Tuesday, Sport Witness covered Sky Italia’s claims about Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali’s trip to London. This was clearly an attempt to drive up English interest, with Inter Milan also keen on the defender.

The centre-back is one of the Neroverdi’s most valuable players right now. He has been one of the best defenders in Serie A too, which makes Inter and Juventus’ interest unsurprising.

Today’s Corriere dello Sport add more details about the Bosnian, who is now very likely to leave in the summer.

Sassuolo want the money

The newspaper make it clear that not long ago, Inter were close to signing Muharemovic. The fee was expected to lie between €25m and €30m and the player’s wages weren’t going to be a major problem for Inter.

Carnevali’s trip and talks with London-based clubs comes as a blow to Inter. This is seen as one way to see that other clubs are now keen on Muharemovic, with Tottenham the likeliest candidate.

Corriere dello Sport state it’s no longer a case of whether he’ll be sold, but more so what the destination will.

Our take: Tottenham should remain on alert

There is every chance now that Spurs can get exclusive access to the left footed defender. His profile would suit them as a Micky Van De Ven replacement, if the Netherlands man leaves in the summer.

Tottenham may have to hurry, though. Muharemovic will play at the World Cup for Bosnia and has been very impressive for them in recent games. If he keeps going, his valuation in Sassuolo’s eyes will increase further.

So if Tottenham really want Muharemovic, now would be a good time to progress.

Juventus’ interest in Liverpool’s Alisson has been covered in the Italian media for weeks. The goalkeeper might not be the only player involved in talks between the two clubs.

Michele Di Gregorio’s woes have been brought into the mix, with Tottenham Hotspur already linked with the stopper.

He’s struggled in this campaign and was also dropped for several weeks by Luciano Spalletti. Mattia Perin impressed, and nothing Di Gregorio has done since then has helped him regain his lost reputation.

This has led to doubts about his future, with Sport Witness covering interest from Tottenham.

The Italian didn’t seem keen on a move to the London side, given their situation. However, the idea of a transfer to England remains on the cards.

Di Gregorio on his way out

Gazzetta dello Sport report on possible outgoings from Turin this summer. Di Gregorio is one of the main candidates to depart, with the Bianconeri set to undergo a major change between the sticks.

The Italian has never quite convinced the Juve management in the last two seasons. Premier League clubs – including Liverpool, have made enquiries for him, asking about his situation ahead of possible summer moves.

That’s according to Gazzetta, who state the Reds have been in touch.

Juve see Alisson as their prime candidate to replace Di Gregorio and will speak to Liverpool over a deal. This can provide them an opportunity to progress regarding the Reds’ move for Di Gregorio as well.

Our take: Anfield move makes little sense

Gazzetta clarify that Michele Di Gregorio wants to become an undisputed first-choice at his next club. This is mainly because of his frustrations in Turin, where he has been in and out of the first-team.

Even if Alisson leaves, Giorgi Mamardashvili will be the first-choice goalkeeper at Anfield.

This won’t suit Di Gregorio, who will be better off joining a club that may not fall under the ‘elite club’ category. He will play regularly there and potentially make a strong case to play for the Italian national team.

Tottenham looks the far better option, and perhaps Michele Di Gregorio can reconsider if they avoid relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur’s fight against relegation has become one of the strangest stories of the Premier League season – and Richarlison is now living every part of that tension at once.

The Brazilian striker is trying to help Spurs avoid disaster domestically while also attempting to secure his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.

After Monday’s draw against Leeds United, Richarlison openly admitted the anxiety surrounding the situation. It has already cost him in Brazil’s previous call-up.

Spurs remain dangerously close to the relegation zone with only two matches left to play. The club sit just two points above West Ham United, who currently occupy the final relegation place.

Richarlison speaking openly about pressure

Speaking to ESPN Brazil after the match, Richarlison admitted Tottenham’s situation is becoming increasingly tense.

“It’s difficult, but point by point we’re moving forward,” he said. “Depending on the result of next weekend’s game, with one more point we can avoid relegation, but we need to do our part. Away from home we’ve managed to pick up points well. Now we have to stay calm.”

The striker also reflected on Tottenham’s latest performance, where Spurs conceded from the penalty spot.

“We played a very intense game today. Unfortunately we conceded a penalty, but that’s football. Now we have to continue over these final two matches.”

Spurs’ disastrous campaign is forming the backdrop to one of the most uncertain moments of Richarlison’s recent career.

World Cup pressure growing

Richarlison also admitted the World Cup situation is weighing heavily on his mind.

“Anxious, right? I think I gave up a lot for that shirt,” the Tottenham player said while discussing Brazil. “I’m doing my work here at Tottenham, I’m playing, I’m scoring my goals. I think I’ll be watching with expectation on TV.”

Despite the uncertainty, the striker insisted he still believes he can make the final squad.

“I’m confident. I believe I can be there. And if I am, I’ll do my best for the national team shirt, like I always have.”

The Brazilian added that he would continue supporting the national side even if he misses out.

“Regardless of whether I’m there or not, I have brothers and teammates there. I’m very patriotic. I’ll always support Brazil.”

Richarlison still producing despite Spurs chaos

What makes the situation more complicated is that Richarlison’s own numbers are not disastrous at all considering Tottenham’s collapse around him.

The forward has scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 41 appearances this season. He has also looked sharper since returning from injury earlier this year, becoming one of the few Spurs attackers producing even a little bit of impact.

Still, with competition for Brazil’s attacking places intensifying and Tottenham drifting dangerously close to relegation, the fear now is that the club’s wider collapse could ultimately cost Richarlison his place at the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski is set to miss the World Cup, as his knee injury is worse than thought.

Aftonbladet report on the situation today after Sweden manager Graham Potter presented his World Cup squad today. The Tottenham man was not a part of the group.

Tottenham star left out

The newspaper reports that the Tottenham forward is currently in training, but he has not played a match in a year.

He was not selected by Potter, though. And the Sweden boss admits it was a tough call to make on the 26-year-old.

“These are tough decisions to make when you take the team to a World Cup,” he said.

“I have not taken the task lightly. The decisions are based on a number of things. You can look at it in so many different ways.

“With Dejan it was a difficult decision considering where he is and what he has done with his rehab recently. We are a month away from the premiere and it is difficult to know if he will be where we want him.”

Spurs man bet on himself

The absence will be a bitter blow for Dejan Kulusevski, who has been working hard to get back for the summer tournament.

He’s now been out for a year with the knee injury, which at first was not believed to be serious. He was seen in Sweden training during the last international break and there was hope he would be returning soon.

Indeed, back in March, he was confident that he would be back in the group and ready to aid the group.

“I know what the chances are,” he told Viaplay after the playoff triumph against Poland.

“But I also know that if there is a person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. I think I will be in the USA with the team and win games.”

Potter conversations with Kulusevski

Now, he definitely won’t be included, and Potter admits that it was a difficult decision for him to make.

“It is a very difficult decision. It’s about where he is and his last year. It would be very difficult for him to get to where he needs to be (for games),” Fotboll Skanalen report him saying.

“I’ve had many conversations with Dejan. It’s important to have his perspective. He’s desperate to get to the World Cup.

“But as a coach you have to make a decision in the end. What does it look like? What kind of impact can the players make? For the team? I felt in my gut that it was right for us and for him. But it’s tough to realize that. He wants to be there and he wants to play.

“He’s a professional. He accepts it. But it’s very difficult. A World Cup doesn’t happen often. I have to respect that.”

Tottenham Hotspur always looked like a temporary stop for Randal Kolo Muani. The latest claims from France suggest the striker has spent months trying to avoid staying there permanently.

The France international arrived in north London on loan from Paris Saint-Germain without a purchase option.

As we have been following recently, Liverpool have repeatedly been linked with him in transfer speculation. Mostly because of the uncertainty around their attacking plans for the summer.

Still, Juventus have quietly remained the most likely destination for some time.

Turin is the likeliest destination

Now French outlet Le 10 Sport now explain the Italian club already have a “principle agreement” with Kolo Muani over a return to Turin.

The forward spent the 2024-25 season there before joining Tottenham, and Juventus are now pushing to sign him on a permanent deal rather than another loan.

As we previously covered, Kolo Muani’s camp had no interest in another temporary move this summer. The player’s representatives wanted clarity and stability after successive short-term solutions away from PSG.

It increasingly looks like they may get exactly that.

Juventus move has been building for months

While Tottenham gave Kolo Muani another route back into a major European league, there has long been a feeling this was never designed as a long-term project.

The 27-year-old is still contracted to PSG until 2028, but he has been trying to map out his next step well in advance. The concern from his side was ending up trapped in another uncertain situation late in the window, especially if Tottenham chose against pursuing a permanent deal.

Juventus, meanwhile, appear to have kept working in the background.

Le 10 Sport state the Serie A side are prepared to bring him back regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League. That suggests confidence from both the club and the player over the direction of the move.

The report also mentions Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson in relation to Juventus interest, as we covered earlier today, although the focus around Kolo Muani is far more advanced at this stage.

What happens next

Randal Kolo Muani still has to return to PSG formally once his Tottenham loan ends. However, the direction of travel now looks increasingly clear.

Liverpool may continue to appear in transfer rumours around the striker, especially because of expected movement in their attacking department this summer. Even so, Juventus have seemingly positioned themselves ahead of the queue months ago.

More importantly, the Frenchman’s camp wanted to avoid another loan saga dragging through the summer.

If the latest claims are accurate, they are now very close to getting their preferred outcome.

Andrea Cambiaso is among the players who can leave Juventus and this should come as encouragement for Tottenham.

The Italy international’s 2025/26 campaign has been full of ups and downs. In the first half of the season, he was often booed by his own fans under the management of Igor Tudor. This has changed under Luciano Spalletti, who has seen Cambiaso start every Serie A tie.

Last week, Sport Witness covered Mirko Di Natale’s claim about the London club’s initial contact for the Italian. They weren’t alone, as a host of teams were also credited with interest.

Inter Milan tried to sign the versatile full-back in January. Juve were against the idea but the Nerazzurri can now offer Carlos Augusto to tempt Juve into a summer transfer.

It is Tottenham who could be in the driving seat, as Cambiaso looks likelier to end up in England.

Situation becoming clear

Calciomercato IT report Juve have placed Cambiaso ‘on the expendable list’ for the summer. They realise how he has grown under Spalletti but will be tempted if suitors offer between €30m and €35m in the summer.

The outlet note that while AC Milan are no longer keen, Napoli are interested. A big reason is their sporting director Giovanni Manna, who played a decisive role in bringing Cambiaso to Juve in 2022.

Despite that, it is the Premier League which is now the defender’s likeliest destination.

Cambiaso has multiple admirers – including Tottenham, in England. A move to Spurs would be viable due to their financial capacity, with Italian clubs less likely to pay major amounts.

Our take: Cambiaso adds value to the squad

Even if the 26-year-old hasn’t always been consistent, versatility is his biggest strength. He mainly plays at full-back but has comfortably operated not just at wing-back but also as a winger on either side.

This will make him a valuable player to Tottenham, who will be selling multiple players in the summer. A player like Cambiaso will lift the technical floor of the side.

That is one of his strengths, which is why Pep Guardiola was keen on signing him in January 2025. He is also at the right age and Juve aren’t demanding a massive amount.

Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have held ‘exploratory talks with Sporting Club de Portugal star Maxi Araújo’s agents about a move.

A Bola report that the 26-year-old’s brilliance in the Champions League this season has led to high-level interest.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United call

The newspaper explains that Maxi Araújo’s impressive performances in the Champions League this season, where he has shown ‘quality in transition and defensive solidity’, has elevated the winger’s status.

Atlético de Madrid are leading the chase for him. He’s been elevated to the status of a ‘priority alternative’ for Diego Simeone’s side. But the Spaniard’s are aware there’s strong interest in him.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United are keen from the Premier League. Juventus have also been in touch. All of the relevant parties have held ‘exploratory talks’ with the player’s agents.

All of the interested parties want to secure a priority status with Sporting president Frederico Varandas and ‘avoid a price inflation’. The growing concern is that there will be an auction and it will be ‘frenetic’ during the summer.

€80m asking price

Sporting will start the summer by asking for Maxi Araújo’s release clause to be met. That is currently set at €80m. That is to warn the interested parties they won’t sell on the cheap.

The Portuguese side want to keep the left-back but know that the interest will be ‘intense’. They’re almost accepting that they’ll have to sell. Whatever the price, they will secure a huge profit on a player that cost them €13.7m in 2024.

Atlético de Madrid are currently leading the race for his signature. He’s an express desire for Diego Simeone. But the competition from the Premier League is there. Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United have already been in contact with his agents.

Whether any of those three would pay want Sporting wants, remains to be seen. But the talks with his agents are being seen in Portugal as a sign of their growing interest.

Fabio Paratici has been put forward as an ideal name for Napoli, just four months after bringing his time at Tottenham Hotspur to an end.

Calcio Napoli 24 report on comments from journalist Massimiliano Gallo, in Il Napolista, regarding the former Tottenham director of football.

Napoli changes = Tottenham reunion

Napoli could face a busy summer of change as Roma are showing serious interest in their current sporting director Giovanni Manna. While there is no hint he’s ready to jump ship yet, questions are being asked about who would replace him.

For Gallo, the answer is a simple one. Go and get Fabio Paratici, the man he thinks is the best on the market.

“We know that De Laurentiis is very close to Manna; he considers him his discovery,” he said.

“He always speaks highly of him. There’s no reason to separate, at least from the president’s point of view.

“If he were to accept Roma’s advances, then De Laurentiis should waste no time and go and get the best player on the market.”

Antonio Conte relationship

Indeed, he thinks there is a perfect reason beyond the transfer market too. Hiring Paratici would offer comfort and security to manager Antonio Conte.

“Paratici has a profound knowledge of football,” he added.

“He would be the perfect man for Napoli. He would be the sporting director Napoli has never had.

“Paratici is someone who knows a thing or two; he’s not just a sporting director for gourmet restaurants; he knows how to buy and sell at any price. And he would also be a point of reference for Antonio Conte at the club. The manager would feel safe.”

Mutual esteem

It would certainly be an interesting move for the former Tottenham director, who returned to Italy in January to lead Fiorentina.

That was presented as a long-term project but with safety nearly secured, would he be tempted to take a stab at another big job?

A reunion with Conte certainly makes sense. The pair worked together between 2011 and 2014 an then again at Tottenham. Conte even admitted in 2021 that there is ‘great mutual esteem’ between the pair. He even “we speak the same language and I’m not referring only to Italian”.

That suggests that, five years later, he’d be open to working with the former Tottenham director again if given the chance. Whether Napoli listen to Gallo’s suggestion, remains to be seen.

Radu Dragusin’s Tottenham future has constantly been in doubt over the last year or so. This summer could finally lead him towards an exit.

SportWitness covered AS Roma’s interest in the defender back in the January transfer window. Despite the Giallorossi’s desperation to get a deal over the line, nothing materialised.

Dragusin remains unhappy with his game time at Tottenham, playing just a minute in the last five league games.

He did start several games earlier this year but that was largely due to the absences of Micky Van De Ven and Cristian Romero.

As frustration grows, his entourage is actively working to get him a transfer this summer.

Contact made with three clubs

Calciomercato IT report those around the centre-back have been working for several months to help Dragusin find a new club.

Contacts have been established with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma, with all three clubs interested in the Romania international. All of them are keen on bolstering their backline and this can help the defender with a move.

The 24-year-old’s Tottenham contract could complicate matters. His current deal only runs out in the summer of 2030, which will make it a struggle for Italian clubs to sign him on a permanent deal due to financial reasons.

However, Spurs could still receive initial loan offer with an obligation or conditional obligation to buy. This is different from how things were in January, when Roma hadn’t gone beyond an option to buy in the loan deal.

Dragusin’s priority is to seek regular game time and this will dictate the club he ends up at.

Our take: Serie A move may not suit Spurs

While the report is confident, Italian clubs would ideally not offer a loan with an obligation to buy for Dragusin. He did prove himself at Genoa but there are enough reasons to doubt his fitness in recent months.

The finances of the move may not favour them either. That is why Tottenham should ideally look for German clubs to come forward for him.

RB Leipzig’s interest has previously been mentioned and that can be ideal destination. The Bundesliga club are better off financially than Roma, Inter or Milan. This will only help Tottenham offload the player ahead of the summer window.

Sporting Club de Portugal are keeping a close eye on João Palhinha, who may return to Portugal following his loan at Tottenham, for personal reasons.

Both A Bola and Correio da Manhã Weekend report on the Tottenham loanee today and a potential return to his homeland this summer.

Tottenham exit likely

Sport Witness covered a report yesterday stating that Sporting were interested in the Tottenham midfielder this summer. Correio da Manhã Weekend now pick up in that with further information.

They state that Sporting are set to bring João Palhinha back to the club next season, benefitting from his desire to return to Portugal to be close to his children. Benfica are also in the race, but Palhinha would prefer to return to his former club.

The Lions intend to use his desire to return home to their advantage. They see him as a business opportunity, with other players in his position potentially departing.

Palhinha is currently on loan at Tottenham from Bayern Munich. Roberto de Zerbi has expressed a desire to keep the 30-year-old long-term.

But the midfielder wants to return to Portugal to be closer to his children, who are still young, following his divorce. He has expressed a willingness to lower his wages to make it happen.

A return to Portugal

A Bola report similar information. They explain that Sporting will be restructuring their midfield this summer and João Palhinha is one of the names they’re watching closely.

According to their information, Palhinha will be returning to Bayern Munich from Tottenham this summer.

When that happens, they intend to make their move. They would prefer a loan move, but believe a permanent deal is negotiable. Bayern want €30m but Sporting believe they can bring that down.

The newspaper echoes the idea that Palhinha would prefer to join his former club. And a return to Portugal ‘for family reasons’ would be very well received by the player.

Sporting are also waiting to see what Tottenham do. They have expressed a desire to keep him and that could complicate matters. Ultimately, though, the decision will be Palhinha’s to make. And in Portugal they believe he wants to go home above all else.