Goal.com

Roberto De Zerbi clarifies Cristian Romero future as Tottenham boss addresses Inter Milan transfer links

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Roberto De Zerbi clarifies Cristian Romero future as Tottenham boss addresses Inter Milan transfer links - Goal.com
Description

The Argentine international, who has become a cornerstone of the Spurs defence since his arrival, is reportedly the subject of significant interest from the Nerazzurri. Reports emerging from Argentina have even suggested that a bid in the region of £34 million has been accepted by the Premier League side, despite Romero only recently committing to a new four-year contract and taking on the captaincy.

De Zerbi clarified his recent communications with Romero, emphasizing that their discussions have focused entirely on his return to training rather than any imminent transfer. "I texted with Cuti yesterday to make a plan for when he comes back to London," De Zerbi explained. When pressed on whether the conversation steered toward the intense speculation from Italy and Argentina, the Italian tactician was firm in his stance. "[I did not speak to him about] the transfer market. That's not my job. I know there are many solutions in the transfer market."

The absence of Romero from Tottenham's recent friendly against Chelsea in Sydney has only served to fuel the fire regarding his potential exit. However, the club has maintained that his late arrival to the pre-season camp is due to an extended break granted following his participation in the World Cup final with Argentina.

The situation is complicated by earlier hints from De Zerbi himself regarding Romero’s mindset. The manager has previously touched upon the player's potential desire for a new challenge, which aligns with the sudden surge in reports from his homeland. With Inter looking to bolster their defensive options for a title charge, the £34 million figure mentioned would represent a significant piece of business, though many Spurs supporters would argue it undervalues a player of Romero's stature.

Previously, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has broken his silence regarding the club's pursuit of Romero. The Italian giants have identified Romero as their primary target to lead the backline next season, and negotiations have moved swiftly. Ausilio made no secret of the club's intentions to land the 28-year-old defender during the current transfer window.

The pursuit has already seen major logistical progress, with Romero’s representatives spotted in Milan this past weekend for face-to-face meetings with the Inter hierarchy. This significant step underlines how advanced the negotiations have become, moving beyond mere enquiries into the final stages of deal-making. The Nerazzurri are reportedly looking to structure the transfer as a loan with a mandatory purchase clause.

The potential departure of Romero marks a significant shift in De Zerbi’s project at Tottenham. The Argentine was a vital part of the squad, but his disciplinary record—which included four separate suspensions during the 2025-26 campaign—had begun to cause concern. The club appears to have already prepared for his exit by being proactive in the recruitment market, ensuring that the squad is not left short of options should the move to Inter be finalized in the coming days as many expect.

Tottenham have already been busy reshaping their defensive options this summer to mitigate the loss of such a senior figure. The arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, coupled with the acquisition of Marcos Senesi on a free transfer, suggests that the club hierarchy has known about Romero’s intentions for some time.

Source

Liverpool set firm transfer stance on Cody Gakpo as Tottenham interest intensifies

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Liverpool set firm transfer stance on Cody Gakpo as Tottenham interest intensifies - Goal.com
Description

Liverpool have no intention of sanctioned the departure of Gakpo this summer, despite growing interest from Tottenham, according to talkSPORT. The 27-year-old forward has emerged as a primary target for Roberto De Zerbi as the Italian looks to continue his aggressive overhaul of the Spurs squad. However, the Reds have made it clear that the Netherlands international remains a fundamental part of their plans under Iraola. With a contract that runs until 2030, Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position and have little appetite to lose an experienced member of their attacking line-up.

Reports had suggested that Spurs were prepared to test Liverpool's resolve with a significant financial package, and indicated that the Reds would likely demand in the region of £70 million for Gakpo. While such a figure would represent a substantial profit on the initial fee paid to PSV Eindhoven, the sporting project at Anfield currently takes precedence over immediate financial gain.

Tottenham's interest in Gakpo comes amidst an unprecedented summer of spending in North London. De Zerbi's side have been the most proactive team in the Premier League market, twice shattering their own transfer record in a matter of weeks. Matheus Fernandes was the first high-profile arrival, joining from West Ham for £85 million, only to be eclipsed by the stunning £100 million signing of Sandro Tonali shortly after.

The Italian tactician has been vocal about his desire to add more firepower to his squad, recently teasing supporters with the prospect of more significant arrivals. De Zerbi previously stated that Spurs are only "60 per cent" complete in their transfer business.

One of the primary reasons behind Liverpool's refusal to sell Gakpo is the current state of their squad. The Reds are facing a significant selection headache in the forward positions following a serious injury to Hugo Ekitike. The key striker is not expected to return to action until the start of 2026 as he continues his recovery from a long-term Achilles injury. This leave Iraola short of options, making Gakpo’s ability to lead the line or operate on either flank invaluable.

While Liverpool are reportedly working on a deal to bring in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, the rest of their wide options lack top-level experience. Outside of the established names, the squad currently features 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha and new signing Victor Munoz. Gakpo, who tasted Premier League glory with the club in 2025, provides a level of consistency that Iraola cannot afford to lose. Last season, the former PSV man featured 52 times across all competitions, contributing nine goals and six assists during a campaign where he was frequently asked to fill gaps left by Alexander Isak and Ekitike.

With a move for Gakpo looking increasingly unlikely, Tottenham are exploring several other high-profile attacking options to satisfy De Zerbi's requirements. Manchester City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush have both been linked with moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has also been mentioned in connection with a sensational cross-city switch. Club chiefs are understood to be working on a deal for Savinho that could reach a total value of £60 million. The urgency for a new forward was heightened when De Zerbi told the media he was lining up another transfer "bomba" before the deadline.

Source

After Salah: will the Premier League clip Liverpool's other wing?

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
After Salah: will the Premier League clip Liverpool's other wing? - Goal.com
Description

Liverpool could be about to lose one of the most prominent members of their attack this summer, with Dutch winger Cody Gakpo now attracting interest from one of the Premier League's big clubs.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed via his account on X that Tottenham are planning to step up their efforts to sign Gakpo. Talks between the two parties are set to enter important stages in the coming period.

Spurs see Gakpo as an attacking option alongside Brazil's Savinho, who remains a primary target for the London club. Getting the deal done will hinge largely on Liverpool's stance and the price they set for the Dutchman.

For now, Gakpo isn't on Liverpool's list of players up for sale, which could make any exit from Anfield complicated. He was one of the key men in the side last season, regularly filling the left-wing role.

The news lands as Liverpool face potential upheaval on the flanks. Mohamed Salah, the first-choice right winger and one of the team's biggest stars over the past few years, has departed. Losing Gakpo too, if it happens, would be a fresh blow to the attack.

Should the Reds lose both their main wingers in a single season, they'll face a difficult task rebuilding the front line. The team already need to make up for Salah's exit and keep their attacking edge in the fight for domestic and continental titles.

Tottenham's pursuit of Gakpo is worth watching over the coming days, then, even if Liverpool's current position points to no clear intention to let the player go.

Source

Harry Kane urged to seal emotional Tottenham return as Spurs fan makes grovelling apology to Bayern Munich superstar

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Harry Kane urged to seal emotional Tottenham return as Spurs fan makes grovelling apology to Bayern Munich superstar - Goal.com
Description

Speaking on talkSPORT, Majestic began his open message with an apology before laying out a sensational proposal to bring Kane back to North London.

He opened his message on a remorseful note: "Mr Harry Kane. I've apologised to you already before, as when you first left you broke my heart and I didn't want you to win anything. But Harry's won - he's a world-class striker. You've done it in Germany, you've won. I don't personally see Bayern winning the Champions League anytime soon, Arsenal are more likely to win it."

Majestic then looked directly into the studio camera to deliver a message to both Bayern and Kane: "Bayern, you've had a great time with Harry, he's won you the league. We're going to give you the money back, so you will get £81million back, the release clause, bang, straight away, we'll trigger that. Harry, come home. We'll give you £400,000 a week, big numbers, but he deserves it, a world superstar."

Kane currently sits on 213 Premier League goals, trailing Shearer's all-time record by just 47. Over a 14-year senior spell at Tottenham, he netted 280 goals in 435 appearances across all competitions and became the first player to score 100 away goals in Premier League history.

Majestic expanded on how a return could cement the striker's legacy: "Roberto De Zerbi says to him: 'Look, it's one season without European football, which allows you to have a bit more of a rest after a long season and a World Cup... it gives you the focus of scoring goals in the Premier League, you don't have to play in the League Cup."

He added: "You are that close to Alan Shearer's record. If you have a good season this year, scoring 20+, which is very possible to do, you could become a Bundesliga champion, England's greatest goalscorer, Tottenham's greatest goalscorer and possibly the Premier League's greatest ever goalscorer.

"This is Harry Kane's legacy set in stone. People can't say he hasn't won anything, he's gone and done that. Now he can come home and push Spurs on. Come on Harry, it's time to come home, it's good for you, it's good for us, it's good for Bayern, let's do it."

Source

"The best striker in the world": Tottenham plan the signing of the season

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
"The best striker in the world": Tottenham plan the signing of the season - Goal.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are chasing one of the summer's biggest deals. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray star, sits at the top of their wishlist as they look to bolster the front line at the request of Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian coach still rebuilding his squad ahead of the new season.

Reports link the London club with a serious move for Osimhen, with initial offers said to range between 50 and 55 million pounds sterling.

Galatasaray, though, are holding out for around 65 million pounds sterling to part with their top scorer. Some view that valuation as steep given the player's long-term contract and his standing within the Turkish side.

De Zerbi wants an out-and-out striker capable of making the difference, especially with Richarlison's future in doubt and Dominic Solanke yet to solve the team's attacking problems.

Osimhen fits the bill perfectly in the Italian's eyes: a focal point suited to his possession-based style, blessed with physical strength, pace and intelligent movement inside the box.

The website "CaughtOffside" revealed, citing sources close to the players' agents, that Tottenham have the green light on the sporting side to begin official negotiations over the deal.

Those same sources reckon personal terms shouldn't prove a major obstacle to completing the Nigeria international's move to the Premier League.

Exceptional numbers boost his value

Osimhen was sensational for Galatasaray last season. He scored 41 goals and provided 10 assists in 52 matches across all competitions, figures that explain the interest from Europe's biggest clubs.

Such goalscoring instinct and presence inside the box, De Zerbi believes, could transform Tottenham's attack.

Nigeria national team coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on him too, calling him "the best striker in the world" after his displays over recent seasons.

No official contacts or direct negotiations have taken place yet between Tottenham and Galatasaray, despite the growing interest.

The club's hierarchy also know a deal this size may prove tricky after their heavy spending in the current window, unless they can offload a number of players first.

The ideal deal, but with conditions

Much may hinge on Richarlison. The Brazilian is yet to decide whether he wants to stay.

According to "The Guardian", De Zerbi would rather he stayed, but the coach knows the player hasn't reached a final decision.

With less than a year left on his contract, Richarlison's exit could free up funds while creating a pressing need for a top-quality replacement.

None of this will be simple. Osimhen is also wanted by several of Europe's giants, most notably Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, competition that could inflate the price and weaken Tottenham's hand at the table.

Few strikers in Europe are as complete. Pace, physical strength, high pressing and clinical finishing make Osimhen an ideal tactical fit for Tottenham.

The money, though, remains decisive. Landing him for around 60 million pounds sterling would be a logical move, but breaking the 100 million pounds sterling barrier could carry huge risk, particularly after the club's lavish outlay this window.

Source

"The best striker in the world": Tottenham plan the signing of the season

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
"The best striker in the world": Tottenham plan the signing of the season - Goal.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are chasing one of the summer's biggest deals. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray star, sits at the top of their wishlist as they look to bolster the front line at the request of Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian coach still rebuilding his squad ahead of the new season.

Reports link the London club with a serious move for Osimhen, with initial offers said to range between 50 and 55 million pounds sterling.

Galatasaray, though, are holding out for around 65 million pounds sterling to part with their top scorer. Some view that valuation as steep given the player's long-term contract and his standing within the Turkish side.

De Zerbi wants an out-and-out striker capable of making the difference, especially with Richarlison's future in doubt and Dominic Solanke yet to solve the team's attacking problems.

Osimhen fits the bill perfectly in the Italian's eyes: a focal point suited to his possession-based style, blessed with physical strength, pace and intelligent movement inside the box.

The website "CaughtOffside" revealed, citing sources close to the players' agents, that Tottenham have the green light on the sporting side to begin official negotiations over the deal.

Those same sources reckon personal terms shouldn't prove a major obstacle to completing the Nigeria international's move to the Premier League.

Exceptional numbers boost his value

Osimhen was sensational for Galatasaray last season. He scored 41 goals and provided 10 assists in 52 matches across all competitions, figures that explain the interest from Europe's biggest clubs.

Such goalscoring instinct and presence inside the box, De Zerbi believes, could transform Tottenham's attack.

Nigeria national team coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on him too, calling him "the best striker in the world" after his displays over recent seasons.

No official contacts or direct negotiations have taken place yet between Tottenham and Galatasaray, despite the growing interest.

The club's hierarchy also know a deal this size may prove tricky after their heavy spending in the current window, unless they can offload a number of players first.

The ideal deal, but with conditions

Much may hinge on Richarlison. The Brazilian is yet to decide whether he wants to stay.

According to "The Guardian", De Zerbi would rather he stayed, but the coach knows the player hasn't reached a final decision.

With less than a year left on his contract, Richarlison's exit could free up funds while creating a pressing need for a top-quality replacement.

None of this will be simple. Osimhen is also wanted by several of Europe's giants, most notably Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, competition that could inflate the price and weaken Tottenham's hand at the table.

Few strikers in Europe are as complete. Pace, physical strength, high pressing and clinical finishing make Osimhen an ideal tactical fit for Tottenham.

The money, though, remains decisive. Landing him for around 60 million pounds sterling would be a logical move, but breaking the 100 million pounds sterling barrier could carry huge risk, particularly after the club's lavish outlay this window.

Source

"The best striker in the world": Tottenham plan the signing of the season

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
"The best striker in the world": Tottenham plan the signing of the season - Goal.com
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are chasing one of the summer's biggest deals. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray star, sits at the top of their wishlist as they look to bolster the front line at the request of Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian coach still rebuilding his squad ahead of the new season.

Reports link the London club with a serious move for Osimhen, with initial offers said to range between 50 and 55 million pounds sterling.

Galatasaray, though, are holding out for around 65 million pounds sterling to part with their top scorer. Some view that valuation as steep given the player's long-term contract and his standing within the Turkish side.

De Zerbi wants an out-and-out striker capable of making the difference, especially with Richarlison's future in doubt and Dominic Solanke yet to solve the team's attacking problems.

Osimhen fits the bill perfectly in the Italian's eyes: a focal point suited to his possession-based style, blessed with physical strength, pace and intelligent movement inside the box.

The website "CaughtOffside" revealed, citing sources close to the players' agents, that Tottenham have the green light on the sporting side to begin official negotiations over the deal.

Those same sources reckon personal terms shouldn't prove a major obstacle to completing the Nigeria international's move to the Premier League.

Exceptional numbers boost his value

Osimhen was sensational for Galatasaray last season. He scored 41 goals and provided 10 assists in 52 matches across all competitions, figures that explain the interest from Europe's biggest clubs.

Such goalscoring instinct and presence inside the box, De Zerbi believes, could transform Tottenham's attack.

Nigeria national team coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on him too, calling him "the best striker in the world" after his displays over recent seasons.

No official contacts or direct negotiations have taken place yet between Tottenham and Galatasaray, despite the growing interest.

The club's hierarchy also know a deal this size may prove tricky after their heavy spending in the current window, unless they can offload a number of players first.

The ideal deal, but with conditions

Much may hinge on Richarlison. The Brazilian is yet to decide whether he wants to stay.

According to "The Guardian", De Zerbi would rather he stayed, but the coach knows the player hasn't reached a final decision.

With less than a year left on his contract, Richarlison's exit could free up funds while creating a pressing need for a top-quality replacement.

None of this will be simple. Osimhen is also wanted by several of Europe's giants, most notably Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, competition that could inflate the price and weaken Tottenham's hand at the table.

Few strikers in Europe are as complete. Pace, physical strength, high pressing and clinical finishing make Osimhen an ideal tactical fit for Tottenham.

The money, though, remains decisive. Landing him for around 60 million pounds sterling would be a logical move, but breaking the 100 million pounds sterling barrier could carry huge risk, particularly after the club's lavish outlay this window.

Source

Another blockbuster! Tottenham accelerate their ambitious chase for a £65m 'best striker in the world' after nearly £240m spending spree

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Another blockbuster! Tottenham accelerate their ambitious chase for a £65m 'best striker in the world' after nearly £240m spending spree - Goal.com
Description

Tottenham have reportedly received the green light to pursue Galatasaray star Osimhen, according to CaughtOffside. The report suggests that Spurs are prepared to offer a package between £50m and £55m, though the Turkish giants are holding out for a fee closer to £65m.

Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block. Tottenham have been granted sporting approval to open formal negotiations, and the Nigerian international, billed as the 'best striker in the world' by his national team head coach Eric Chelle, is said to be open to joining Roberto De Zerbi’s project.

The north London club have already spent heavily this window, investing over £230m in new talent. Additions like Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke have arrived, but the hierarchy are eager to add further firepower before the deadline.

The push for a new striker comes amid confusion over Richarlison's future. De Zerbi admits he is unsure whether the former Everton forward will remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the upcoming campaign.

"I don't know because I like him as a player and as a guy," De Zerbi explained. "He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do. I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave."

Despite the uncertainty, the manager praised the Brazilian's work ethic and impact. Finding a direct replacement will be a challenge if a departure materialises.

"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score," De Zerbi added. "All of us love him - the team-mates, the club and the staff - because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can't say anything about him on the pitch."

Source

Revealed: Why Mateus Fernandes rejected Man Utd as the £85m Tottenham star details how Roberto De Zerbi secured the transfer with a unique family promise

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Revealed: Why Mateus Fernandes rejected Man Utd as the £85m Tottenham star details how Roberto De Zerbi secured the transfer with a unique family promise - Goal.com
Description

Fernandes has detailed how a relentless pursuit by Roberto De Zerbi convinced him to choose Tottenham over a potential move to Man United. The 22-year-old, who arrived in a deal worth a staggering £85 million, explained that the manager’s commitment to his family was a deciding factor. The Portuguese midfielder emphasised that the emotional connection forged during these talks outweighed other offers on the table.

"The way he [De Zerbi] spoke with me and my family was very important for me," Fernandes said in an interview with The Athletic. "He was calling me every day, so I’m very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things.

"It was more about [forming a] connection, because my dad and my mum don’t speak English very well. It was more about feelings. He said he would take care of me, that he would be my second dad in England. I’m very happy to work with him."

While the manager provided the emotional security, World Cup winner Pedro Porro acted as the unofficial chief scout. Porro and Fernandes had previously played together at Sporting CP, and the defender was determined to reunite with his friend. Fernandes recalled a humorous exchange where he missed a call from the Spanish international because he was asleep, only to find a persistent message waiting for him once he finally woke up.

Fernandes revealed the content of that message: "He called me one day, I didn’t answer because I was sleeping. He said, in Portuguese, 'Come on Mateus, you need to play with us, we want you. It was me that told the manager to bring you.' Then when everything was done, I spoke with him a bit about the club, the mentality in the team, the team-mates as well. He’s an important player. He’s one of the best right-backs in the world. He’s a top guy."

The investment is already looking like money well spent after Fernandes enjoyed a dream debut against MK Dons. The midfielder scored a sensational volley on his first outing, which he later described as the finest strike of his career. "It was great, no? It was my favourite goal of my career by a mile," he remarked. "The second one was last season. I need to do this more, to shoot outside the box. I know I can do it."

Despite Fernandes' early heroics, De Zerbi has been cautious with his new star's fitness during the remainder of the pre-season tour. After missing the victory over Chelsea, the manager was quick to play down any injury fears. "Mateus Fernandes can be available right now to play but we don’t want to take any risks with him," De Zerbi confirmed.

Tottenham’s successful swoop is even more impressive given the level of competition for his signature earlier in the window. It has emerged that Real Madrid passed on Fernandes after Jorge Mendes had initially reached an agreement with the Spanish giants.

This opened the door for Spurs to strike, with the club eager to rebuild following a dismal domestic campaign. Tottenham finished 17th last term, with De Zerbi securing final-day survival at the direct expense of Fernandes’ former club, West Ham. Having now endured back-to-back relegations with the Hammers and Southampton, the midfielder will be desperate to help his new manager climb the table and finally find some stability in north London.

Source

Tottenham star Cristian Romero set for Inter move as Roberto De Zerbi accepts exit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham star Cristian Romero set for Inter move as Roberto De Zerbi accepts exit - Goal.com
Description

Spurs head coach De Zerbi confirmed he would respect Romero's decision to seek a new challenge. The manager revealed a pact made when he arrived at the club in April.

"At the beginning of my time, in April, I had, I don’t know, one million individual meetings," De Zerbi stated, as quoted by Metro. "And [the players] told me what was their idea. I said: ‘Yes, help me to stay up, and then I help you to leave’. If you don’t help me to stay up, you stay underwater with me!

"But Romero with me was unbelievable. Top, in his behaviour, his respect, he suffered when he did not play the last game. It is not true that he wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for their World Cup. It’s not true."

He added: "After the semi-final [against England] we text a message, but I never called him to convince him to stay. I respected what he told me. Like for [Guglielmo] Vicario, like for every player. Romero as a player is one of the best centre-backs in the world, but at the end I said I want to respect the will of the players."

Source