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Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and the other London Premier League sides all have eyes on the next campaign

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The new Premier League season is just over one month away with several London sides targeting improvement - and a supercomputer has predicted how the final table will look.

Arsenal will finally look to end their 21-year wait to become Premier League champions again after finishing second for the last two campaigns. London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham will want to get themselves higher up the table and out of the bottom half.

Chelsea finished fourth last season but will now need to balance their commitments with Champions League football while also battling against player burnout as they played extra games in the Club World Cup.

Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace finished 10th, 11th and 12th last term and will be looking at moving up.

A 2025/26 Premier League Supercomputer, via BettingLounge.co.uk, has predicted how all London clubs will fare next season. The Premier League Supercomputer, conducted by BettingLounge.co.uk, is a probability model, not determined by human predictions or bias. What happens is the Supercomputer estimates the outcome of each remaining fixture based on a team’s current strength - based on factors such as league position and form - and betting market odds.

The machine then simulates the remaining games in a season 10,000 times and constructs an average league table from the 10,000 simulations, to rule out anomalous results. Here’s where it is tipping the London clubs to finish...

Louis Saha has given his verdict on the big transfer decision awaiting Crystal Palace man Eberechi Eze.

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Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Louis Saha has encouraged Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to follow his heart when it comes to a transfer move this summer.

The England international has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in recent transfer windows but that speculation seems to be at its highest this year after the player was instrumental in the Eagles’ FA Cup win and qualifying for Europa League football.

Eze scored the only goal in Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win over Manchester City to cap off a thoroughly impressive campaign. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with interest in the player with both in need of attacking reinforcements.

Eberechi Eze sent Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur transfer advice

Speaking to Coin Poker, Premier League legend Saha was asked for his opinion on the player’s future. He said: “I really like the player. I hoped he might consider Manchester United! But Arsenal are a team that are consistently at the top or near it, that’s why they could look for Eberechi Eze. They have Martin Odegaard, who’s a bit quiet on the pitch in terms of his numbers, so I can see why Mikel Arteta might be looking to change things up.

For Tottenham, I think they need to improve how they play in attack, so that’s a move that definitely makes sense. James Maddison is out injured sometimes, and Heung-min Son is maybe on his way after serving the club brilliantly over the last decade. . There’s an obvious space in the squad to slot him into.

There are moving parts at both clubs, I’m interested to see which side he might want to link up with. For Eze, it’s a decision where he needs to go with his heart, and of course they are bitter rivals. I like players who have favourite sides, who want to play for clubs with heritage, not just the salary. I’m old school. So if he ever dreamt of Spurs or Arsenal, he should choose that one.”

Louis Saha gives Spurs Champions League verdict

Saha spent a brief stint at Spurs in 2012, between time at Everton and Sunderland. The striker was prolific in that brief spell, with a brace against Newcastle United, goal against the Gunners and a strike against Bolton Wanderers to help Spurs into the FA Cup semi-final.

The talisman was also asked who he expected to fare better in the Champions League next season between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, with both his former sides returning to the competition. He said: “That's a really good question. I think Tottenham's got more experience, but Newcastle might be on the better trajectory right now, ever since the takeover. They definitely have confidence and power on the pitch, and I love their midfield.

“For Newcastle, I think they’re only two or three additions from being able to compete in Europe and at the top of the table. They’re going to have a good season next year, and they have been patient in the market as they build.

“They’ve held their own against sides like PSG in Europe already, and I think they’re going to be a side that surprises a few people next year. If they can add to what they have, maybe two or three quality additions, I don’t see why they can’t take another forward step next season.”

In other news, Ange Postecoglou has already sent Tottenham serious warning over £55m transfer - opinion.

West Ham have rejected a £50 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur for Mohammed Kudus.

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Tottenham Hotspur appear to have concrete transfer interest in West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus after their London rivals rejected a £55 million bid for the player.

Reports of that second offer come from Graeme Bailey with Spurs known to be in the market for additional wide options this summer. Mathys Tel has already made his move from Bayern Munich permanent but new manager Thomas Frank is still in the market for additional attacking impetus.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze had emerged as an option but it is now claimed that Spurs have cooled their interest in the England international. AFC Bournemouth man Antoine Semenyo is another option, but his £65 million price tag is thought to be too lofty and has made Kudus the prime target.

Tottenham Hotspur target Mohammed Kudus

The Ghana international was one of many Hammers players to endure an underwhelming campaign last time out, managing just five Premier League goals. An exit from the London Stadium appears beneficial for all with Kudus stuck in somewhat of a rut and needing a new lease of life.

The charismatic Frank appears confident that he can get the winger back to his best, but that may not be an easy task. Kudus is full of passion but that can sometimes spill into the erratic and, as he looks for a seamless transition in tenure, Frank cannot afford that.

Tottenham Hotspur know of Kudus’ temperament better than anyone. The West Ham man was sent off and then handed an FA ban having clobbered Micky Van de Ven last October.

Spurs were also handed an FA fine for failing to control their players in that match with former manager Ange Postecoglou commenting on Kudus’ lack of composure - a warning Frank and the club should take seriously.

Ange Postecoglou’s Kudus warning

The Aussie coach said: "I'm not sure what we did wrong. Yes, there was a coming together but a couple of our players had hit the deck by then, so you would like to think we would go in there and protect them.

"I thought our players controlled themselves but the FA felt differently. I didn't feel like there was anything edgy in that game at all. Kudus lost his composure but I don't think that's like him. If there was anything more, there is plenty of video evidence. The look isn't great."

Kudus was also handed a warning about his composure from former West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, who admitted that it was part of the player’s game that had room for improvement. Lopeteui said: “Unfortunately Kudus is going to be out for three matches because his behaviour was not good and he knows that.

“He knows he has to improve because this can't happen. I hope it's the last time this happens. I'm sure it is not going to happen [again]. I talked with him and sometimes you don't have to talk a lot about this kind of situation because he knows it was a mistake. I say, for sure, that he will learn about this incident and his behaviour will handle this better in the future."

In other news, The blockbuster Tottenham and West Ham swap deal that could bring goals galore - opinion.

A swap deal between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur could afford two Premier League stars the chance of a rebirth this summer.

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West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus is tipped to quit the London Stadium after two years this summer following an underwhelming Premier League campaign last time out.

There is no shortage of Hammers players who underperformed over the 2024/25 campaign but the fall off of the Ghanaian was one of the most notable. Kudus, who arrived at the club from Ajax for £38 million in 2023, managed just five goals and three assists in the top flight. The season prior, the forward picked up eight goals and nine assists.

Rather than a scintillating run or vital goal, the moment that epitomised Kudus’ season was a red card against Tottenham Hotspur in October that resulted in an extended FA ban. The winger struggled with his mentality and endured a barren run without a goal between Boxing Day and mid March.

Mohammed Kudus tipped to make West Ham exit

With West Ham needing to sell before they buy, offloading Kudus appears to have become somewhat of an inevitability. Football Insider suggest that the Hammers could sanction a £60 million exit. While that is well beneath the £85 million release clause in his contract, it could be spent on several new recruits to breathe new life into Graham Potter’s side.

There had been interest from Saudi Arabia in Kudus, but the player is said to be against a move to the country so early in his career. As such, a move to a Premier League rival seems the most likely and Football Insider are one of several outlets to credit Spurs with serious interest.

Thomas Frank is looking to shape his Tottenham Hotspur squad this summer and Kudus could be the man to do that. West Ham are said to be somewhat reluctant to do business with their London rival, but the chance to broker a swap deal could sweeten the deal.

Kudus’ arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could free up a player to leave with Mathys Tel also having already made the permanent move from Bayern Munich. The signs suggest that it could be Richarlison leaving north London.

Graham Potter should push for Tottenham Hotspur swap deal

The former Everton man struggled to cement a spot in the starting XI last season and is expected to play second fiddle to Dominic Solanke next term too. The 28-year-old started just two of the team’s final seven Premier League matches and only played 90 minutes on one occasion all season.

The Sun reports that the player is set to leave Spurs and could head overseas to revitalise his career with Galatasaray frontrunners. However, West Ham should look at demanding that Tottenham Hotspur send the player to London Stadium as a condition of Kudus heading the other way.

Potter is in the market for goals this summer with £27 million man Niclas Fullkrug struggling to carry the burden. Michail Antonio is also set to leave the club as a free agent and there is a void opening up for someone to lead the line.

There’s no doubting that Richarlison can score in the Premier League, he’s done so 64 times. The Brazilian is versatile too and a huge character - the type of big game player that West Ham were lacking last season.

The Spurs forward is in need of some TLC but the chance of guaranteed minutes and being a bigger fish in a smaller pond at West Ham could help Richarlison find the form he once had at Everton.

In other news, West Ham's starting XI next season based on transfer rumours as 3 new signings and Liverpool man feature.

Thomas Frank and Enzo Maresca will have to takt their search for defensive reinforcements at Spurs and Chelsea elsewhere.

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Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been handed a fatal transfer blow on Wednesday with news that Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year deal with the club.

The 23-year-old had been linked with a transfer away from Merseyside this summer after another impressive campaign, with the two London clubs credited with interest alongside Manchester United.

Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020 and was the subject of two bids from the Red Devils last summer. Several clubs were linked again this year with the BBC naming Spurs and Chelsea as contenders.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea transfer target signs new contract

TEAMtalk had claimed that Everton were prepared to accept a £70 million bid for the defender, who new Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank was said to have wanted in north London. However, that price tag was always going to be a big ask of Daniel Levy.

Spurs made the loan move of Kevin Danso from Lens permanent this summer for £21 million. Meanwhile, Chelsea are known to be in the market for a centre-back, having had to recall Trevoh Chalobah early from his loan stay at Crystal Palace last season.

Everton confirmed the new contract on Wednesday, with Branthwaite extending his stay until 2030. That deal will silence transfer talk with the player committing his immediate future to the Toffees.

Branthwaite ‘over the moon’ with Everton contract

The defender said: "I'm over the moon. It's been something we've been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I'm really excited about.

"The trust the club's put in me and how many games I've played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player."

Branthwaite made his Everton debut under Carlo Ancelotti in July 2020 and has racked up 75 Premier League appearances so far. He added: "I've been at Everton for five and a half years now and I've seen the change the club's had over the past six months.

"It's very exciting for us as a team, as players, to have that going on in the background and obviously to be starting the new season at the new stadium. The ambition was a huge thing.

"The way the manager wants us to go as a team and what he wants us to do for next season and where he wants us to challenge for has had a big impact on the decision. I think you saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do."

In other news, Club all-but confirm next Tottenham Hotspur transfer deal as exit announced after record sale agreed.

Tottenham Hotspur have a number of other targets in mind with Bryan Mbeumo opting for Manchester United

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Thomas Frank has arrived in North London and is looking to put his stamp on a Tottenham Hotspur side fresh from the contrast of Europa League glory but Premier League struggles which led to Ange Postecoglou losing his job.

Spurs are interested in several forward players in an attempt to become a more potent attacking threat next term, with replacing the goals and influence of ageing club legend Son Heung-min a necessity.

The 2025/26 season could be a competitive one in the battle for Europe and few from outside the Spurs camp will know what to expect from Frank’s side, who can use that to their advantage. They may look set to miss out on Bryan Mbeumo, but several other transfer targets remain in the offing.

Spurs’ major targets after missing out on Mbeumo

Three top Premier League targets have emerged, with Frank evidently looking for players already thriving at this level while hoping to weaken rivals as Spurs aim to shoot up the table under the former Brentford manager.

The Athletic report that Tottenham have already made an enquiry to Bournemouth about winger Antoine Semenyo, though the Cherries’ £70m price tag may provide a stumbling block in a deal for the 25-year-old. The Ghana international would offer an alternative to Mbeumo from the right wing.

Another player in whom Spurs are reported to have a long-standing interest is Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m release clause and has been targeted by several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. The Athletic’s report states that there is no guarantee he leaves Selhurst Park this summer, though this could depend largely on whether the likes of Spurs or arch-rivals Arsenal are willing to meet his release clause.

Finally, there is Mohammed Kudus, Semenyo’s international teammate, who plays for neighbours West Ham United and could be available for £60m this summer. The Hammers may be inclined to sell for PSR reasons, though Kudus’ form declined in 2024/25 after a strong first season in England.

Which of their attacking targets should be Spurs’ priority?

With all three aforementioned players within a similar price range, the main question is likely to be who do the club feel is most worth their price tag. The likelihood is that they can only sign one of the three, with attacking players such as James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel already at the club.

Each signing would present differing questions as Frank decides who his top target should be. In the case of Semenyo, he has only played two full seasons in the Premier League since signing from Bristol City for £10m and last campaign was the first time he reached double figures for goals in his career. The fact Bournemouth have already made multiple sales of key players this summer has likely meant they have pushed Semenyo’s asking price higher than it would be in other circumstances. This may be a deal-breaker.

With Kudus, the issue surrounds what happened at West Ham last season. Not only did his goalscoring and creative output decrease significantly, the former Ajax man was at times accused by fans under former manager Julen Lopetegui of having attitude issues on the pitch and appearing as though he was dreaming of a big move away. Considering the struggles faced by Spurs in the league last season, it is important that Frank has the right characters on board who will continue to fight for the badge when the chips are down.

The obvious answer, who offers no doubts when it comes to character or value for money, is Eze. With five years of Premier League experience under his belt and 34 Premier League goals and an FA Cup winners’ medal to show for it, the 27-year-old is also known for his great character and inspiring story of battling against academy rejection off the pitch. The issue could be if Spurs are beaten to a deal by a Premier League rival, particularly Arsenal. While such a development would certainly cause embarrassment, it could also mean that Spurs get none of their top targets at all if they make the Palace man a priority. With the start of the new season just six weeks away, Frank and the Spurs board have a big decision to make.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with the Crystal Palace man but are yet to open bidding.

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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish landed a jibe at Premier League rivals last summer as the south London club managed to keep hold of key man Eberechi Eze after months of transfer speculation.

The Eagles had sold the talented Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for £50 million and feared that they could also lose Eze too. Over the 2023/24 campaign, Eze had picked up 11 goals and registered six assists as he progress in the top flight continued.

Despite the transfer talk, following the close of the window, a bewildered Parish admitted that the club had received no concrete offers. He said: "I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael and Ebbs in the same window and we didn't have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have.

Steve Parish ‘astounded’ by summer 2024 transfer window

"I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy's just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s a gift to any football club.

“I don’t think any Crystal Palace supported would mind that fact that at some point Ebs wants to play at the highest level. He’s playing regularly for England, back in the squad again which we’re so proud about. Ebs is still here and it’s great for the football club. I was surprised that that’s what happened.”

That looked an opportunity missed for the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The way Parish spoke suggested that any bid would be unopposed and that the player himself could be very open to a switch.

Fast forward 12 months, when Eze has helped Crystal Palace to an FA Cup trophy, a place in the Europa League and bagged 14 goals across all competitions, you’d think transfer interest would be high. The forward is reported to have a £67.5 million release clause in his contract, making an exit even easier, yet clubs such as Arsenal and Spurs appear to be targeting other players.

Spurs have made the signing of Mathys Tel permanent with talkSPORT claiming that ‘nothing is moving’ when it comes to interest in Eze. Meanwhile, the latest from The Athletic is that Eze is an ‘option being considered’ by Arsenal but that no contact has been made. It’s added that should the Gunners look to make a move, they hope to negotiate a price lower than the release clause.

Arsenal also remained linked with Anthony Gordon, Mohamed Kudus and Rodrygo, among other wide players. Both north London clubs are taking a backfoot approach to courting Eze and that seems a foolish strategy.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur should prioritise Crystal Palace swoop

Eze would be a top tier acquisition for both sides. He may not have Champions League experience, but he’s a proven big match player. Eze scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and was also on target in the semi-final against Aston Villa and the quarter final against Fulham.

Speaking after the match against the Cottagers, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: “I think Ebere has had a strange season, he hasn’t had many goals in the Premier League and he has been unlucky, but he keeps going, he’s also struggled with strange injuries. The goal against Latvia and his first for England means a lot for him. He always has the confidence, we know he’s an amazing finisher to cut inside on his right foot with an amazing finish. We need this quality, he helped us today massively.”

Steve Parish has outlined that a transfer swoop for Eze would be a very realistic move. Oliver Glasner has kept no secret of his talent, but any football fan has witnessed that. So why have neither Arsenal nor Tottenham Hotspur - or any other rival - made a decisive swoop?

In other news, Arsenal transfer round-up: Gunners make 'contact' with Tottenham target as fresh offer submitted.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be closing in on their next summer transfer

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Tottenham Hotspur’s Thomas Frank chapter is about to get underway, with the Dane making adjustments to his squad in preparation for their opening-day fixture against Burnley on August 16.

Multiple new faces have already been brought in to strengthen the Europa League winners, though the majority were on loan with the North Londoners last season - including Mathys Tel, who has joined for £29.8m from Bayern Munich, and Kevin Danso, who has arrived for £20.9m from RC Lens.

While Luka Vuskovic has arrived from Hajduk Split, having signed as a 16-year-old for £12m back in 2023 in a deal which would see him arrive at Spurs after his 18th birthday.

Spurs’ next deal is reportedly set to be completed, with a prospective signing preparing an emotional goodbye ahead of a club-record move.

Takai departure announced

Japanese international Kota Takai is set to join Spurs from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale. The 20-year-old will move to North London after a £5m fee was agreed for the centre-back, almost doubling the Asian club’s previous record £2.6m sale of Kaoru Mitoma to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021.

Takai will join up with Frank’s men next campaign, where he is expected to offer additional defensive cover as he adapts to life in England. A club statement by Kawasaki Frontale all-but confirmed the move for the four-cap Japan international.

“We would like to inform you that Kodai Takai will be leaving the team at the end of the activity on Saturday, July 5th in order to complete the necessary procedures and preparations for a transfer to an overseas club,” a club statement from the Japanese outfit confirmed.

“We will notify you further regarding future plans as soon as they are officially decided. After the match against Kashima Antlers in the 23rd Meiji Yasuda J1 League on Saturday, July 5th, Takai Kodai will greet the supporters.”

Spurs are signing youth

Spurs’ early transfer dealings have shown a focus on youth, as Takai becomes the third U21 player to arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer. It remains to be seen whether Frank will use the Japanese within the first-team set-up right away, but he will have the opportunity either way to learn from top defenders such as Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Frank’s existing squad includes young talents such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert, and the Danish manager will be excited at the chance to help the club’s young talent reach their potential in the present and the future.

During his time at Brentford, Frank was known as a supreme man-manager who was able to get the best out of players. He turned average players into good players, and good players into great ones. If he can continue that trajectory at Spurs, there is good cause for optimism.

Expectations will be higher and scrutiny will be more intense if things are not going well. But Frank defied the odds time and time again at Brentford, so there is every chance he will be able to do that again.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer

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Thomas Frank has a big summer ahead of him, as he settles into life as Tottenham Hotspur manager and prepares to drag the Europa League winners back up the Premier League table.

Incomings are crucial into a squad which was plagued by injuries last season, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon and the chance for Frank to make the perfect start to his reign both domestically and in Europe.

Crystal Palace’s FA Cup match-winner Eberechi Eze has been linked with a £68m move to Spurs, though reports in recent days have stated that North London rivals Arsenal have joined the race for Eze to make things that bit more difficult.

Links with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo continue, as Frank evidently aims to add an already-Premier League proven creative force to his squad. Fresh reports have linked the Lilywhites with one further player who fits this mould and he may be available for a cut-price deal.

West Ham United open to selling Kudus

London rivals West Ham United are reportedly considering sanctioning an exit for playmaker Mohammed Kudus this summer, with a £60m fee believed to be enough despite the player’s £85m release clause. This has alerted several Premier League clubs.

The Guardian report that Spurs are interested in the Ghanaian, having identified the 24-year-old as a “key target” who could take their side to the next level. The Hammers may be forced to sell for less than they had initially hoped, as PSR concerns have put the East London club in a difficult position in the transfer market this summer after a poor 2024/25 season. They may need to sell in order to buy, with Kudus one of their biggest assets.

Kudus arrived in the Premier League from Ajax in 2023 in a £37m move and shone in his first season at West Ham, scoring 14 goals in all competitions and wowing fans at the London Stadium with his mesmerising footwork and dribbling ability.

But his influence waned last campaign and he scored just five times, amidst concerns over where he fits into Graham Potter’s system. A move may therefore be viable for all parties, with new faces needed at the Irons and a £60m sale of Kudus viewed as the most realistic way of this happening.

Where would Kudus fit in at Tottenham?

Kudus is most comfortable operating from the right, though he can also play in more central positions just behind the striker as he looks to wreak havoc on opposition defences.

It may well be that Spurs can bring in either Kudus or Eze, with both players together unlikely to fit into Frank’s new-look side amongst existing stars such as James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson. Richarlison is set to leave, but a £20m reported fee is unlikely to raise the funds for two marquee signings.

If Frank decides that Kudus is his man, he should move quickly with Chelsea also reported to be interested. He would become the first West Ham player to join rivals Spurs since Scott Parker back in 2011.

Tottenham could be close to selling one of their key players.

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One Tottenham star is said to be edging towards a big-money exit this summer. It’s going to be an interesting few months for Thomas Frank as he looks to put his own stamp on his new team.

New signings are inevitable, but we could also see some exits at Spurs, both to balance and freshen up the squad. Frank and the club’s recruitment staff need to figure out a plan to get this team from the club’s lowest-ever Premier League points tally to competing for Europe and competing well in the Champions League.

There are a number of areas Tottenham are expected to strengthen in, including the striker, winger and centre-back positions, but one centre-back could be on his way out, potentially leading to an added need at the back.

According to DSports, Romero is ‘getting closer’ to joining Atletico Madrid on a deal believed to be worth £46.9million upfront and a further £8.5million in add-ons, rounding up to a total value of £55.3million. Atletico have been bold in the summer window already, expected to sign Matteo Ruggeri and Alex Baena.

Romero would be another statement signing as they look to close the gap on the title race this coming season. The Argentine has already spoken of his desire to play in LaLiga. He said during a Spanish-language interview last season: “Well, I try, above all else, to always live day by day. There are almost two months left until the end of the season, and my focus is always on performing at my best and trying to finish in the best way possible...after this, when the season ends, we’ll see.

“Honestly, I haven’t spoken with my agent yet, but I’m open to anything. My mindset is always about growing, also about going to new places to keep developing, but I don’t want to talk about that just yet because there are still a few months left before the season ends.” He added: “Yes, the league I’m missing is Spain’s. I’d love to, honestly. La Liga. I’d love to play there because it’s the one I haven’t played in yet.”

Romero criticism

Romero attracted plenty of criticism for his performances last season, with Jamie Redknapp saying after one game: “Teams pray on Vicario’s weakness from set-pieces – because people have seen Vicario’s weakness, they stick loads of players in front of him. Tottenham, they have gone for man-to-man so they are all obsessed with their players and it is a little bit selfish.”

But the centre-back has also been defended by a pundit and former player. “Cristian Romero is a World Cup winner and I’m a big, big fan of his, but I’m an even bigger fan of Micky van de Ven. The way Cristian plays, he’s all heart and he’s strong. He makes rash decisions at times, but he’s a World Cup winner,” Michael Dawson told Boy Hotspur.

“He’s got that experience, and he has been linked [with a move away], but I’m sure Spurs don’t want to lose him. It would have to be a high price for me to lose him, because how do you then go and replace that calibre of centre-half?”