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First Spurs to Arsenal transfer in 25 years could happen as shock star 'open' to controversial switch

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Cristian Romero would be 'open' to a controversial move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in the summer transfer window, reports claim.

The 28-year-old defender is expected to leave Spurs this summer and would reportedly be open to the shocking move that would cause friction across North London.

The Sun claims that Arsenal would be interested in a controversial deal for the Argentine defender, though the report states Spurs have absolutely zero interest in entertaining such a move.

Instead, a move to Europe would appear the most likely, with both Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan reportedly keen on a move for Romero as well.

Spurs are eager to rebuild under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi this summer, and although they won't stand in the way of Romero, they are adamant they will not allow him to join their fierce rivals.

The prospect of Romero moving to Arsenal would bring back memories of when fellow centre-back Sol Campbell made the controversial switch back in 2001.

Campbell was the last player to move directly from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal, which earned him the title of 'Judas' among the White Hart Lane faithful.

He was a free agent following the expiration of his Spurs contract, so they had no say in the matter, while Romero is still contracted until June 2029 and simply won't be allowed to move to the Emirates Stadium.

The last player to move between the two clubs was another central defender, when William Gallas joined Tottenham following the expiration of his Arsenal contract in 2010.

Romero's existing contract would appear to rule out any realistic prospect of the transfer, though De Zerbi is already planning for life without him.

Tottenham signed Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52million as his replacement and would like to recoup some of the transfer fee through the sale of the recent World Cup finalist.

It is understood that a move to Atletico Madrid is the most likely solution due to their long-term interest in the player, with head coach Diego Simeone supposedly a huge fan of his compatriot.

Atletico failed in their attempts to sign Romero a year ago, when former manager Thomas Frank convinced the defender to stay and handed him a bumper new contract, along with the captaincy.

Although there is also interest from Inter, it is reported that Atletico are ready to launch a fresh £40 million bid for Romero and are confident they should be able to reach an agreement.

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Tottenham's busy transfer window given further boost as they look set to receive unexpected windfall from rival

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Tottenham Hotspur could be given an unexpected transfer boost this summer as their close rivals look to complete the signing of a familiar face.

The Lillywhites narrowly survived relegation on the last day of last season at the expense of West Ham and now look to be benefiting even further from their misfortune as the Irons close in on the signing of Troy Parrott.

West Ham are pushing hard to sign the Republic of Ireland international, who has bagged 51 goals in 94 appearances since signing for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024.

Spurs should be in line to receive 20 per cent of the expected £25million fee as reported by TalkSport after the East London outfit fought off interest from the likes of Ajax, PSV, Fulham and Como.

The forward made his debut for Tottenham in the 2019 Carabao Cup third round, as the North London club lost out to League Two side Colchester United.

He then impressed further last season as his hat-trick against Hungary propelled the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup qualifying play-offs, where they then lost out to the Czech Republic on penalties.

That was enough to earn the striker a move back to England as he has reportedly made up his mind on the Championship move that would make him the side’s second addition of a busy transfer window after Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid joined from Deportivo La Guaira.

However, it is the outgoings that have kept the West Ham backroom team on their toes as Matheus Fernandes departed them for the aforementioned Tottenham, while talisman Crysencio Summerville left for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in a £60million move.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men were given a boost when their captain Jarod Bowen announced that he would be staying with the club and the side now head into the Championship season as title favourites and tipped for a return at the first time of asking.

If they fail to do so, Bowen reportedly has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for £15million.

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Roberto De Zerbi reveals unusual intervention he made to help Spurs avoid relegation

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Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that he was forced to take things into his own hands to ensure Spurs' Premier League survival last season.

After what had been a dismal season so far, Tottenham Hotspur appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their permanent head coach on a five-year contract in March.

Against all odds, the former Brighton boss kept Spurs in the Premier League, avoiding the drop by just two points on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

In the space of only a few months, De Zerbi appears to have transformed the London club from a former Premier League giant battling relegation back to a side that many are tipping to qualify for the Champions League.

But he didn't exactly do this by following the typical methods, as he's explained how he ensured that Spurs would be a Premier League side next season.

“I don’t love rules,” he told The Times.

“I read a book where it was written that creative people don’t follow any rules. I like creative players. I don’t want to set any rules. Just a couple, two or three at most. I am not a policeman, not even with my children. Freedom, totally freedom.

"One is one. You are like me, or like a kitman, [we are] the same. But every day we have to push, every day we have to deserve to stay here or to play football or to earn the money we are earning, otherwise it’s not normal. We have to respect the luck we have had in our life.”

When he arrived in March, things weren't exactly positive at Spurs, with the manager admitting that some people were left 'crying, lying down on the floor' after the damaging 1-0 loss to Sunderland in De Zerbi's first match as manager.

This is what led the manager to make a bold choice which he believes transformed their season, letting the team get drunk.

“One big dinner in Bacchanalia in Mayfair, with alcohol,” he revealed when asked he he dealt with the loss.

“Alcohol is a good medicine, if you enjoy it normally and seriously and not as stupid people. I believe in staying together. Then, I transferred every day my opinion about them.

"I think they considered themselves in that moment to be worse than people thought. There was the possibility to stay up and to win. The potential of the team was very high.”

Roberto De Zerbi reveals Spurs' target for Premier League season

As demonstrated by Manchester United last season, Spurs have the good chance to secure a European spot thanks to the fact that they will be playing just one game a week.

Add to this the fact that the club have secured several blockbuster signings this season, such as former Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, and spirits are high at Spurs.

But De Zerbi believes this is exactly what should be the case at Spurs, and such signings will help him reach his goal of ending his journey with a major trophy.

He said: “Words … they are not clear, but the facts are clear on the table. Now we have to bring top players to become competitive, I don’t know if to win, but for sure to be better than the last two seasons’ results in the Premier League.

“Then, I consider the trophy the end of the journey. I can’t manage the end of the journey, I can manage the journey from the beginning until the end. And now is not the moment to think of the trophy. T

"he trophy arrives if you, in this journey, have worked well, been your best version, and the players have been able to play in the best way they can.”

Spurs begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with an away trip to face London rivals Brentford.

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Tottenham urged to sign proven 72-goal striker who branded Arsenal's behaviour 'cringeworthy'

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Tottenham have been urged to sign a proven goalscorer who could turn them into serious title contenders this season.

Spurs have already been busy during the summer transfer window, spending over £200million on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as recruiting Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

Lucas Bergvall and club captain Cristian Romero have been linked with exits, with the latter the subject of interest from Inter and Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly interested in Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, as well as Benfica and Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup.

Manchester City’s Savinho and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto are also both being considered, although the Brazilian remains a priority for Roberto De Zerbi.

READ NEXT: Premier League done deals: Every completed move in the 2026 summer transfer window

Spurs urged to sign proven goalscorer by ex-Chelsea star

Now they have also been urged to sign a proven goalscorer from the Saudi Pro League.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Thursday (August 6), former Chelsea, West Ham United and Celtic forward Carlton Cole suggested the North Londoners should make a push for England international and Al Ahli star Ivan Toney.

“They need a 20-goal-a-season striker. There aren't many in the world, are there?” Cole said in discussion with broadcaster Adam Catterall.

“I think that they'd look at bringing Ivan Toney or try to get Harry Kane back. They'll be flying if they bring him back.”

Cole then explained how current forwards Richarlison and Dominic Solanke were not reliable in front of goal, claiming the latter is “never, never fit” while questioning the Brazilian's goalscoring prowess.

Toney is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli, having joined the Middle Eastern club from Brentford in 2024.

Since his move, he has registered 72 goals in 93 matches, including 32 last term, finishing the season as the second-highest scorer in the league behind Julian Quinones.

The England international is contracted to Al Ahli until 2028 and earns a reported £400,000 per week, equal to over £21million per year.

And Toney may already have some credit in the bank with Spurs fans, as he previously publicly called out Arsenal’s “cringeworthy” behaviour back in 2022.

After Brentford beat the Gunners 2-0 in 2021, the Englishman tweeted, “Nice kick about the boys”, something Mikel Arteta would use as motivation for a later clash between the sides.

Then, after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Brentford the following year, Gunners centre-back Gabriel Magalhães responded by posting the same tweet, with Alexandre Lacazette also posting the same message after a previous match.

When asked for his thoughts on the war of words in September 2022, Toney explained: “I think once was funny, second time a bit cringey but I bit my tongue.

“I wanted to reply, I wanted to nibble but fair play to them. They are a different Arsenal side to what we played before and they played very well.”

Ivan Toney reveals secret admiration for two Premier League clubs

Despite dubbing Arsenal “cringeworthy” the 30-year-old did admit that he liked watching the Gunners during a 2023 podcast.

“Yeah, [I’m a] Liverpool fan,” he told The Diary of a CEO podcast.

“I have been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but from young I have liked Arsenal; I like watching Arsenal and how they play and kind of how passionate the fans are. But, yeah, Liverpool fan – Liverpool boy at heart.”

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How Tottenham still managed to spend £300m despite finishing 17th two years in a row

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So far this summer, Tottenham have managed to fight off both Manchester City and Manchester United in a £300million transfer window.

That comes despite the side finishing 17th in the Premier League in their last two seasons and facing the potential of the drop to the Championship.

However, the club look in much better shape now having brought in Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion, Matheus Fernandes who became Champions League side Manchester United's top target, as well as Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali for £100million.

But just how have the club managed to find the money and convince such high calibre players to join after two miserable Premier League seasons that have now culminated in a 2026/27 campaign without European football?

Where has the money come from?

Premier League clubs get approximately £11.7million for finishing 17th in the league, however the Lillywhites also went on to win the Europa League in the 2024/25 season which secured them a further £19.3million throughout the whole tournament.

Importantly, that meant that the side secured themselves Champions League football which already guaranteed them a further £15.9million for the following season, but progression the Round of 16 of that competition, meant they were handed a further £9.4million.

Combine that with the £1.8million potential from each league phase game in both the Europa League and Champions League, Spurs have certainly made plenty in prize money over the last two seasons despite a pair of disappointing league campaigns.

That feat was matched by Aston Villa last term as they clinched the Europa League title away from the Lillywhites. However, the Villans have still been forced to sell their best assets in Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers before they can improve their squad.

So where does Tottenham's financial advantage actually come from?

Their most unique edge comes from their new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in April 2019 and makes approximately £6million per matchday, equating to around £114million just from a Premier League campaign.

Add into that, the money made from home cup ties in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well as European Competitions, and the transfer pot can quickly add up for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, but they must still ensure they comply with the Premier Leagues new financial rules, Squad Cost Ratio.

How do they still comply with Squad Cost Ratio?

They state that a club is allowed to spend up to 70 per cent of their total revenue on its squad, that includes first team wages of players and staff, transfer fees, agent fees and any bonuses paid out all of which are added together.

That is then divided by their total income, which is made up of commercial revenue, matchday earnings, TV money, prize money and perhaps most importantly- player sales.

According to their most recent set of accounts which ended in June 2025, the year the side won the Europa League, the club had an income of £565.3million a figure which we can only expect to have increased after last season’s Champions League football.

Therefore, that gives the club a minimum of £395million to spend on their squad, but it is important to remember that doesn’t just include transfer fees. The side have always been careful with their wage bill given that they had just seventh highest in the league.

While they matched that with the fifth highest revenue in the league, which suggests that they have slightly more to spend on transfer fees than they otherwise would have, and allowed them a net loss of £156.8million in the transfer market.

However, their movements so far in this transfer window seem to indicate why the side have an unlimited money pot having made a guaranteed £64million, on players that have made a combined 64 appearances between them.

How did they attract their signings?

So given the clarity in where Spurs have managed to find their money from perhaps heads should turn to how their head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, managed to attract the players in the first place.

Record signing Sandro Tonali was a name gaining interest from Champions League clubs in the shape of Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United but the Italian said: “My first impression was really positive, when you are happy after a 10-minute speech, it’s everything, everything is perfect.

“The gaffer was Italian. I knew him. Roberto really cares about his work, his football. The project will be tough but will be perfect for me, for you, for the city, and we can do one of the best seasons because we have big players, we just must put a lot of work in.”

Later on, 26-year-old did reveal that he had spoken to other clubs, and his preference was to return to Italy, but it wasn’t possible due to the transfer fee that Newcastle were demanding.

Similarly, Portuguese midfielder Matheus Fernandes, became Manchester United’s top target this summer, but the Champions League club were beaten to his signature by Tottenham, and he also explained why he moved to North London.

He said: “The way De Zerbi spoke with me, and my family was very important for me. He was calling me every day, so I’m very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things.”

What’s next for the Tottenham?

It seems clear that their Italian head coach is a big reason they have managed to attract this calibre of player, but what does it mean for the rest of the window as he said he wants ‘two or three more’ signings.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo seems like the most likely face to arrive through the door next, with the club still in talks with Manchester City over likely addition of wideman Savinho as Omar Marmoush waits in the wings.

Alongside that, the club don’t seem to be finished with their departures either as club captain Cristian Romero, top goalscorer Richarlison and winger Manor Solomon all may still depart the club, with Romero expected to bring in a further £35million.

The North London side have put themselves in a very strong position for the year ahead and it could get even better as De Zerbi proclaimed that their window is only ’60 per cent done.’

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Tottenham make decision on De Zerbi's next ‘bomba’ signing as final call now falls down to £70m star

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up the chase for their next ‘bomba’ new signing as the decision now seems down to the player, with both clubs open to a move.

The Lillywhites have been looking to strengthen their attack all summer but have now acted on their interest after Dominic Solanke’s fresh injury concern emerged last week.

Reports from Voetbal International in the Netherlands have said that the North London outfit are now closing in on a deal worth over £70million for Cody Gakpo, with Liverpool 'willing' to do business.

Roberto De Zerbi reportedly sees Gakpo as the side's missing link in a summer transfer window that is only "60 per cent done" for the North London outfit, according to the former Marseille and Brighton boss.

He would become De Zerbi’s seventh addition of the season and take their spending over £300million for the first time in the club’s history.

Speaking on the side's pre-season tour to New Zealand, the 47-year-old said: “The transfer market, it’s not finished for sure. We completed 60 per cent of our project, now we have another bomba. Is it close? I hope, but it’s not finished for sure.”

At that point, Spurs were linked with Gakpo as well as Manchester City pair Omar Marmoush and Savinho but now seem to be closing in on the Dutchman to lead the line. It is also believed that they remain in contact with the Citizens over the signing of Savinho.

This comes off the back of a World Cup where Gakpo bagged three goals in four starts for the Netherlands, as well as 12 goal involvements in 35 games in all competitions for his club side, mostly from the wing.

Liverpool are also now reportedly interested in the move but would be happy to keep the Dutchman if Spurs failed to match their asking price. It is now up to the attacker to decide where he plays his football next season.

However, that would leave Federico Chiesa as the Reds' most senior left winger as Liverpool have already lost Mo Salah on a free transfer to Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Those woes may quickly be resolved as the Merseyside club close in on Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Mbaye, although they reportedly still face competition from several Bundesliga sides for the latter.

Both sides now face just two more pre-season friendlies before their respective seasons get underway on August 22 and 23.

Tottenham face a trip across London to face Brentford first up, while Andoni Iraola’s side will travel to St James’ Park in what will be the Spaniard’s first game competitive game in charge of the club.

Both sides will be hoping that they can improve on their seasons last year as Tottenham needed a victory on the final day to avoid the drop to the Championship.

Liverpool, meanwhile, sacked former manager Arne Slot despite finishing fifth in the Premier League and securing Champions League football.

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Spurs star says 'yes' to leaving club this summer to spark Premier League domino effect

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Spurs captain Cristian Romero has said 'yes' to leaving the club this summer, it has been reported - but the deal is at risk of collapse.

Roberto De Zerbi's side have had an impressive transfer window thus far, having added a mix of Premier League experience and youth to the squad.

They splashed out £100 million on the club-record arrival of midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, as well as agreeing a fee of £85 million with relegated West Ham to sign Mateus Fernandes.

Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have arrived on free transfers after leaving Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.

Spurs are now focusing their attentions on the attacking third, with De Zerbi promising that a 'bomba' - a major signing - would be incoming soon.

They have been linked with moves for the Manchester City duo of Omar Marmoush and Savinho, and reports from Portugal claim they have submitted a bid to sign Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo is also of interest.

But outgoings will inevitably have to happen - and Romero could become the first major departure of the De Zerbi era to spark a host of other deals.

Romero close to Spurs exit as deal agreed

That's according to Italian outlet Correire dello Sport, who report that Inter Milan have agreed a total package worth €40 million to sign the Argentina captain.

Romero is said to have agreed to the move - but there is one key problem that Inter still have to overcome.

It is claimed that the club will need to sell in order to buy this summer, with centre-back Benjamin Pavard set to be placed on the chopping block to clear the way for Romero's arrival.

Pavard's situation is described as a 'sticking point', with Inter keen to sell him before his contract expires in the summer of 2028. But the player himself wants to stay.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Inter have offered the France defender to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, as well as other unnamed clubs.

"I think we have to be attentive to the situation of Cuti Romero," he said on his YouTube channel. "Inter, not only Inter, there are clubs keen. For sure, around Cuti Romero there is movement. I still expect him to leave Tottenham in this summer transfer window."

Pavard was heavily linked with a move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United when Erik ten Hag was in charge, but he ultimately signed for Inter instead during the summer of 2023.

He won the Serie A title in his debut campaign, before helping Inter to reach the Champions League final the following year, where they lost to PSG.

But the 27-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements last term and spent the season on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille, making 36 appearances in all competitions.

Pavard was signed for Marseille by De Zerbi, although the prospect of a swap deal with Romero isn't something that appears to have been proposed at this stage.

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Spurs ready to hijack Man City's Pedro Neto transfer if complex domino effect plays out

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Manchester City’s pursuit of Chelsea winger Pedro Neto could be hijacked by Tottenham, but one thing must happen first.

On Tuesday (August 4), Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Man City had made direct contact with Neto’s camp over a move.

Neto is thought to be just one of several wingers being targeted by City, although a move will likely depend on the future of Savinho, who has been linked with Spurs.

Of course, Maresca previously worked with the Portugal international during his time as Chelsea head coach.

But the deal may not be straightforward despite Maresca’s healthy working relationship with Neto.

According to Romano, Spurs would consider hijacking City’s move for Neto if their own pursuit of primary target Savinho fell through, although the Brazilian has “a very, very good chance of joining Tottenham”.

“Manchester City have made formal approaches with the agent of Pedro Neto today,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“[And] with his camp to bring the Portuguese winger to Manchester City.

“Enzo Maresca is a big factor in this deal because he knows the player so well... he [Neto] is a player appreciated by Maresca.”

READ NEXT: Premier League done deals: Every completed move in the 2026 summer transfer window

Romano explained the reason City are looking for a winger is due to the possibility of Savinho leaving this summer, creating a vacancy on the right flank.

The Italian maintained that Neto is not among the players Chelsea are planning to sell this summer, with the player in Xabi Alonso’s plans for the upcoming season.

The Stamford Bridge club reportedly value Neto at around £70million.

“It depends if Chelsea receive a good proposal,” Romano added.

“This story could develop; otherwise, he’s not a player who has to leave the club. But for sure, the situation of Pedro Neto is something that’s underway right now; contacts are ongoing with the agent, and the player could eventually be open to the move. Now it comes down to the financial negotiations in terms of the value of the player.”

Savinho is under contract at City until 2031, while Neto’s Chelsea deal also runs until 2031.

Spurs have also been linked with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, as well as reportedly being offered the chance to sign AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun.

Roberto De Zerbi has already welcomed Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dúbravka during the summer transfer window.

Club captain Cristian Romero looks set to join Inter Milan while Lucas Bergvall’s future remains uncertain.

Enzo Maresca speaks out on Man City transfer plans

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Maresca offered his thoughts on City’s summer transfer plans.

“Fortunately, this is a squad that doesn’t need to do many things,” he said.

“At the same time, we already know the squad lost some important players with experience, with Bernardo [Silva], John [Stones], Nathan [Ake]…different players.

“For sure, there are things we need to do.

“Hugo [Viana, Sporting Director] is here. Also Ferran [Soriano, CEO] is here. We just try to speak day by day to see if we need to do something.

“For sure there are things we need to do. We are in communication every day.

“The reason I said there are things to do is because the transfer window is open and when it is open, anything can happen. It is August and then from September, when it’s closed, it is completely different.”

City have already signed Elliot Anderson, Jeremy Monga and Mathys Detourbet.

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Spurs offered former Arsenal forward in deal that could break 'unwritten transfer rule' for World Cup star

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been offered a World Cup star who previously played for Arsenal.

Roberto De Zerbi has already welcomed several players to Spurs this summer, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arriving from Newcastle United and West Ham United for a combined fee of £185million.

De Zerbi has recruited central defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson have joined as free agents, along with third-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, with the veteran set to act as back-up to Guglielmo Vicario and Antonín Kinský.

Club captain Cristian Romero looks set to join Inter Milan, with reports suggesting a £34million deal has been agreed between the clubs.

READ NEXT: Premier League done deals: Every completed move in the 2026 summer transfer window

And despite spending over £220million already during the window, it appears the north Londoners will look to recruit further.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in both Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, with reports from Portugal suggesting Spurs have tabled a £47million bid for the latter.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (August 4), The Sun reported that USMNT and AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun has been offered to Spurs through intermediaries, with De Zerbi looking to recruit competition for Dominic Solanke.

The forward’s representatives have approached Spurs directly with a proposal, with the Lilywhites seriously considering tabling an official offer, while Monaco are also open to a sale at the right price.

Balogun, who is contracted to Monaco until 2028, impressed during the World Cup, with his three strikes helping the co-hosts reach the round of 16.

At club level, the 25-year-old netted 18 times in 40 appearances across all competitions last term.

Before joining Les Rouge et Blanc back in 2023, Balogun enjoyed two loan spells at Reims and Middlesbrough while he was still contracted to Arsenal.

The striker first joined Arsenal’s academy in 2008 and went on to make his first-team debut for the Gunners in 2020 during a Europa League clash.

In total, the American made 10 appearances for Arsenal, producing two goals and one assist before moving abroad.

Spurs are also reportedly keen on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, although no direct discussions have been held between the clubs at this time, with Aston Villa and Newcastle also monitoring the Senegal international’s situation.

Tottenham are also reportedly considering Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, although a likely £60-70million price tag may prove to be a sticking point in potential negotiations for the Nigerian.

De Zerbi ‘like a shark’ in transfer window

Speaking last week about the potential of more summer signings, De Zerbi compared himself to a shark when he identifies a player he wants to sign.

"In the transfer market when I want one player I become like a shark, No chance to say no!” he told Football London.

"The transfer market, it's not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!"

The transfer window closes on September 1.

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Spurs 'submit offer' for £86m winger who has already rejected Liverpool

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly tabled a bid worth £47million for a European winger who impressed at the World Cup – and he’s already turned down Liverpool.

Roberto De Zerbi has added several quality players to his squad this summer, with Spurs spending a combined £185million on midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, with the pair arriving from Newcastle United and West Ham United respectively.

The Italian has also recruited Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, while fellow defenders Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson have signed after their contracts at Bournemouth and Liverpool expired.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has also penned a deal and will provide backup to Guglielmo Vicario and Antonín Kinský.

Club captain Cristian Romero is likely to leave, with Spurs reportedly agreeing to a £34million sale to Inter.

READ NEXT: Premier League done deals: Every completed move in the 2026 summer transfer window

Spurs 'submit bid' for ex-Liverpool target

But Spurs' activity in the transfer window does not appear to be stopping, with reports from the Portuguese media suggesting the north Londoners have lodged a bid worth up to £47million for highly rated Benfica and Norway winger Andreas Schjelderup.

The 22-year-old may be a familiar name to English fans as his wonder strike put Norway 1-0 up against the Three Lions in the World Cup quarter-finals before Jude Bellingham’s heroics eventually helped England win 2-1.

Schjelderup scored once and assisted three times at the World Cup, following up on an impressive season under Jose Mourinho at Benfica.

According to Portuguese outlet Now, as relayed by Bola na Rede, Spurs have already made an offer for the winger, made up of a fixed fee of around £39million and £8.7million in potential add-ons.

However, the Norwegian is under contract at the Lisbon club until 2028 and has a release clause of £86million in his current deal.

The youngster first signed for Benfica from Nordsjælland in 2023 and even turned down the chance to sign for Liverpool as a 16-year-old in the summer of 2020.

Speaking about the decision to turn down the glamour of a move to Anfield in 2022, Schjelderup explained: “Of course, it was a bit hard (turning down Liverpool), because when you grow up, you watch the big names and then you hear that they want you, so your head starts to spin. But I got a lot of help from my father and my agents, who helped me make the right decision.

"It hurt a little bit for me and my dad in our hearts (not joining Liverpool), but the move here meant joining a first-team environment instead of going into an academy at under-19 or under-17 level. It felt like this move was the right one for me. I started in the under-19s, but I knew that when I was ready, I could take the step up to the first team.

"But at the club, they said they didn't expect me to get there this quickly! I planned to do it sooner than they thought, and my plan worked. Of course, maybe I can go to a big team in the future. In the long run, for me, this was the best step. When I am ready, I will take the next step."

Schjelderup also undertook trials with Bayern Munich and Juventus.

Spurs have also been heavily linked with Manchester City winger Savinho as well as Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

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