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Ex-Arsenal defender, William Gallas, has tipped Tottenham to go close to winning the title next season, but has Arsenal as his favourites to win the trophy.

Gallas has been previewing the upcoming season

When Gallas joined Tottenham in the summer of 2010, he became the first man to play senior football for all three bitter rivals, Chelsea, Arsenal and then Tottenham.

Gallas is seemingly upbeat about both Arsenal and Tottenham’s hopes ahead of the 2024/25 season, tipping the two teams to both go close to winning the Premier League title, although the former France international believes the Gunners will be the team to lift the trophy.

Chelsea were the only team out of Gallas’ three former Premier League sides that the player criticised, as he claimed the ownership at Stamford Bride ‘hasn’t started well’, citing ‘too much change’ to be a key issue so far.

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It’s not the first time Gallas has been optimistic about Spurs

Gallas tipped Tottenham to be a lot better than they were last season, claiming that Ange Postecoglou would know what he has to change to progress his side, even going as far as to claim that Spurs will be competitive and although Tottenham ‘might not win it, but they would be close’.

The ex-Chelsea defender has been incredibly positive about Tottenham in the past too, stating when he joined Spurs back in 2010 that the club could ‘win the league’ that season, despite Redknapp’s men finishing 5th come the end of the campaign. (BBC Sport)

Arsenal were Gallas’ favourites to win the title though as the Frenchman claimed, ‘they have great players’ and despite Gallas acknowledging the Gunners’ mistakes in previous seasons and the requirement of one or two more signings, he stated ‘they will be champions next season’.

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William Gallas will always have an interesting perspective on the London clubs after manoeuvring himself into a unique position of having crossed the capital’s divides three times.

Although tipping Tottenham for a title push does seem perhaps over the top from Gallas and perhaps is reminiscent of his statement in 2010, Spurs are still majorly an unknown quantity for next season, with many exits possible and a few deals already signed, it’s hard to tell what shape Postecoglou’s team will take next season.

Tottenham are set for a squad clear out this transfer window with five players already departing at the end of their contracts, opening up some numbers for first-team players to switch to.

A lot of recent signings have high numbers

Destiny Udogie, Micky Van De Ven and Guglielmo Vicario were three of the most popular players to walk through the doors of Hotspur Way for the first time last season, however, almost all the players were forced to choose from a small body of high shirt numbers.

There are however rumours of Tottenham selling many players this summer. Many first-team players have been returning to pre-season training at Hotspur Way this week, and some of them may have the chance to pick up recently vacated numbers.

Some players who have their eyes on potentially departing players, such as Hojbjerg’s number 5, may imitate the actions of James Maddison last pre-season who donned a placeholder number, 71, before picking up Harry Kane’s number 10 shirt as the striker left for Bayern Munich.

Vicario and Van De Ven may keep their sentimental numbers

A glaringly obvious free number is Hugo Lloris’ number one shirt. After being Tottenham’s goalkeeper for almost every single game last campaign, Vicario would be the expectant taker of the number.

However, when speaking to Football.London, the Italian explained ‘thirteen is my favourite number’ and he was delighted when it was free upon his arrival with the ‘keeper suggesting he’ll keep the number as it’s the one he took when he first signed.

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Micky Van De Ven may also be another recent signing seeking to drop his number in order to reflect his starting eleven status. However, like Vicario was with 13, Van De Ven was drawn towards the number 37 due to it being the favourite number of a childhood friend who passed away.

It would be a big move for a defender especially, but any player or signing to choose to take the number 26 which hasn’t been officially retired, although no player has worn it since the great Ledley King.

Destiny Udogie is another player who could decide to drop his number to a more expected choice for a left-back with the 21-year-old currently wearing number 38, but if Sergio Reguilon does depart, as expected, Udogie will be able to pull on the number three shirt. (AS)

Archie Gray has already picked his number

One option that is off the market after a player has left is number 14, formerly of Ivan Perisic, which has been picked already by 18-year-old signing, Archie Gray.

The youngster has decided to undertake the responsibility of wearing the shirt that both David Ginola and Luka Modric wore whilst at Spurs. No pressure then.

Lucas Bergvall has officially been a Tottenham player for a matter of days now but also hasn’t had his squad number announced, suggesting he, like Maddison did, may have his eye on a number of a potentially departing player.

The current state of play means that only numbers one and two are available in the first eleven, following that are numbers 19, 25 and 28 which were all worn by players who recently left after the expiry of their deal.

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It feels as though with the EUROs, last season has hardly ended, and the new one is starting up already.

Shirt numbers, new signings and rumours are all part and parcel of the pre-season excitement as we get to see how Ange Postecoglou will mould his squad for his second season at Tottenham.

Personally, I like to see player keep their original squad numbers or ones that hold a meaning for them such as Phil Foden wearing number 47 and Alexander-Arnold wearing number 66.

According to Pianeta Lecce, Tottenham Hotspur could be involved in a three-horse race to sign Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu this summer.

Patrick Dorgu is turning heads this summer

On the back of his impressive breakthrough season in Serie A last term, Dorgu is thought to be the subject of interest from the Premier League.

The report says that Tottenham have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old for a number of months while Liverpool have also expressed an interest in signing the youngster.

However, as things stand, it is Arsenal who are said to be leading the race for the left-back, with the Gunners thought to be ‘pressing’ to sign the Dane.

Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool all like Dorgu

The outlet explains that scouts from Arsenal were left mightily impressed by Dorgu’s performances last season, and with Mikel Arteta keen on signing an attacking full-back, the Premier League giants have identified the Lecce star as a key target.

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The publication adds that Tottenham’s North London rivals have already started testing the waters for the young defender and the Serie A club are unlikely to be able to resist a ‘monstrous offer’ if one comes their way.

However, the exact price tag Lecce are expected to charge for Dorgu has not been reported.

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If Ange decides to keep Ben Davies at the club as the fourth-choice centre-back option, it would make sense for Tottenham to bring in a young left-back to serve as Destiny Udogie’s understudy as the Welshman is not a great fit for the inverted full-back role.

That is likely not a priority for Spurs this summer though, so I expect us to move for a midfielder and a forward first.

Emerson is a long-term target for the Rossoneri and could potentially move to Italy in the coming days after a fresh report that AC Milan will send a new bid next week.

Royal has expressed his enthusiasm over the move

AC Milan’s interest in Tottenham right-back, Emerson Royal, has been public knowledge for some time now with Fabrizio Romano revealing in early May that Emerson was ‘high on their list’.

One of the other names on the club’s right-back shortlist was Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, with Gazzetta Dello Sport reporting in June that Emerson had become Milan’s main target after it transpired that Aston Villa would demand more for Cash than Tottenham would for their right-back.

Spurs have reportedly remained firm on their valuation of around £21 million for Emerson Royal, which would see the club almost fully recoup their initial investment on the 25-year-old.

Emerson recently explained that he knew about contacts between Milan and Spurs, admitting that he would be happy with the move and is honoured by the Italian club’s interest. (Andre Hernan YouTube)

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AC Milan now feel confident of agreeing a deal

New reports from Fabrizio Romano have revealed that talks between the Italian side and Spurs for Emerson are ongoing as AC Milan prepare to send a new offer next week.

Romano stated that Emerson has already agreed on a five-year-long deal at Milan and is keen on completing the switch as the two clubs continue to be in contact over a deal.

The bid set to be submitted next week is believed to be in excess of £12 million with AC Milan hoping the offer will be enough for a deal which they are reportedly aiming to get agreed by next week.

He tweeted: ‘AC Milan are prepared to send a new bid to Spurs for Emerson Royal as they hope to get the deal done next week. The proposal will be in excess of €15m, and talks between clubs to continue. Emerson wants Milan to move, as revealed in May; he’s already agreed on five-year contract.’

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Tottenham have often struggled with player sales, holding out for a certain amount only for the player to depart a season or two later for next to nothing.

The club may have to accept that the price they’re hoping to receive for Emerson won’t be met by AC Milan, who Emerson himself appears to be very keen on moving to.

With Gray signed who can play right back as well as midfield, Spurs should be now in a position to let the Brazilian go.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are ready to blow Tottenham and the other competitors out of the water in the race for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene this summer.

Man United consider a bid for Jaden Philogene

The report says that the race for Philogene is now intensifying on the back of his stellar displays in the Championship last term, with the Red Devils now considering a move for the player.

It is revealed that the Manchester club are now ‘ready to obliterate their rivals’ in the chase for the 22-year-old, who is said to be ‘determined’ to play in the Premier League next season.

The Englishman’s name is currently being discussed at Old Trafford but so far, Erik Ten Hag’s men have not made a concrete move to sign him.

The report states that Man Utd will face ‘huge competition’ from Philogene, with Tottenham being named as their main rivals for the youngster.

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Could Spurs rival Man United for Philogene?

It is explained that Ange Postecoglou is keen to add more young, attacking talent to his squad and has set his sights on the Hull Star.

Crystal Palace are said to have identified the Championship man as a potential replacement for Michael Olise, while Everton have also allegedly considered a move for the former Villa man.

The publication adds that Hull have now accepted that Philogene will leave the MKM Stadium this summer and they hope to bring in a fee of around £18m-£20m for the player.

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While Philogene does fit the profile of players Spurs have targetted over the last 12 months, I suspect Ange would prefer a wide player who is proven at the highest level and would instantly strengthen Tottenham’s starting eleven.

According to GiveMeSport, Federico Chiesa is likely to end up at Tottenham Hotspur if he decides to move to the Premier League this summer.

Tottenham have been linked with Federico Chiesa

Over the last couple of days, a number of sources have suggested that Chiesa’s time at Juventus will soon be up, with the winger now firmly in the shop window.

This includes Fabrizio Romano, who asserted that the Italy international is not in Thiago Motta’s plans and is available for a cut-price fee of just €25m.

Chiesa’s summer of football ended last week when Italy were knocked out of Euro 2024 by Switzerland.

Chiesa’s future is far from certain

However, this update has now been contradicted by GiveMeSport, who say that Chiesa is still ‘locked in negotiations’ with the Juve hierarchy over a new contract.

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However, the player’s agents are said to be seeking potential destinations for their client, with Tottenham said to have had their eye on the winger for a while.

In fact, the outlet asserts that many feel that Spurs is the former Fiorentina man’s ‘best chance of a Premier League move’ this summer.

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Chiesa is much cheaper than many of the wide options Tottenham have been linked with such as Pedro Neto and Nico Williams. However, the Juve star does not quite fit the profile of signings that Spurs have been making under Ange.

It has emerged that Tottenham Hotspur are still trying to sign one of Conor Gallagher or Jacob Ramsey, even though the deadline for the PSR calculation is now over.

Tottenham have wanted Conor Gallagher all summer

This latest update comes from GiveMeSport, who say that Spurs have not given up hope of securing Gallagher’s services, with the midfielder now into the final year of his deal at Chelsea.

However, they say that a decision is not likely to be made until the European Championship is over, with the 24-year-old currently focused on doing well for England.

It is claimed that Tottenham’s likelihood of landing the Blues academy graduate has reduced when compared to the start of the summer.

Jacob Ramsey is Tottenham’s second choice

GiveMeSport say that Ramsey is the player the Lilywhites consider as an alternative to Gallagher, with Spurs being fans of the Villa star.

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The North London club’s interest in the player is allegedly being driven by technical director, Johan Lange, who joined the club from Villa Park last year.

However, the publication adds that the 23-year-old has not expressed a willingness to leave the Midlands side and that Unai Emery’s men are expected to hold on to the midfielder.

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Out of these two, Gallagher seems like the easier deal for Tottenham to complete, although one would imagine that Chelsea would have to drop their rumoured £50m asking price for Spurs to consider making a move.

Spurs are going to have a healthy midfield pool next season now with Maddison, Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr, Skipp, Bergvall, Gray and more.

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham Hotspur have made advances towards Desire Doue and Eberechi Eze, even though both the Rennes and Crystal Palace stars are expected to cost huge sums this summer.

Tottenham are interested in Eberechi Eze

The report says that the recent speculation linking Doue with Tottenham is far from baseless, with the 19-year-old starlet very much on the Lilywhites’ wishlist.

Ange Postecoglou’s men have contacted the teenager’s agent to discover the potential terms of the deal but the outlet says that Rennes could demand as much as £60m for the youngster, who is now attracting plenty of interest from around Europe.

GiveMeSport claim that Spurs are also ‘seriously considering’ a move for Eze, having already made checks on the Palace star’s availability.

Spurs are also very keen on Eberechi Eze

It is revealed that the 25-year-old is open to offers this summer following Michael Olise’s departure from Selhurst Park but the England international is thought to be protected by a release clause of £60m plus £8m in add-ons.

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The publication adds, however, that Spurs are ‘not afraid of spending big on the right’ player, with their top targets expected to become clear over the coming weeks.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs actually put in a bid for Doue or Eze over the coming weeks.

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I am quite surprised that Tottenham are ready to spend big on a profile like Eze or Doue as their best position in Ange’s system would be the number ten role.

It would appear the Spurs boss wants serious competition for James Maddison rather than just a back up for the former Leicester man. I suspect Ange might also be willing to use Eze in a deeper role.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have made some advances towards signing Tottenham target Pedro Neto as the two North London rivals look set for a transfer battle.

Arsenal and Spurs both like Pedro Neto

The report says that Arsenal are now showing ‘stronger and stronger’ interest in Neto, while Spurs are also continuing to keep their eye on the Wolves star’s situation.

The Gunners have allegedly held conversations with the winger’s representatives regarding a potential move to the Emirates, with the decision makers at the club said to be a fan of the Portuguese star.

However, the outlet claims they are expected to face a challenge from their local rivals, with the former Braga man also on the Lilywhites’ radar.

Pedro Neto or Eberechi Eze?

Interestingly, it is said that Tottenham might consider a move for Neto should they miss out on Crystal Palace’s Eberchi Eze, who has emerged as a ‘key target’ for the club.

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The report reveals that the Wolves star was also watched by scouts from Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool last season.

The Midlands club are thought to be keen to keep hold of their star man and are expected to demand a fee of around £60m for their talisman.

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It is interesting that TEAMtalk seem to be suggesting that Tottenham view Neto as an alternative to Eze.

I would be surprised if that is the case as I believe Ange views the Palace star as an option for a central role, potentially as a number ten and a number eight.

Stan Collymore believes it will not be long before Archie Gray is a regular in the England set-up, now that the midfielder has made the step up to Tottenham Hotspur.

Archie Gray signs for Tottenham Hotspur

Rarely ever do you see players being bought for £40m from the Championship and that kind of fee is unprecedented for an 18-year-old, who has only had one full season in English football’s second tier.

However, despite the fee that Spurs have shelled out, the general consensus among experts and those who have followed the teenager closely is that this is a real coup for the Lilywhites.

Such is the reputation that Gray has in the English game, with England boss Gareth Southgate even recently admitting that he is keeping an eye on the youngster’s development (Mirror).

Big things are expected of Archie Gray at Spurs

Collymore has now become the latest pundit to praise Tottenham for the signing of the Leeds academy graduate, with the pundit insisting that the newest Spurs addition will play for the Three Lions before long.

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The former Liverpool man wrote in his column for CaughtOffside: “Archie Gray is already nearing a half-century of performances at just 18, so he will know what he’s about as a player. He’s a big lad as well, six foot two, and he’s only going to get bigger, stronger and more versatile in the next two or three years.

“He can play as a centre-mid or as a right-back and he’s got pedigree after turning out for England in the U15, U16, U17, U19, U20 and U21 age groups. I think he will go on potentially and play for England, though he’s eligible for Scotland as well.

“I imagine that whoever the next England manager is, he will be watching over the next season or two at Spurs, but they may well call him up for the England senior squad sooner rather than later.

“Personally, I think it’s a great move. I’m a massive fan of Tottenham, the way that their Academy has done things etc… The facilities are arguably the best in the world at Spurs Lodge, they don’t necessarily just promote ex-players as coaches in the academy and they’ve got Ange Postecoglou, who’s a very minded open manager.

“Archie Gray and his family are all Celtic fans and love Ange, so I’m really excited. I think it’s the right player, the right move, the right club at the right time and I think that he will get opportunities to play. The world’s his oyster.”

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While Gray is obviously an exciting signing and evidently has a high ceiling, Spurs fans must be wary of expecting too much from the youngster too early.

He is still very young and inexperienced and could have a steep learning curve in his first 12 months at Hotspur Way.