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Football.London’s Alasdair Gold says that Tottenham Hotspur are expected to enter the market for a centre-back and a right-back this summer.

Tottenham are on the lookout for a new right-back

He explains that Emerson Royal and Djed Spence are both expected to follow Ryan Sessegnon and Japhet Tanganga out of the door, while Ben Davies is expected to remain at the club.

As a result, he says that Tottenham will likely bring in one full-back who is a perfect fit for the inverted role and a versatile centre-back who can also cover for one of the full-back roles if required.

For the former, Gold asserts that Monaco’s Vanderson and Leeds’ Archie Gray are both being monitored by Tottenham but he adds that the Brazilian and the Englishman are expected to cost £40m and £50m respectively, which might be prohibitive for Spurs.

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Spurs want a new centre-back too this summer

When it comes to the centre-back position, the journalist backs up what we have heard from other sources by stating that Tottenham are continuing to keep an eye on Riccardo Calafiori.

Gold adds that Marc Guehi has been a long-term target for the club, as has Trevoh Chalobah, but neither English defenders are expected to come at ‘the price target that fits the lower priority placed on the position’.

Spurs Web Opinion

It makes sense for Tottenham to sign a versatile centre-back and a right-back to cover all bases but I do wonder if Postecoglou will want to go into the season with Ben Davies as his main cover for Destiny Udogie.

While the Welshman is a reliable performer, he is not the ideal fit for the inverted full-back role.

I can see Ange primarily using Davies as a cover for centre-back and signing a versatile full-back like Kyle Walker-Peters who can operate on both sides of the pitch.

Emerson Royal has been discussing his next move as speculation mounts that he will be leaving Spurs this summer, but the Brazilian defender says he is not thinking about that just now.

Emerson Royal will make a decision very soon

While the rumour mill continues to turn for Royal, with heavy links to AC Milan, the Spurs man admitted he may need to leave the Premier League club to achieve his goals with Brazil, but insisted the transfer is not on his mind at the moment as he is on holiday.

Speaking to UOL, Royal was asked about what his future holds, and said: “I’ve asked my agents not to talk to me about these issues for now because I’m on holiday, I recently got married and I want to enjoy this moment.

“I’ll have to have a meeting with them in the next few days because it’s a very important decision that I have to make now.”

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Emerson Royal wants to break into the Brazil team

He also touched on his motivations, with an international recall high on the list of priorities, and added: “In life nothing is easy, I’ve always fought to be in the national team and I will be. My next steps next season will be based on that.

“Whether I stay at Tottenham or leave, it’s always about playing for my place in the national team. I’m going to fight for that.”

Earlier this week, Royal confirmed talks have begun with AC Milan regarding a switch to Italy, describing the idea of that interest as ‘gratifying’ given the club’s legacy of employing top Brazilian players (Andre Hernan’s YouTube channel).

Spurs Web Opinion

This move looks to be almost nailed on at this stage. Spurs want the sale, Royal is clearly happy with the idea of joining Milan, and the Serie A side seem very keen on him, too.

I would imagine this deal will be finalised pretty early in the transfer window.

Tottenham have been widely believed to be on the hunt for a new striker this summer, but the club might only invest in that position if another player leaves the club, and there are now doubts about whether they can secure that departure.

Tottenham could still sign a new striker this summer

Ever since Harry Kane left the club, Spurs have been crying out for a high-profile number 9 to lead the line for Ange Postecoglou‘s side, but they may have to wait even longer.

It is now coming up to two years since Richarlison joined Tottenham, and the Brazilian has been rather hit-and-miss during that time. According to sources at GiveMeSport, the club is now looking to move him on, and it could be key to them landing a new striker.

Apparently, the search for that new striker is “moving slowly” at the moment, and it’s all due to “doubts” over whether Richarlison will leave the club this summer.

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Richarlison exit could have a domino effect for Spurs

Spurs believe it will be “more difficult to entice a fresh face” into the club if Richarlison is still there providing competition for a starting role.

If Richarlison does stick around, it is thought Spurs may be forced to perform a “U-turn” and will sign a “creative attacker” instead of a “top-level striker.”

Postecoglou is eager to “secure more attacking options” but could well find his “hands tied” if sales are not approved this summer.

Spurs Web Opinion

I really don’t think we should be trying to sell Richarlison. Any striker who might be put off signing for us because of a little competition clearly isn’t a top-tier striker anyway.

We would have a much stronger squad if we had a new striker and Richarlison competing for a starting place next season, especially as we have the Europa League to consider, too.

The FA are looking into Rodrigo Bentancur’s comments about Heung-min Son, and could even give the Spurs man a ban and a fine for his alleged racist remarks.

What did Rodrigo Bentancur say?

Bentancur caused outrage last week when, in an interview with Uruguayan television outlet Por la Camiseta (via New York Times), he suggested Son and other South Koreans look the same.

The dust appears to be settling on the matter, at least within Tottenham Hotspur‘s ranks, but the FA are not done with the situation yet and, as per Football.London, Bentancur could still be charged in some capacity by the English game’s governing body.

The FA are “investigating the comments” and Bentancur now faces “a charge and potential ban” if it is deemed necessary.

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The FA may charge Bentancur for controversial comments

While Spurs have dealt with the situation internally, their full course of action will be “governed by what the FA decide.”

Bentancur issued a full apology on Instagram on Friday, describing the situation as an ‘unfortunate misunderstanding’ and revealing he and Son had cleared the air.

Son himself posted a message suggesting very much the same, insisting he knows it was a mistake from his teammate and that they are ‘united’.

The club has issued a statement saying ‘further education’ will be carried out for all their players, encouraging improved understanding of inclusion and diversity matters moving forward.

Spurs are seemingly keen to ‘draw a line’ under the situation, but it remains to be seen where the FA will land on this.

Spurs Web Opinion

This could all get a bit messy now with the FA involved, and I’m not entirely sure what precedent there is for this exact scenario. I remember Dele Alli received a one-match ban for a similar incident during his time at the club.

Just recently, we’ve seen former Premier League referee, Rodger Gifford, banned for five months for controversial comments. It would be a major blow if the same happened to Bentancur.

Tottenham Hotspur have their eyes on a number of players this summer, and while some peripheral squad members are likely to leave the club, one player is going nowhere.

Cristian Romero is catching the eye in the market

The ongoing project under Ange Postecoglou carries a very clear vision, and it is abundantly obvious which players are a part of that and which will be moving on in the near future.

So, the idea of Tottenham‘s vice-captain and key defender, Cristian Romero, being sold to Real Madrid or any club right now is little more than speculation.

The latest on the Argentine defender comes from Pete O’Rourke at Football Insider, who claims Spurs are not entertaining the idea of selling Romero this summer, and even a huge offer probably wouldn’t be enough to prise him away from the Lilywhites.

It is said an “astronomical” amount of money would be needed to even test Tottenham’s resolve.

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Tottenham would need crazy money to sell Cristian Romero

But, Romero is thought to be happy at Spurs, and Postecoglou is very much planning to have the player as a part of his squad for the coming campaign. In fact, Spurs are more focused on adding to their defensive roster, than selling off their most valuable asset.

The rumours linking Romero to Real Madrid first emerged from ESPN Argentina (relayed by Mundo Albiceleste). However, Spurs have been quick to distance themselves from the speculation (Football.London).

Fabrizio Romano has said as much, too, telling PlayBack that Romero is a ‘key player’ for Spurs and will be going nowhere in the immediate future.

Spurs Web Opinion

These are little more than silly rumours and they should stop soon. Romero is happy, he’s absolutely crucial to our team, and he’s arguably priceless so there’s no point any team sniffing around as they’ll be wasting their time.

Recent reports have suggested Real Madrid are very keen on signing Cristian Romero, but he’s not the only Tottenham Hotspur player the La Liga giants are tracking right now.

Real Madrid could turn to Micky van de Ven instead

According to ESPN Argentina (relayed by Mundo Albiceleste), Madrid have expressed an interest in Romero. However, it is believed Spurs have been quick to distance themselves from that speculation (Football.London).

Now, it is thought the Spanish champions could turn their attention to Romero’s Tottenham teammate, Micky van de Ven as an alternative.

That’s according to a report from Tottenham Hotspur News, which claims sources close to Tottenham are aware of interest from Real Madrid, as well as attention from Barcelona, PSG, and Juventus, too.

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Micky Van de Ven is catching the eye across Europe

It is said Europe’s biggest clubs are “keeping an eye” on the Dutchman after an “incredible debut campaign” with Spurs last season.

While other clubs are “watching” van de Ven, it is believed it would take “a lot of money” for Spurs to even consider parting ways with the defender given the importance he holds in the squad, and the fact his current contract runs to 2029.

Van de Ven was named Tottenham’s Player of the Year last season, after barely putting a foot wrong across 29 appearances for the Lilywhites in the 2023/24 campaign, where he also scored three goals (Transfermarkt).

He is currently out in Germany with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.

Spurs Web Opinion

Real Madrid and all these other clubs can stay away from our players. We are building something special at Spurs right now, and both van de Ven and Romero are key to that project.

We cannot let our best players get snapped up by clubs like Real Madrid, but we need to be able to offer them silverware if we’re going to keep them.

All signs point to Emerson Royal leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with AC Milan tipped to be the club to sign the Brazilian. Now, former Milan star Filippo Galli has told the club to make it happen.

Emerson Royal looks likely to leave Spurs this summer

After three years in London, Royal‘s time with Tottenham appears to have run its course, with Ange Postecoglou keen to upgrade his squad.

Despite offering flexibility across the back four last season, Postecoglou is of the belief that Royal isn’t right for his system (The Athletic).

AC Milan have been discussing a deal for the full-back for some time now (Gianluca Di Marzio), with a £17.5m fee believed to be enough to make the deal work (Gazzetta dello Sport).

However, contrary to reports suggesting a deal was close, Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has claimed discussions have barely begun.

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AC Milan need to get a deal done for Emerson Royal

Whatever the progress right now, it is the belief of Filippo Galli that Royal is the player his former club should sign in the upcoming transfer market.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “If we look at the CV, I would say that he is the right man. He has international experience, which is what Milan needs to raise their level, and he is used to the rhythms of the English league. Another added value.

“He would arrive as an alternative to (Davide) Calabria and rightly so. A great team, if it wants to be one, must have more options.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is clear that Emerson Royal has no future at Spurs, so it’s for the best for everyone involved that this deal gets across the line as soon as possible.

There’s no point in him sticking around for half the summer and then needing time to settle in at a new club, so all parties need to get moving on this one immediately.

According to HITC, Tottenham Hotspur are expected to face defeat in their pursuit of Rayan Cherki, with Paris Saint-Germain expected to win the race for the Lyon winger.

Spurs have been linked with Rayan Cherki

Cherki has won many admirers since establishing himself in Lyon’s starting eleven a couple of years ago.

Although the 20-year-old’s numbers in the final third do not leap out of the page, his ability to trouble opposition defences with his exciting dribbling and inventive play has seemingly caught the eye of many clubs.

HITC say that Tottenham are among the clubs who have been quite impressed with the France Under-21 international, with the North London club thought to have admired the youngster for ‘some time’.

The report adds that Chelsea and West Ham United had also been keeping a close eye on Cherki’s progress at Groupama Stadium.

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PSG are expected to win the race for Rayan Cherki

However, all three London sides are now expected to face defeat as PSG are said to have emerged as the front-runners to land the winger.

The publication says that the Parisians have already begun talks with Lyon and are now ‘pushing head’ to get the deal over the line.

The Ligue 1 champions are expected to complete a £15m deal shortly, partly because Cherki is also quite keen on making the move to the French capital.

Spurs Web Opinion

PSG have clearly abandoned their old ‘Galactico’ project and are now going after the best young players in France.

That has meant that Spurs and other top European clubs have found it difficult to shop for the emerging talent from Ligue 1, with Luis Enrique’s men monopolising that market, similar to what Bayern have done in Germany over the years.

Adrien Rabiot, who is rumoured to be on Tottenham’s radar, admitted that he expected his future to be sorted out before the start of the Euros but insisted that he is fully focused on the tournament for the time being.

Tottenham have been linked with Adrien Rabiot

Rabiot’s current deal at Juventus runs out in two weeks and it is unclear at the moment where the midfielder will be playing his club football next season.

Back in February, HITC claimed that Tottenham are one of the clubs following the Frenchman’s situation closely ahead of the summer, with the North London club said to have even reached out to the player’s entourage over a potential move.

This was also backed up by Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who said that the Lilywhites were one of several clubs ‘testing the waters’ for the player ahead of the summer.

It was subsequently suggested by TuttoMercatoWeb (via Juve FC) that Bianconeri’s contract talks with the 29-year-old had hit a roadblock as the club were not willing to meet his contract demands.

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Rabiot will sort out his future after the Euros

Rabiot, who played 71 minutes for France in their 1-0 win over Australia earlier this week and started again in the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands, has now broken the silence about his future.

The former PSG star told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “I thought my future would have been sorted before the Euros. That isn’t the case but I’m not worried about that. I am focused on the competition (Euro 2024). I have put that to one side.

“I am speaking to my agent but that’s a secondary priority. I am fully focused on the France national team. I’m not worried about my future.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There have never been any doubts about Rabiot’s talent but the midfielder is not the right age profile for Tottenham and also not the sort of personality that Postecoglou would be too keen to have in the Spurs changing room.

I would be surprised if the Lilywhites make a contract offer to the Juve man.

In the wake of Argentina’s opening win at this year’s Copa America, Tottenham Hotspur star, Cristian Romero, has earned all the plaudits for his display. So much so, that even his own teammates are gushing over him on social media.

Cristian Romero is impressing for club and country

Cristian Romero has been in imperious form for club and country over the last couple of years, and he continues to excel with Argentina as they kick-start their defence of the Copa America.

La Albiceleste began their campaign to win the competition once more on Friday, with a 2-0 win against Canada. It wasn’t the dazzling display many have come to expect from Argentina, though, with second-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez securing the win.

The Argentine press may not have been all that impressed by the team as a whole, but they have been singing the praises of Romero, with Tyc Sports naming him their star of the match.

Meanwhile, Ole praised the way Romero became a ‘leader’ on the field and his dominance on the ball.

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Romero’s teammates are happy with his display

Romero took to Instagram after the game, with a message reading: “What a beautiful group this is, what a team.”

In the replies, his Tottenham teammate, Giovani Lo Celso said: “You play something else.” His international colleague, Rodrigo De Paul replied: “You set sail, Cristian,” implying Romero raised the bar and led by example for the team.

Spurs Web Opinion

It was another incredible performance from Cuti, and he just continues to go from strength to strength for Argentina.

I would not be surprised if they win Copa America again this year, and if they do, I’d wager Romero will be at the heart of it all, keeping them solid at the back so that their electric attacking players have the freedom to flourish up top.