Football Insider

Chelsea will create a transfer nightmare for Premier League rivals Tottenham by hijacking their move for Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus has shone in West Ham colours, notching five goals and four assists for the East Londoners last term.

But after the Hammers finished just 14th in the Premier League last season, the Ghana international is set for pastures new.

Amid their quest to sign a new right winger, Tottenham have unsuccessfully bid for Kudus this summer, but retain an interest in the 24-year-old.

Chelsea set to hand Tottenham transfer nightmare by bidding higher for Kudus

Thomas Frank must desperately add more quality to his Spurs ranks after the North London side qualified for the Champions League via their Europa League triumph despite their domestic woes.

Meanwhile, Kudus’ West Ham exploits suggest that he could be an ideal asset for Tottenham, while he boasts Champions League experience thanks to his Ajax spell.

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However, according to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg via X on Saturday 5 July: “West Ham turned down a £50million proposal for Kudus from Spurs earlier this week but have not received any new offers since then.

“As reported earlier, they are expecting a bigger bid from Chelsea.”

If Tottenham miss out on Kudus’ signature, they will be in a concerning position in the transfer market, as fellow target Bryan Mbeumo is set to join Manchester United.

Meanwhile, the North Londoners had also set their sights on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo before he signed a fresh long-term contract with the Cherries.

Spurs move would be better for Kudus than Chelsea switch

Football Insider verdict

If West Ham accept a higher bid for Kudus from Chelsea, Tottenham will have missed out on yet another transfer target, which would come as a major blow for new boss Frank.

Meanwhile, the Hammers man should hope that Spurs successfully land his signature rather than the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Even though both London rivals can offer Kudus Champions League football, Tottenham should be able to hand him more game time than the Blues.

Enzo Maresca has already been busy in the transfer market, while Chelsea have signed fellow winger Jamie Gittens, who will likely be a starter next season.

While the West Londoners are set to facilitate Noni Madueke’s exit, Kudus would still face competition in wide areas from the likes of Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku.

On the other hand, Tottenham’s previous advances for Mbeumo and Semenyo indicate how keen they are to add a new right winger to their starting lineup.

Tottenham have been handed a boost in their pursuit of OGC Nice forward Evann Gussand as they race a number of top clubs for his signature.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have said about the 24-year-old’s future amid growing interest in a big-money move this summer.

Alongside a host of English clubs, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce also now hold a strong interest in the Ivory Coast international but he is not interested in a move to Turkey.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 4 July that Tottenham have joined the race for Guessand as Thomas Frank plans to refresh his forward line.

Sources say Spurs are confident they can beat the likes of Brighton and Wolves to the forward’s signature given their qualification for next season’s Champions League.

The Ligue 1 outfit have set a £20-25million asking price for the forward, who has three years remaining on his contract, after he scored 12 goals and picked up seven assists last term.

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Tottenham plot move to sign Nice star Evann Guessand

Tottenham are planning to sign a new forward this summer and have also been linked with moves for the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Eberechi Eze.

Guessand has been tipped to be a good fit for Frank’s plans given his physical profile and ability to play anywhere across the front line.

Now, O’Rourke has explained that the forward’s decision to turn down advances from Fenerbahce has given Spurs a boost in their transfer ambitions.

“Nice are bracing themselves for interest in the upcoming window,” he told Football Insider.

“There’s been talk that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce would like to sign him as well.

“My sources tell me the player himself is not overly keen on that move, so that will be positive news for his Premier League suitors.

“Looking at the interested clubs, Brighton, West Ham, Wolves…

“Tottenham I’m sure would be pretty hopeful that, if they do follow up their interest, that they could win the race for his services.”

Atletico Madrid prepare to step up Cristian Romero interest

Incoming deals are not the only focus in North London this summer, as they are also bracing for interest in key players including Cristian Romero.

Football Insider revealed on 5 July that Tottenham are expected to accept offers for Romero as Atletico Madrid look set to step up their pursuit of the defender.

Diego Simeone has made no secret of his desire to land the 27-year-old and he will push to bring him to Madrid right up until the September deadline.

This comes after former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Atletico have held talks with Romero’s agent about what it would take to sign him.

Tottenham star James Maddison has responded to an emotional message shared by teammate Dominic Solanke.

Both the creative midfielder and the striker will hope to enjoy a successful campaign under new Spurs boss Thomas Frank next term.

Maddison scored 12 goals and produced 10 assists in 45 appearances last season, while Solanke notched 16 goals and eight assists in the same number of outings.

Meanwhile, despite their Europa League triumph, the North Londoners finished just 17th in the Premier League last term and must enjoy a better domestic season under Frank.

Maddison responds as Solanke shares emotional social media post

Both Maddison and Solanke will have an early opportunity to impress Frank when Tottenham face Champions League winners PSG in the Super Cup final on 13 August.

Meanwhile, on Friday, 4 July, the striker took to Instagram as he shared wedding photos alongside the caption: “Truly Unforgettable moment of our lives, surrounded by the best people in the world.

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“My other half, for life.”

Maddison, who scored in the Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt in his last Spurs appearance, commented: “You romantic devil you.”

Tottenham will want more from Maddison next season

Football Insider verdict

Maddison has become a key player for Spurs since joining the North London side from Leicester City ahead of the 2023/24 season.

However, during his first campaign in Tottenham colours, the attacking midfielder scored just four goals in 30 appearances across all competitions, although he did make nine assists.

Last term’s return of 12 goals and 10 assists was significantly better than his 2023/24 efforts, but Frank will want more from the Englishman next season.

Maddison’s career-best tally arrived in 2021/22, when he notched 18 goals and 12 assists in 53 appearances for Leicester, helping the East Midlands side finish eighth in the Premier League.

As Spurs look to restore their status as a top-flight highflier, also juggling Champions League duties, Frank will need the 28-year-old to produce his best attacking performances regularly.

Tottenham have joined Brighton, West Ham and Wolves in the race to sign OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand in the summer transfer window.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 24-year-old’s future and a potential move to the Premier League.

Nice are bracing themselves for interest in Guessand over the coming weeks and are reluctant to let him leave after qualifying for the Champions League.

The Ligue 1 outfit have set a £20-25million asking price for the forward, who has three years remaining on his contract, after he scored 12 goals and picked up seven assists last term.

Tottenham are planning to sign a new forward this summer and have also been linked with moves for the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Eberechi Eze.

There is a belief that Guessand’s profile would make him a perfect fit for Thomas Frank’s side and they are now prepared to rival Premier League clubs for his signature.

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Tottenham eye Evann Guessand deal after Kudus latest

Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 2 July that Chelsea will rival Tottenham’s efforts to sign Kudus and want to beat them to the deal.

The Ivory Coast international represents a potential alternative should Spurs miss out, and they are keeping a close eye on his situation at Nice.

O’Rourke explained that a lot of Premier League clubs are keen on Guessand amid a growing feeling that he will make the move to England.

“A lot of Premier League clubs are looking at Guessand,” he told Football Insider.

“He had a very good season for Nice last season, he got 12 goals and seven assists in 33 Ligue 1 games, so he has a good record.

“He’s got the physical profile that you think would be a success in English football, and can play anywhere across the front line as well.

“There’s been interest from Brighton, West Ham, Wolves and now Tottenham also have an active interest in Guessand.

“Nice are bracing themselves for interest in this upcoming transfer window.

“For Tottenham, he would be a good signing, he would fit into how Thomas Frank plays.

“The way Guessand can play anywhere across the front line would make him a valuable addition.

“Nice will be hoping they can keep hold of him after qualifying for the Champions League themselves.

“They’re looking for a big fee, around £20-25million for a player who still has three years left on his contract.

“It’s not an easy deal to do, but it’s no surprise that a lot of Premier League clubs are looking at him.”

Jacob Ramsey update emerges after Aston Villa latest

On top of their interest in the likes of Guessand, Kudus and Eze, Tottenham are also considering a move to sign Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey this summer.

Brown told Football Insider on 3 July that Ramsey is interested in joining Tottenham amid uncertainty over his future under Unai Emery at Villa Park.

After making 25 stars across his 45 appearances in all competitions last season, the midfielder is keen to play regular minutes from the start and believes he can do so at Spurs.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Tottenham have made contact with Ramsey’s agent and are weighing up a formal offer for his signature.

Antoine Semenyo’s form for Bournemouth last season has seen him become one of Tottenham Hotspur’s main transfer targets.

Spurs are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, and an upgrade on the right flank is high on their priority list despite Brennan Johnson‘s contributions.

Johnson scored the goal which won the Europa League Final for Spurs in May and booked their place in Europe’s elite, but Thomas Frank was hopeful that Tottenham would be able to strike a deal for Semenyo.

Tottenham had been hesitant to spend over £70million on Semenyo after the Ghanaian’s 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions last term, but new developments could drive that price up even further.

Semenyo sends message as new Bournemouth agreement struck

Mick Brown told Football Insider on 27 June that Tottenham were weighing up an outlay of £70m on Solanke this summer, having also broken their previous transfer record to sign a Bournemouth player.

Dominic Solanke‘s move to North London set Spurs back £65m last summer, but it’s now unlikely that Semenyo will be joining him any time soon after he agreed a new five-year contract with the Cherries.

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Bournemouth confirmed Semenyo’s new deal on Tuesday after months of speculation over his future, and the 25-year-old posted on Instagram (1 July) with a simple message to their supporters.

Solanke was one of several former Bournemouth players to like Semenyo’s post, which said: “The mission continues. Let’s get to work”.

Semenyo snub leaves Tottenham back at square one

Football Insider Verdict

Tottenham won’t be the only club left disappointed by Semenyo’s new contract and he joins a long list of right-wing targets to reject Newcastle so far this summer, and it remains to be seen what Spurs do next.

Dejan Kulusevski’s move into attacking midfield has left Spurs without much depth on that flank, with Tottenham in pursuit of West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus as a potential alternative to Semenyo.

Tottenham could be set to agree a £5million deal after an INEOS controversy has emerged.

The petrochemicals company, which is spearheaded by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, first partnered with Spurs in 2020 after agreeing to become their official hand sanitiser and 4×4 vehicle partners.

The deal was later expanded in 2022, with the INEOS brand displayed in the dugout of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

INEOS held talks to end the Tottenham sponsorship in February as Ratcliffe continues to pursue cost-cutting measures across his empire, with the Mail reporting on 16 March the two parties had reached a pay-off agreement to end the deal early.

However, court records show Tottenham filed a commercial claim on 12 June after INEOS exited the sponsorship deal three years into a five-year agreement.

Spurs are seeking just over £11million, which includes £5.5million for missed payments last year, another £5.3milllion for the 2026-27 campaign, the final year of the sponsorship deal, and an additional £300,000 in interest.

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Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it’s a “strange” situation after the parties previously appeared to have reached a settlement agreement.

In a statement on 13 June, INEOS said: “INEOS Automotive has been a partner of Tottenham Hotspur since 2022, expanding on a partnership agreement that INEOS Group had in place with the club since 2020.

“We have a contractual right to terminate our partnership contract and in December 2024 exercised that right.”

Tottenham to seek new sponsor deal

Borson revealed Tottenham are likely to agree a £5million deal as they look to find a new sponsorship.

He told Football Insider: “I think INEOS were the official vehicle partner and obviously also had the pitch side sponsorship, so that’s what they bought for £5million.

“I think £5million a year for that feels like quite a lot, but we know that’s what it was. It’s probably quite hard for Spurs to find a replacement. I think what will happen is they’ll end up settling it for a payment.

“Unless there’s some very questionable termination clause in there where there’s effectively a contractual dispute as to what the termination clause means, i.e. INEOS arguing that the clause meant that they could just give notice and pay no more money, with Spurs saying ‘Hang on a minute, you weren’t entitled to terminate early without paying out the contract’.

“So, it may be something of that nature, but I suspect they’ll settle it and Spurs will go off and try and find another automobile branding deal to replace INEOS, and they’ll take let’s say £5million and that’ll be that.

“But it is strange because it was reported that they had agreed a settlement and a sort of mutual exit from that sponsorship.”

Tottenham make contact over Antoine Semenyo deal

In terms of potential incomings, Football Insider revealed on 23 June Tottenham have made contact about a deal for Antoine Semenyo.

Bournemouth have placed a £70million asking price on the 25-year-old’s head and are confident of sealing a swift deal for a replacement if that price tag is met.

Semenyo is viewed as a good fit for Thomas Frank‘s all-action style following the Dane’s appointment as the new Tottenham boss earlier this month.

Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham this summer but claims around his imminent departure have been quashed by a new update.

Spurs have already had a busy summer with Thomas Frank hired as their new boss, but more incomings and outgoings are expected in the coming months as the new season edges ever closer.

Frank will undoubtedly want to bolster Spurs’ defensive options this summer after their 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last term, and so keeping Argentina international Romero will be imperative.

Former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in March that Romero would be open to a move to Real Madrid this summer, as he is on their list of targets, but it is the red and white side of the Spanish capital that now look primed to make a move for his services.

Football Insider revealed in April that Atletico Madrid are plotting a move for Romero this summer, and he could push for a move away soon after The Telegraph recently reported that his future at Tottenham is still uncertain.

Spurs have not agreed a fee with Atleti for Romero despite reports

Football Insider recently revealed that Tottenham are standing firm on their £60million valuation of star defender Romero, and Atletico Madrid have been unsuccessful in their early attempts to land him following talks.

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Contrasting reports have previously arisen, after Argentine outlet DobleAmarilla stated on Sunday (29 June) that Atletico and Tottenham had come to an agreement in principle over a €65m (£55.6m) deal for the 27-year-old.

The Athletic have now rubbished such claims by stating that reports that the two clubs have agreed on a fee are “not true”, even though Atleti head coach Diego Simeone is a keen admirer of Romero.

Football Insider have revealed that Spurs are reluctant to lose him ahead of their return to the Champions League participation, but the World Cup winner could soon push for a move away in a bid to get the club to lower their asking price.

Spurs should only consider selling Romero if their £60m asking price is met

Football Insider verdict

Romero has impressed in a Tottenham shirt since his initial 2021 loan move from Atalanta, and Spurs’ chiefs believe he is “one of the best defenders in the world” [The Times], and so they are set to only consider sizeable offers as a result.

He has a reputation for being a bruising, all-action centre-back, and so it is no surprise that Atletico are interested, but his injury record has left a lot to be desired during his spell at the club, and especially over the last 12 months.

The 27-year-old featured just 18 times in the Premier League last term, and so even though Tottenham will no doubt want to back Frank by keeping hold of his favoured, key men, they should not turn down a bid of £60m or over for Romero this summer.

Frank would be able to reinvest such a big fee back into his squad, but with no centre-backs being concretely linked as yet this summer, an exit for Romero looks increasingly unlikely as the new campaign approaches.

Stefan Borson reveals how much INEOS really owe Tottenham after deal terminated

INEOS owe Tottenham £11million after terminating its sponsorship deal as a “very odd” situation has emerged.

The petrochemicals company, which is spearheaded by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, first partnered with Spurs in 2020 after agreeing to become their official hand sanitiser and 4×4 vehicle partners.

The deal was later expanded in 2022, with the INEOS brand displayed in the dugout of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

INEOS held talks to end the Tottenham sponsorship in February as Ratcliffe continues to pursue cost-cutting measures across his empire, with the Mail reporting on 16 March the two parties had reached a pay-off agreement to end the deal early

However, court records show Tottenham filed a commercial claim on 12 June after INEOS exited the sponsorship deal three years into a five-year agreement.

Spurs are seeking just over £11million, which includes £5.5million for missed payments last year, another £5.3milllion for the 2026-27 campaign, the final year of the sponsorship deal, and an additional £300,000 in interest.

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Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the sponsorship deal was sizeable given the properties involved.

Borson previously told Football Insider Tottenham are likely to reach a settlement agreement with INEOS.

In a statement on 13 June, INEOS said: “INEOS Automotive has been a partner of Tottenham Hotspur since 2022, expanding on a partnership agreement that INEOS Group had in place with the club since 2020.

“We have a contractual right to terminate our partnership contract and in December 2024 exercised that right.”

Tottenham face issue agreeing new sponsor deal

Borson insisted Tottenham could face an issue replacing the INEOS deal.

He told Football Insider: “You have to understand what that £11million is.

“The first thing is it’s a very odd situation because I seem to recall that when it came out that that agreement had been terminated, the parties said that they basically agreed a settlement in respect of it, and that obviously seems not to have been true.

“INEOS effectively owe Spurs the payment for the rest of the season in which they terminated, and then the claim is for the two years left of the contract now.

“Of course, Tottenham will have a duty to mitigate that loss by going and finding a replacement sponsor.

“So, the way it works is this is a contractual claim and they will effectively have to show the court that they tried to mitigate the £11million of lost revenue by trying to find a replacement.

“I think it’s interesting that they’ve not yet been able to. I think it’s also interesting that it’s about a £5million-a-year contract. It’s quite a lot. It’s pretty sizable given the properties.

“I think INEOS were the official vehicle partner and obviously also had the pitch side sponsorship, so that’s what they bought for £5million. I think £5million a year for that feels like quite a lot, but we know that’s what it was.

“It’s probably quite hard for Spurs to find a replacement.”

Tottenham make contact over Antoine Semenyo deal

In terms of potential incomings, Football Insider revealed on 23 June Tottenham have made contact about a deal for Antoine Semenyo.

Bournemouth have placed a £70million asking price on the 25-year-old’s head and are confident of sealing a swift deal for a replacement if that price tag is met.

Semenyo is viewed as a good fit for Thomas Frank‘s all-action style following the Dane’s appointment as the new Tottenham boss earlier this month.

Mathys Tel has sent a message of thanks away from Tottenham, after what he described as a “beautiful adventure”.

The winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Spurs from Bayern Munich and helped the North London side win their first piece of major silverware in 18 years.

Brennan Johnson scored the only goal in the Europa League final, with Tel an unused substitute as he watched his side beat Manchester United to secure the trophy.

The Frenchman played five times en route to the final, as well as making 13 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals.

Tel knocked out of Under-21 Euros

After the conclusion of the season and his six-month loan spell, Tottenham announced the permanent signing of Tel from Bayern Munich.

The 20-year-old has joined on a six-year deal, which will see him remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2031.

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Following his permanent move, the winger jetted off with the France Under-21 side to compete in the European Championships in Slovakia.

The young French side cruised through the group stages, and Tel scored an 85th-minute winner in their quarter-final win over Denmark.

However, the new Spurs signing’s tournament came to an end, as France were beaten 3-0 by Germany in the semi-finals.

Following his country’s exit from the competition, Tel took to Instagram to share a number of photos from the game on his story, with the caption: “Thank you for this beautiful adventure.”

Tottenham battle for more attackers

Football Insider Verdict

Despite securing the services of Tel on a long-term basis, Tottenham are still in the market for some more attackers to bolster their ranks.

Spurs hold an interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who impressed for the Cherries last season as they secured a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

Semenyo started all but two league games for Andoni Iraola’s side, scoring 11 goals and picking up six assists.

Tottenham were also looking at Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but it was revealed on Friday (27 June) that Thomas Frank’s side have slightly backed away from a deal.

Tottenham are facing yet another challenge in the transfer market amid rival interest from Arsenal in Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze.

Following Thomas Frank’s arrival, Tottenham have already agreed to sign Kota Takai from Japanese outfit Kawasaki Frontale.

But after finishing 17th in the Premier League under former boss Ange Postecoglou last term, Spurs must recruit more talent ahead of next season.

Frank is tasked with guiding the North Londoners to a significantly better top-flight season while also juggling Champions League responsibilities, courtesy of Postecoglou’s Europa League triumph.

Arsenal hand Tottenham Eze headache as Spurs set to miss out on Mbeumo and Semenyo

Spurs have made their desire to sign a new winger this summer known, amid their interest in Eze, Bryan Mbeumo, and Antoine Semenyo.

The Cameroon international could be a top addition for Tottenham, having excelled under Frank, scoring 20 goals in the Premier League for Brentford last season.

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However, Manchester United are closing in on Mbeumo, scuppering the North Londoners’ efforts to sign the 25-year-old.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Semenyo presents himself as a solid alternative to the Brentford man after establishing himself as one of the best two-footed players in the Premier League.

But Football Insider have exclusively revealed Bournemouth will demand £70million for Semenyo, which may prevent Spurs from landing his services.

Tottenham have also been linked with Eze for a while after the Crystal Palace star led the Eagles to FA Cup glory.

However, Arsenal have entered the race for Eze, which could see Spurs miss out on yet another ambitious transfer target.

Tottenham owner Daniel Levy may have to pay over the odds for the England international to beat their North London rivals to his signature, otherwise Frank will be in for a miserable window.

Eze should favour Arsenal over Spurs

Football Insider verdict

Tottenham’s intent to bolster their wide options is clear, while Eze would be virtually guaranteed minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season amid their poor Premier League campaign last term.

However, the 26-year-old should favour a move to Arsenal, who are more likely to challenge for the top-flight title and reach the latter stages of the Champions League once again.

Furthermore, Eze should back himself to displace Gabriel Martinelli from the left-wing spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.

The Brazil international was once one of the Gunners’ most prized assets, but in recent seasons his inconsistency has shone through, as he scored just eight goals in 33 Premier League appearances.

Eze scored the same number of top-flight goals as Martinelli last season while surrounded by lower-quality teammates at Crystal Palace, and should become a more regular goal-scorer when receiving service from the likes of England teammate and fellow winger Bukayo Saka.