Football Insider

Tottenham Hotspur’s failure to sign a replacement for James Maddison has left Thomas Frank with a decision to make in their new-look frontline, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Spurs’ disappointing end to the transfer window.

Nottingham Forest blocked Tottenham’s move for Morgan Gibbs-White after Evangelos Marinakis intervened to halt his number 10’s exit, and Spurs also missed out on Eberechi Eze to their arch-rivals.

Maddison‘s ACL injury in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle resulted in Tottenham stepping up their interest in Eze, only for Arsenal to swoop in at the eleventh hour and beat them to his signature.

Spurs did bounce back from these blows to assemble a new-look frontline with Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, but Frank is “regretting” not signing a clear replacement for Maddison.

Sources have told Football Insider that with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski absent from Tottenham‘s current midfield options, Frank is disappointed that he wasn’t able to bring in an out-and-out number 10.

Tottenham yet to identify James Maddison replacement

Football Insider revealed on 29 August that Tottenham had lined up a “huge” bid for Morgan Rogers late in the transfer window to fill their number 10 void, but Aston Villa were able to retain their star playmaker.

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Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke stated that with Simons, Kudus and Kolo Muani to choose from this season, it remains to be seen how Frank opts to ‘replace’ Maddison and Kulusevski.

“It’s been a positive window for Tottenham, although they did miss out on a few players”, he told Football Insider.

“Gibbs-White was a player that they were really hoping to get done and were confident of getting over the line, and they were interested in Eze, but were hijacked by Arsenal in that one.

“You look at that Spurs, the frontline they’ve got now; Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani – that’s an exciting forward line for Tottenham.

“They’ll be regretting not getting that number 10 in because of James Maddison’s injury, and Dejan Kulusevski’s out injured as well, but it’s been a good window for Spurs.

“They’ve reshaped the forward line, and apart from that defeat to Bournemouth, it’s been a positive start to the season for Tottenham.”

Maddison faces fight to win back Tottenham starting place

When fit, Maddison and Kulusevski were two of Tottenham’s star performers in a disappointing campaign overall last season, and Frank has still brought in plenty of competition for their places this time around.

Although Spurs missed out on Gibbs-White and Eze, the arrivals of Kudus, Simons and Mathys Tel on a permanent deal provide Frank with options aplenty, particularly when Maddison returns in the new year.

Tottenham endured a turbulent transfer window with huge wins and major losses as Football Insider breaks down the club’s transfer dealings.

The summer of 2025 has likely drained many Tottenham fans of all their energy after missing out on key targets such as Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and Spurs losing out to Arsenal for Eberechi Eze.

However, Thomas Frank can rest assured that chairman Daniel Levy ensured he had a strong enough squad to contend with Champions League football.

Football Insider reviews the Lilywhites’ transfer window after many highs and lows in north London coming from the perspective of a life-long Spurs fan.

Departures

Loanees – Alejo Veliz (Rosario Central) – 5, Mikey Moore (Rangers) – 8, Alfie Devine (Preston) – 5, Yang Min-hyeok (Portsmouth) – 6, Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg) – 7

Several of the Lilywhites’ youngsters have bagged season-long loan moves to clubs in England and around the world.

Pretty much all of these players would have struggled to force their way into the starting XI this season, maybe barring Luka Vuskovic given the injury record of Spurs’ centre-backs.

Of the five, my main focus will be on Mikey Moore to see if he can push on following a relatively successful breakout season for Tottenham last year under Ange Postecoglou.

At Rangers, Russell Martin has a solid track record of bringing out the best in youth and will hopefully do the same with the young Englishman in what was the best loan move of the bunch in my opinion.

Manor Solomon – loan to Villarreal – 7

You have to feel bad for the Israel international after being completely cast out by the club since his arrival in 2023-24.

The left-winger impressed on loan at Leeds in their title-winning season, yet his displays were not enough to attract the attention of Frank.

The loan to Villarreal is a positive one given the Spanish outfit are on the up after finishing fifth in La Liga in 2024-25, boding well for Manor Solomon’s prospects.

Bryan Gil – permanent £8.67m transfer to Girona – 10

I’ve been rejoicing since the Catalan outfit came back in to sign the Spanish winger on a permanent deal after a season-long loan last year.

Bryan Gil has been nothing short of our worst transfer in the history of the club having made just 24 appearances in four years in the Premier League.

The former Valencia wide man has been loaned more times than I can count and it is great feeling to get him off our books on transfer deadline day.

Son Heung-min – permanent £20m transfer to LAFC – 5

Many Spurs fans will be split over the decision to part ways with the South Korean after he delivered after the long wait for a trophy last campaign.

Ultimately, the 33-year-old had been running out of steam, picking up niggling injuries and playing below his usual standards.

Whilst Levy did receive a handsome amount for the former club captain, hearts were broken after the number seven left the club after 10 years in north London.

Son Heung-min is arguably now a bigger legend at Tottenham than Harry Kane after his loyalty and Europa League heroics.

Arrivals

Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic – permanent transfer £5m/£11.9m – 5

Right at the start of July, Spurs swooped in for Kawasaki Frontale’s Kota Takai along with the previously agreed arrival of Vuskovic from HNK Hajduk Split.

The Croatian has really excited fans and will definitely be one of the starting centre-backs in the future both for club and country.

The Japanese was more of an obscure transfer which could pay off, yet I imagine we will likely sell the 20-year-old later down the line.

Randal Kolo Muani – season-long loan – 7

Signed from PSG on loan on deadline day, the Frenchman is a welcome addition to bolster our attacking front line.

Dominic Solanke continues to struggle with injuries so the former Frankfurt forward offers another weapon up top for Frank.

I’m not sure if he will start over Richarlison initially but, given the Brazilian’s injury record, Randal Kolo Muani will definitely feature across the course of the campaign.

Kevin Danso – end of season loan turn permanent £21.6m – 6

Having loaned the Austrian for the second half of last season, Kevin Danso was then made permanent at the start of July and has been an invaluable back-up centre-back.

The 26-year-old was comfortably one of our more consistent players last campaign when called upon and I’m happy with him supporting both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Joao Palhinha – season-long loan – 7

The defensive midfield role has been one of the banes of the current Spurs squad for a long time, yet the decision to loan Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich was a masterstroke.

When he played at Fulham, the Portugal international was a monster and his Premier League experience is a huge boost.

Moreover, the chance to make his transfer permanent at the end of the campaign gives the Lilywhites total control over the situation, in the event the number six completely flops.

Xavi Simons – permanent transfer £56.2m – 8

Whilst it did feel very good to hijack Chelsea’s deal for the Dutchman, I still remain realistic when it comes to predicting how he will fare in the English top-flight.

Xavi Simons is a world-class athlete who has consistently notched at least 19 goal involvements in his last three seasons.

However, the Bundesliga is a far different beast to the Premier League as has been seen by the slow start to Florian Wirtz’s career with Liverpool.

The 22-year-old will come good eventually, I’m sure, with the transfer looking stunning on paper, yet I want to remain calm and composed to see how he settles in his first match against West Ham.

Mohammed Kudus – permanent transfer £55.2m – 10 – Star Deal

The announcement of the Ghana international was precisely what the club needed after struggling to find an out-and-out attacking right-wing with the ability to drive at defenders and create chances out of nothing.

Mohammed Kudus has already started in sensational form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, grabbing two assists in four matches and looking lively on every outing.

Moreover, his work rate without the ball is impressive and suits the tactics and expectations of Frank and the Tottenham crowd.

It was a position that needed vast improvement and I’m very glad we got this deal over the line as the best signing for the club this summer.

Mathys Tel short-term loan turn permanent transfer £30.3m – 2 – Worst move

Genuinely did not understand why we signed the Frenchman after a shocking short-term loan on the back of a disappointing second half of the 2024-25 season.

Mathys Tel scored just three times in 20 appearances under Postecoglou and looked consistently awful in every game I saw him play in.

The only saving grace for why this wasn’t a lower rating was due to the fact Levy negotiated a lower fee to buy the 20-year-old from Bayern Munich on a permanent basis, but my word, what a waste of a transfer.

Bournemouth and Andoni Iraola have the right to feel “aggrieved” after Simon Hooper failed to award a penalty against Tottenham, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Cherries could have been given a chance to extend their lead on Saturday, 30 August, after Mohammed Kudus‘ careless challenge.

Andoni Iraola‘s side had opened the scoring through Evanilson after just five minutes, though Antoine Semenyo might have been lucky not to receive a second yellow during a tight affair in North London.

However, in the 49th minute, amidst a chaotic scramble in the Spurs penalty area, Marcos Senesi, who avoided a sending off against Liverpool, found himself curled up on the floor, clutching his foot after a failed clearance from Kudus.

Mohammed Kudus and Marcos Senesi clash

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

After a limited reaction from the visitors, Hooper waved play on, and the incident was quickly forgotten about. It was not enough for the Lilywhites to equalise or stage a comeback win, however.

Thomas Frank was unhappy with the boos from Tottenham fans during and after the defeat, with his team still sitting fourth in the Premier League table heading into the international break.

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While Hackett maintained that the incident was subjective and could have led to a different decision from a different referee, he understood why fans were baffled by the call at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Simon Hooper in good position to judge Bournemouth controversy

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think the player was potentially reckless in his attempt to clear the ball. So, there’s a good shout for a review. The referee is in a good position to judge.

“I think that Bournemouth have a right to feel slightly aggrieved that they didn’t get a penalty kick, but it’s not a cast-iron case. It’s subjective.

“For me, that challenge is careless, not reckless. And outside the box, careless results in a free-kick. So, I think it could easily have been a penalty kick.

“However, you’ll notice that no other Bournemouth player is looking for that challenge, and that is a signal to the referee in making his judgment call.”

Tottenham Hotspur will have to pay a “huge transfer fee” to have any chance of signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Rogers’ uncertain future at Aston Villa this summer.

Football Insider revealed on Friday that Savinho will not be allowed to leave Manchester City before the transfer deadline in a blow to Tottenham’s plans, but Rogers is still a “dream signing” for Thomas Frank.

Xavi Simons may be on his way to Spurs in a £51.8million move from RB Leipzig, but a second marquee signing could be agreed after Football Insider revealed that Frank wants both a number 10 and a winger.

Rogers fits the bill in this regard for Tottenham but sources have told Football Insider that Aston Villa will demand a “huge” fee to sell Rogers, who is seen as crucial to Unai Emery’s plans at Villa Park this term.

PSR restrictions have restricted Villa’s spending ability in the transfer market this summer, and Football Insider sources have said that as Emery‘s “prize asset”, Rogers is a player that Villa can’t afford to lose.

Tottenham told to pay over the odds for Morgan Rogers

Football Insider revealed on 25 August that Tottenham had opened preliminary talks to sign Rogers as the end of the window looms, but are keen to barter Aston Villa down from their £100million valuation.

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Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke was asked if Rogers will become Spurs’ top target after missing out on Savinho, as Frank looks to build on the momentum gained by signing Simons.

“It’s quite similar [to Savinho]”, he told Football Insider.

“Obviously he’d be a dream signing for Tottenham, if they could land someone like Morgan Rogers – there’s a lot of admiration there and he’d tick a lot of boxes.

“Unai Emery’s been restricted in the transfer market, so he won’t really want to lose one of his star players, his prize asset, and there’s no doubt that Morgan Rogers is that.

“It would be a huge transfer fee for Aston Villa to even consider selling him.”

Morgan Rogers won’t push for transfer amid Aston Villa stance

As an England international with 15 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Villa last season, it’s no surprise to see the likes of Chelsea, City and Spurs lining up big-money moves for Rogers this summer.

Villa’s price tag has varied from £80m to £100m in response to enquiries over Rogers’ availability over the course of this summer’s window, and with just days to go, it’s clear there is no intention to sell him.

Sources: Man City make final Savinho transfer decision after latest Tottenham bid

Tottenham Hotspur have been told to look elsewhere after Manchester City updated their stance on a potential move for Savinho, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Tottenham’s pursuit of the Brazilian international.

Football Insider revealed on 26 August that Tottenham want to sign a number 10 and a winger before the transfer window closes on 1 September, and Savinho has been a long-term target for Thomas Frank.

Tottenham have submitted two bids for Savinho this summer totalling £43million and £60m respectively, but both have been rejected with Pep Guardiola seeing the 21-year-old as a key member of his squad.

Sources have told Football Insider that Guardiola has urged Man City to price Tottenham out of a move for Savinho before the end of the window, with only a “mega, mega offer” likely to test their resolve.

Tottenham are closing in on Xavi Simons to tick off one half of their transfer wishlist, but Football Insider sources have said that unless a mega-money offer is made, Savinho won’t be heading to North London.

Tottenham to look elsewhere amid Man City’s Savinho stance

Tottenham have seemingly plucked Simons from under Chelsea’s noses with a deal close for the Dutch international, but Frank is still on the hunt for a more natural winger like Savinho to play alongside him.

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Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke stated that while Spurs could still launch a late-window offer for Savinho, Guardiola and Man City’s continued stance makes any deal difficult to do.

“Every player has got a price, but right now, Manchester City aren’t willing to do business for Savinho”, he told Football Insider.

“Pep Guardiola wants to keep hold of the Brazilian, [and is] trying to price him out of a potential move to Tottenham, who have obviously shown their interest in Savinho.

“It’s getting so late in the window that unless there’s a mega, mega offer, I don’t think City are counting on selling Savinho this window. Guardiola wants to keep him in his squad.

“He still feels he has a role to play in his team, so Spurs might have to look elsewhere as they look to bring in a wide attacking player, and a number 10.”

Tottenham to accelerate final push after Xavi Simons breakthrough

Simons’ ability to cover both number 10 and the flanks could make him the culmination of Tottenham’s transfer plans with one eye on James Maddison‘s return from injury in 2026, but further cover is needed.

Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Tottenham had identified Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as a possible alternative to Savinho, with the potential France debutant available for £47.5million this summer.

Tottenham have been dealt another blow in their hunt for a number 10, with a move for Como’s Nico Paz looking increasingly unlikely.

Following injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham are light of options in attacking midfield, with Mohammed Kudus currently the only incoming for new boss Thomas Frank.

Earlier in the window Spurs target Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest after their pursuit in the attacker, before having a move for Eberechi Eze hijacked by North London rivals Arsenal.

Paz was one of the options being explored by Tottenham, and as Football Insider revealed, the club have spoken to Aston Villa about Morgan Rogers, and an attempt to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Xavi Simons have also been discussed.

While discussions may continue over those potential targets, a move for Paz has taken a potential blow as more news has emerged in relation to the deal.

Tottenham’s Nico Paz move hits a stumbling block

A move for Paz was always going to be difficult especially with the Argentine’s former club Real Madrid remaining in the picture.

More details have now been revealed relating to a transfer for the 20-year-old as the Athletic’s James Horncastle said: “Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Nico Paz is unlikely to pan out this window. Como have received expressions of interest from the north London club that would value the player in excess of €70million.

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But Paz, who has shone since joining the Italian side from Real Madrid for €6m last summer, is hopeful of returning to the Bernabeu next summer,” he continued.

The Italian football expert went on to say: “Madrid have buy-back clauses in place for the 20-year-old, and next summer it would cost them €10m to bring him back based on the current terms, in which each club owns 50 per cent of his rights.

“However, Como are trying to renegotiate the terms of the agreement, paying for a more significant percentage of Paz’s rights, with a higher buy-back clause for Madrid to pay next summer.

“Paz is happy to stay at Como for now, especially as it would provide him with stability before the 2026 World Cup, where he will be hoping to represent Argentina,” Horncastle finished.

Concerns over depth are holding back Tottenham’s potential

Football Insider verdict

Having had attempts to sign three attacking midfielders turned down, Daniel Levy may now have to cut his losses and admit that Tottenham will have to enter the season with Kudus and Joao Palhinha as their only major summer additions.

Frank is a good enough coach to transform this side, that finished 17th in the Premier League last season, into European contenders, but their lack of depth is a concern.

While their starting lineup looks solid and has already generated five goals and two clean sheets in their opening two Premier League games, Frank’s rotation is limited when the games begin to pile up.

Spurs will be without Maddison for the season, and Kulusevski until the new year, leaving Kudus as their only recognised number 10.

Mathys Tel and Dominic Solanke will battle for places at centre-forward whilst Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, and Wilson Odobert are Frank’s only other attacking options.

When the fixtures start to pile up, Frank will be wary that one injury could derail Spurs’ progress as options to rotate his squad get even more limited.

Tottenham are still working behind the scenes to agree a deal to sign Savinho from Man City, according to their former senior scout.

Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that there is still a confidence that the 21-year-old could make the move to North London.

City had previously been steadfast in their decision to keep the Brazil international, but are believed to be opening up to the idea of a deal for the right price.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 26 August that Man City are pushing to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid after holding talks with his representatives.

While Savinho’s future is not expected to impact their pursuit of the Madrid star, any deal would open the door for Tottenham to swoop for their top target.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 26 August that Tottenham are working to sign a new winger before the transfer deadline as the position remains a key target.

Savinho wants to join Tottenham as Man City talks continue

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

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Brown told Football Insider on 12 August that Savinho wants to join Tottenham as he would be promised increased playing time under Thomas Frank’s management.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that any deal will depend on whether City are prepared to let him go.

“Tottenham obviously want to get a deal done,” he told Football Insider.

“He’s a player they’ve identified who would improve their team, so they’re working on a deal and trying to reach an agreement with Man City.

“Thomas Frank has decided he wants to bring in a new winger, and he is the top target.

“I think he’s as good as anybody they could get at the moment.

“From City’s point of view, it looked like they wanted to keep him, but from what I hear Tottenham are still hopeful they can get a deal done.

“So it seems they believe City’s position is going to change.

“We’ve mentioned they’re looking at signing another winger, so perhaps that would open the door.

“It’s a deal Spurs certainly want to do, so it will come down to whether or not City want to lose him.

“At the moment, they don’t, but I think that could change.”

Aston Villa could open door to Morgan Rogers deal

Savinho is not the only attacking player on Spurs’ radar in the closing stages of the transfer window, as they continue to eye an ambitious move for Morgan Rogers.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 25 August that Tottenham are accelerating a move for Rogers and hope to take advantage of Aston Villa’s financial concerns.

Preliminary discussions are believed to have been held about the potential of the deal, with Frank pushing to sign an attacking midfielder after James Maddison’s injury.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 26 August that Villa are preparing to reluctantly lose Rogers as a big-money sale could allow them to reinvest elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to sign Nico Paz after a tremendous start to life under Thomas Frank.

After a quiet summer transfer window that only involved the signing of Mohammed Kudus, Frank is now looking for reinforcements to add depth to his squad.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski’s injury woes have added to Frank’s limited options in attacking areas, and the issues increased as Spurs were pipped to the signing of Eberechi Eze by rivals Arsenal.

Following the disappointment of missing out on Eze to their North London rivals, Daniel Levy will now have to pivot to signing a different attacking option.

The talent is out there, Tottenham just need to find it

Tottenham have impressed immensely under Frank so far this season, dispatching Burnley 3-0 on the opening day before beating Manchester City 2-0 at the weekend.

However, Frank will know that he needs more depth if his team are to mount a serious challenge for any silverware this season.

One of Tottenham’s main targets is reportedly Como’s Nico Paz, who has created 3.42 chances per 90 so far this season according to Fotmob.

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This number highlights why Tottenham are interested even if Como’s president Mirwan Suwarso has dampened rumours linking the Argentine with a move to north London.

As reported by talkSPORT, Suwarso spoke to Corriere della Sera saying: “The transfer rumors about Tottenham? It’s not true that we rejected the offer.

“No one formalizes offers knowing that we’d then have to send them to Real Madrid, who have the right to match them.

“There was a moment when we feared Nico might return to Madrid,” he continued: “He grew up in Real Madrid’s youth academy and dreams of playing at the Bernabeu one day. Luckily, he stayed.”

Frustratingly for Tottenham, any bid made for the young attacker would be sent to Real Madrid as the Spanish giants do retain a right to first refusal if Paz does leave Como.

Tottenham’s hot start provides a springboard, but Thomas Frank needs depth

Football Insider verdict

A move for Eze would have given Frank the ability to rotate through his attacking options with more versatility in the absence of Maddison and Kulusevski.

As it stands Frank only has five fit forwards, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, and his side will soon compete on four fronts, with three positions to fill.

A late additions would give Frank the ability to name two completely different attacking trios, possessing the necessary depth to get Tottenham through a tough early season period before Kulusevski is due to return early next year.

While the squad looks well-stocked in defensive and midfield areas, Franks’ attacking options could use a spruce up if Spurs are to enjoy a successful first half of the season.

Tottenham are exploring the market to sign a number 10 and a winger in the next days before the window closes, sources have told Football Insider.

Thomas Frank’s side have had a difficult summer so far, missing out on a number of high-profile signings that looked to have been wrapped up.

Spurs were set to bring in Morgan Gibbs-White before the deal broke down, with a similar situation happening with Eberechi Eze, as Arsenal hijacked the move.

Sources say that Tottenham are not only interested in adding a new number 10, a role that they had expected first Gibbs-White and then Eze to fill, but that they also want to sign a winger.

Tottenham search for additional attacking options

It comes as no surprise that Tottenham are still desperately searching for a new number 10, following their failed attempts to bring one in so far this summer.

The need to fill this role was increased by the fact that James Maddison suffered an ACL injury during pre-season and will be out for a long period of time.

Tottenham are also looking for another winger, despite already signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for a fee of around £55million.

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The North London side have consistently been linked with Savinho over the past few weeks, but a deal for the Man City attacker looks difficult due to the cost involved.

Tottenham ready sensational move for Premier League star

Meanwhile, Tottenham are readying a sensational late-window move for Aston Villa star man Morgan Rogers, sources have told Football Insider.

Spurs have held preliminary discussions over a potential deal for the attacking midfielder, 23.

Tottenham will test Villa’s resolve to keep their prize asset and hope they can be forced into a big sale to allow them to reinvest in the squad.

The Midlands giants have been hamstrung by PSR difficulties in recent windows and have had to constantly juggle their squad to avoid breaching financial rules.

Tottenham Hotspur face yet another transfer being hijacked by Arsenal after their respective bids for Piero Hincapie.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender has emerged as a key target for numerous Premier League clubs after news of his £52million release clause emerged, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs all keen on Hincapie.

Tottenham had emerged as front-runners to sign Hincapie as part of a three-pronged transfer spree also involving Savinho and Eberechi Eze, but have so far been unable to get any of those deals over the line.

Fabrizio Romano reported via X on Monday that Tottenham‘s latest approach to Leverkusen involved a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy out that £52m release clause next summer, but a late spanner has now been thrown in the works.

Arsenal set to hijack another Spurs deal

Tottenham had also opened talks over personal terms with the Ecuador international as part of that loan-to-buy agreement with Leverkusen, but they’re once again set to face competition from their arch rivals.

Arsenal have already hijacked one Tottenham transfer this summer, swooping in late to pluck Eze from under their noses and agree a £60m deal with Crystal Palace – a deal which has now been completed.

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Eze was unveiled in Arsenal’s number 10 shirt before their 5-0 win over Leeds on 23 August, and David Ornstein has now reported that the Gunners have entered the race to sign Hincapie ahead of Spurs.

The Athletic journalist posted on X to report on Monday that Arsenal are “working” on a deal to sign the 23-year-old immediately this summer, with Hincapie making Leverkusen aware of his desire to leave.

Arsenal’s approach hasn’t bee made with an attempt to loan Hincapie for a season before paying his £52m release clause, as Mikel Arteta‘s side will instead look to pay a more “realistic” fee this summer.

Tottenham set for further turmoil at the hands of Arsenal

Football Insider Verdict

Losing James Maddison for over half the new season with an ACL injury had re-ignited Tottenham’s interest in Eze and led to 10 days of talks at Crystal Palace, only for Arsenal to swoop in at the 11th hour.

Now, Spurs could miss out on yet another big-money target in a position they’re short of numbers, with Hincapie’s ability to cover both centre-back and left-back making him a vital option for Thomas Frank.

Arsenal’s central defensive and left-back stocks are nowhere near as threadbare as Tottenham’s, and fans will be getting the impression that this latest hijack is nothing more than an attempt to spite Spurs.