Football Insider

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.

Tottenham Hotspur face a race against time if they are to beat North London rivals Arsenal to the signing of Christian Norgaard.

The Brentford midfielder could be reuniting with former boss Thomas Frank at Spurs, but the Gunners are also in the market for a defensive midfielder.

Mikel Arteta is looking to replace Jorginho, who departed for Flamengo, and potentially Thomas Partey whose future at the club is still uncertain.

The Gunners are closing in on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but Arteta wants to add more depth to his midfield options.

Gunners make opening move for Norgaard

Tottenham will need to act quickly if they want to secure Norgaard’s signature with The Athletic reporting Arsenal have already made a bid.

The Athletic believe the bid to be worth £9.3million, and they are now awaiting Brentford’s response to the offer.

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Frank knows Norgaard extremely well from Brentford and beforehand having managed him at Brondby and in the Danish youth set up.

Spurs need more leadership within their playing squad and Norgaard would provide that and he knows the demands and playing style of a Frank team inside out.

Frank is currently chasing Arsenal in all departments, with the Gunners currently superior all over the pitch.

Mikel Arteta is currently unbeaten in his last six North London derbies stretching back to 2022.

Future in Norgaard’s own hands

Whilst Zubimendi would add to Arsenal’s creativity from deep, Noorgaard’s leadership qualities and physical attributes would be a perfect fit to replace Jorginho and Partey without draining their transfer budget.

Arteta needs the bulk of his spend this summer to be on a striker who can fire the Gunners to the Premier League title.

Noorgaard would likely play a more pivotal role at Spurs, but even there the Dane wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting position with Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur all vying for the same position.

The decision will rest with Norgaard, but Arsenal currently have the advantage having made their opening gambit.

For Brentford, this summer couldn’t be going much worse for them so far.

Bryan Mbeumo may be another playing leaving the Bees to reunite with Frank, and the club still haven’t announced their new manager with reports suggesting set-piece coach Keith Andrews could make the step up.

Already a risky appointment if it goes ahead, it could be even riskier if the experience of Norgaard leaves the dressing room and the goals of Mbeumo depart, as expected.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Manor Solomon has attracted attention with his latest social media message.

Solomon spent last season on loan at Leeds, and the Whites are heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old.

The Israel international scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in the Championship as Leeds won the title.

Burnley though are also in the race to sign the Israel international, who has made just six appearances for Spurs.

Solomon ready for a move

Posting on his Instagram story (24 June), Solomon shared a video of him training ahead of the start of pre-season.

The video was accompanied with the message “Getting ready” speculating that he is gearing up for a big season ahead despite not knowing what the future holds for him.

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New Spurs boss Thomas Frank though will speak to his staff before deciding Solomon’s future at the club.

With the futures of Son Heung-min, Richarlison and Mickey Moore uncertain, Solomon could be handed a chance to impress.

Frank though is also in the market for a new forward, so much could also depend on whether he can secure one of his top targets with Eberechie Eze the latest to be linked to North London.

Frank needs to make Solomon decision

Football Insider verdict

With Spurs’ pre-season set to get underway soon and no new forward signed as desired, Solomon could be handed opportunities in upcoming friendly matches to show Frank what he could be missing out on.

Frank may need to sort out the futures of Son, Richarlison and Moore before sanctioning a move for Solomon.

That could be a blow for Leeds, or Burnley, who would ideally want the forward in time for their Premier League openers.

Attempting an offer now though could tempt Spurs into a sale, as Frank is keen to add a proven Premier League forward into his attack.

With Bryan Mbeumo linked with Manchester United, Frank will need around £70m to land either Eze or Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

Solomon still needs to prove himself at Premier League level after a knee injury cruelly cut short his first season at Spurs.

Leeds and Burnley could both offer him regular playing time in the top flight, and Solomon looks ready and eager for a move.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a decision on winger Mikey Moore as their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze intensifies.

He became the youngest English goal scorer in major European competition history when he netted his first goal for the club against Elfsborg in January.

The Europa League presented opportunities to Moore to get crucial playing time, but with the club in the Champions League next season, chances could be limited for the youngster.

Championship clubs could offer Moore loan move

As exclusively revealed by Football Insider, Championship clubs Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion are both interested in signing the winger on loan.

That would present Moore with regular playing time and the opportunity to develop in one of the most competitive league’s in the world.

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Moore would link up with former Spurs player and coach Ryan Mason should he choose the Baggies over Blues, which could also be beneficial to his development.

New Spurs boss Thomas Frank is also looking at signing a new winger this summer with Eze high on his list of targets.

After the sacking of Ange Postecoglou split the fanbase, Frank needs to make a positive start, which too could limit any opportunities for Moore.

However, any move for Moore could also depend on what decision Frank takes on Son Heung-min, with the pair set for crunch transfer talks.

Frank needs Eze, but Moore is Spurs’ future

Eze has been lined up as Spurs’ latest attacking option after Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo were also linked with a move to North London.

The 26-year-old reportedly has a £68m release clause in his contract which Spurs could activate.

Having helped Crystal Palace win their first major trophy in their history, and after five seasons at the club, Eze may want a fresh challenge.

The signing of Eze would signal the start of the Frank era in style, with his close control and dribbling ability bringing extra flair to Spurs’ attack.

Those attributes will also help Spurs break down defences and add another dimension to their forward play.

He produced excellent numbers in a side which didn’t win their first Premier League match of the season until late October and finished 12th in the table.

Eze’s flexibility to operate on the wing or in midfield would also benefit Frank tactically depending on the opposition.

Whilst Moore can play a part in Spurs’ future, Frank requires a player right now who can quickly hit the ground running.

Bryan Mbeumo is enjoying his off-season with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur locked in a battle to sign him.

Brentford will be loathe to lose Mbeumo this summer after the Cameroon international after 20 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season, and the Bees have already lost manager Thomas Frank.

Frank’s move to Tottenham has re-ignited their interest in Mbeumo as the Dane looks to bolster his new frontline in North London, but the 25-year-old’s future could take him even further north to Old Trafford.

Man United are keen to add Mbeumo to their attacking options after the acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, but Brentford have rejected their advances thus far as they hold out for a massive fee.

Mbeumo sends ‘time off’ update amid Man United transfer pursuit

Brentford are yet to budge on their valuation of Mbeumo after bids from both United and Spurs, but it’s Tottenham who have offered the most thus far in the form of a £70million attempt on 14 June.

However, the latest update today is that Man United remain in the ‘driving seat’ to sign the forward despite their latest bid of £55m and a further £5m in add-ons being rejected, albeit Mbeumo isn’t feeling the heat of the Red Devils’ pursuit.

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Mbeumo posted on Instagram (23 June) with a selection of images taken across the world, documenting his off-season activities at the French Open, Canadian Grand Prix and Niagara Falls in this off-season.

The in-demand forward left the caption of; “Time off so far”, and among a plethora of Brentford players to like Mbeumo’s post, another reaction came from Man United defender Leny Yoro.

Man United in race to rush through Mbeumo transfer

Football Insider Verdict

Tottenham’s interest in Mbeumo is well founded given the success he’s had playing under Frank across recent seasons, and Spurs would also be able to tempt him with Champions League football next term.

However, Football Insider revealed on 10 June that Mbeumo’s preference is a move to Man United, as the Cameroonian hasn’t been deterred by their lack of European qualification or 15th-placed finish.