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Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Elijah Upson after he left Tottenham Hotspur, having beaten off competition from a number of top European clubs for his signature, according to journalist Simon Jones.

Tottenham have shocked everybody with the aggression and strength of their summer business so far, but Arsenal's squad needs a lot less work after a stunning 2025-26 campaign where they came within a penalty shootout of winning both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Their only incoming business so far has been to add Illan Meslier to their goalkeeping options on a free transfer, following his exit from Leeds United last month at the end of his contract.

The Gunners are working on new additions for their frontline and midfield at the moment, with all the top sources in the industry confirming their desire to land Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes in this summer transfer window, even though they are yet to make contact with the Magpies over a deal.

The north Londoners are looking to bolster their attack too after accepting a bid from Besiktas for Leandro Trossard, with Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge a target alongside their number one priority, Aston Villa and England's Morgan Rogers.

Arsenal Win Fierce Race for Tottenham Defender

According to Daily Mail journalist Jones, Upson has decided to join Arsenal after leaving their arch-rivals Tottenham this summer.

The lightning-fast centre-back, who is a former 100m sprint champion from his school days and son of former Gunner Matthew, has chosen to remain in north London despite interest from some of the biggest clubs across Europe.

The talented 18-year-old also had offers from Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, but has opted to join the Premier League holders.

He is likely to link up with their youth sides before looking to make the jump up to the first team in the coming seasons.

Arsenal Hold Talks Over Signing 'Best Player in the World'

Arsenal are determined to add a new left-sided attacker to Mikel Arteta's squad this summer, especially if Trossard departs, and one report has claimed that they have been in contact over a potential deal for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian currently has two years remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu, but if no progress is made on negotiations over a new deal then Real could be tempted to cash in on the exciting Brazil international.

Vini Junior and his representatives are said to be demanding a jump up to a salary of around £500,000-a-week from his current £350,000-a-week wage, with the La Liga giants keen to strike a deal on a £400,000-a-week contract.

Arsenal aren't the only Premier League club being informed by intermediaries over the 26-year-old's availability, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool also showing some level of interest.

There is no doubt that the Brazilian would be a huge statement signing for any of those aforementioned clubs, and it would be great to see him in the Premier League.

Tottenham continue to be linked with attackers as they turn their attention to their attacking core. Spurs have put together a record spend this summer, splashing out more than £235million so far, and they are not done yet.

Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke have taken up much of the spend, and with the midfield and defence taken care of, keeping in mind centre-back Marcos Senesi was signed on a free deal, Roberto De Zerbi is now turning his attention to the attacking areas.

A winger and potentially a striker are likely to be signed, and if De Zerbi can help it, he may try to kill two birds with one stone by adding a winger who can also play in the number 9 position.

Tottenham pushing the hardest to Marcus Rashford

Spurs have been linked with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford for much of the summer, with the England World Cup attacker on the lookout for a new club. Recent reports suggest the Red Devils are happy to welcome him back for now, but hoping to reduce their wage bill, Rashford is very much for sale at the right price, which is believed to be around £40million.

According to ASRomaLive, amid interest from Roma, Tottenham have 'had the most concrete contact' with Rashford at this stage as they continue to ponder a deal. Though, it is added that Rashford would prefer to play Champions League football, and Spurs cannot offer any kind of European football next season.

As well as Spurs and Roma, Napoli, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in Rashford this summer. It's also claimed Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have had 'real negotiations'. Recent reports suggest a deal is not expected to take place early in the summer, particularly with the forward at the World Cup, and he could even start the new season with United.

Rashford situation remains wide open

Speaking during the World Cup, Rashford admitted he wanted a move before the tournament. He said: "I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it (a move) done before. If it’s not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We’re fighting for something special."

The forward had a fine season for Barcelona last term, scoring 14 and assisting as many, and it's not impossible that the Catalan club return with fresh interest for him despite passing on the chance to sign him permanently with an option to buy.

Barca wanted to sign a new striker first, which they have now done, but it's likely a move for another attacker will be dependent on Ferran Torres leaving. Torres has also been linked with Spurs in the last couple of days.

Tottenham are said to be interested in a proven Premier League attacker who is now playing his football in Spain. It has already been a busy summer for the North London club, who have amassed a club-record spend of more than £235million.

Roberto De Zerbi is getting money to spend that no Spurs boss before him has had, but the trade-off is that he will be expected to turn a bottom-dwelling team into one that is ready to qualify for Europe next season.

Up to now, Tottenham have concentrated on strengthening their midfield options, but having ticked off two big midfield signings, attention will now turn to attacking recruits.

Tottenham now considering Barcelona signing

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are interested in a move for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who has reportedly been marked for exit this summer. Barca have spent big to land Karim Adeyemi this summer, replacing Robert Lewandowski, and Torres could pay the price. The report claims Atletico Madrid are showing the strongest interest, but Tottenham and Aston Villa are also said to be interested.

The Spain international, who is with La Roja at the World Cup this summer, scored 21 goals across all competitions for Barca last season, is said to carry an asking price of €35million, which works out at around £29.8million.

That will be seen as a bargain fee for a 26-year-old player who already has Premier League experience, winning the Premier League title and three LaLiga titles.

Torres is also able to play out wide and as an out-and-out striker, which is something De Zerbi may look for this summer given the club's current spending total and the needs they still need to tick off.

Torres has had a steady impact in recent times

Torres has not been a key starter for Barca in recent times, even though he has been plenty involved. Still, last year, Barca boss Hansi Flick praised him for his ability to come in and make an impact after a Copa del Rey clash. He said: "It's important that everyone shows his best. Ferran, his performance was really good. As a No.9, it counts that you score goals and he did it really great today.

"I am happy because he scored three goals. It's amazing because he has not had an easy time this season. He came back after an injury and I'm happy for him, he was great today."

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, although the Cherries are doing 'everything they can' to prevent the North London club from securing the player, according to journalist Peter O'Rourke.

Kroupi scored 13 goals in his debut campaign in the Premier League after completing a switch from Lorient to the south coast of England last summer. This impressive return has sparked interest from some of the country's top clubs, including Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Lilywhites have emerged as the frontrunners in the chase for the young Frenchman, although Bournemouth's reported £85 million valuation could ultimately prevent the deal from materialising.

The Europa League side are intent on keeping hold of their prized possession ahead of what is set to be a historic season in their club's history.

Bournemouth keen to deter Tottenham from Junior Kroupi move

Spurs have emerged from a dire season firing on all cylinders in the transfer market. Sandro Tonali has joined in a mammoth £100million move, while Mateus Fernandes has signed for the North Londoners for £85million.

Roberto De Zerbi has also strengthened his backline significantly, adding Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to his ranks.

Now, attention has turned to bolstering the forward line. Cody Gakpo and Savinho are targets for De Zerbi, while they also want a new centre-forward to compete with and eventually succeed the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Kroupi is understood to be the primary target, but Bournemouth are looking to make things difficult for Spurs in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

Journalist O'Rourke told Football Insider that the Cherries are doing 'everything they can' to keep hold of the number nine.

“Kroupi is somebody that they’re [Spurs] definitely interested in, whether they can pull it off or not, it’s going to be very difficult, there’s no doubt about that," he said.

“Bournemouth are doing everything they can to keep hold of the player. They’ve put a huge price tag on his head as well.”

Tottenham need to be careful in Junior Kroupi pursuit

Multiple reports suggest that £85million is the sum Spurs will have to stump up to land Kroupi.

While this would be a reasonable fee in the context of this market for the most promising young striker available, Tottenham need to be careful in their pursuit of the former Lorient man.

At somewhere between £90million and £100million, this move becomes a huge risk for Spurs. While Kroupi has shown glimpses of brilliance, there is no guarantee that he will develop into a superstar striker.

This potential fee reflects a nailed-on generational striker — something Kroupi simply cannot be considered as, just yet.

Tottenham have been busy this summer, but one deal will not be going through. Spurs are in the midst of a record summer transfer window, spending more than £235million, which is the most they have ever spent, and it makes them the world's biggest spenders so far this summer.

Roberto De Zerbi has been fully backed after keeping the North London club in the Premier League, and there is no sign of the transfer business slowing down. Spurs are now focusing on improving their attack, and we are likely to see a winger signing, and potentially a striker signing before the end of the window.

But De Zerbi will not be granted one of the wishes he had coming into the summer

Tottenham will now pass on re-signing Joao Palhinha

Despite earlier negotiations, Tottenham are not going to be re-signing Joao Palhinha, who impressed during a loan spell with the club last season. The Portugal international was one of the few consistent Spurs players in a dire season, but he was not snapped up on the pre-agreed £25.9million option to buy.

Discussions followed over a cheaper fee, but Bayern paid big money for Palhinha, and they held strong. Meanwhile, Spurs went and signed two pricey midfielders in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, effectively ending any chances of a deal.

German journalist Christian Falk said: "It is TRUE: Talks with Tottenham over signing João Palhinha are 100% dead in the water. Palhinha would also be keen to return to his native Portugal. Sporting Lisbon are keen on him, but the problem is that Bayern want to make another sale, while the former wish to secure a loan deal for the holding midfielder with a buy-option attached after a year.

"Bayern are firm: they want the money now. They had calculated that they would get €30m-35m if Tottenham had triggered his buy clause. Spurs won’t do that now, so Bayern want to get this money elsewhere. So, a loan wouldn’t be the perfect solution for the club, which is why this is going to take some time. “

De Zerbi wanted to bring back Palhinha

Speaking at the end of last season, Spurs boss De Zerbi said when asked if he wanted to keep Palhinha: "100 per cent [I want to keep him next season)]. We have to start with [those] types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy.

“I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have with us Palhinha.”

Despite those comments, it's important to note than De Zerbi didn't know Tonali and Fernandes would be signed, which may have changed his mind. Both players are top level options, and with Pape Matar Sarr, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur at the club, it doesn't leave much room for Palhinha.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to lodge a blockbuster bid for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, as Roberto De Zerbi's rampant summer transfer window continues.

The Lilywhites have gone big in the market thus far, signing a number of players in an attempt to reverse their fortunes following back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have arrived for a combined £185 million from Newcastle United and West Ham United, respectively, while the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have joined to bolster the North London club's backline.

Now, attention has turned towards strengthening De Zerbi's attack. A striker is high on the Italian's wishlist, and Kroupi is seemingly the primary target.

While Bournemouth are reluctant to sell their prized asset, Spurs are set to test the Cherries' resolve with a £75million bid. Given how aggressive Tottenham have been in the market so far, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a deal materialise for the young Frenchman.

Shirt Numbers Taken by Tottenham's New Signings So Far

A major squad overhaul means a freshening up in squad numbers. Six players have already arrived at Spurs this summer, with three of them receiving their assigned shirt number already.

Tonali will wear the No.16 shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Italian has historically worn eight, but this number is currently taken by Conor Gallagher at Spurs.

Meanwhile, Fernandes has been granted the No.18 shirt, which had been vacant, with Yang Min-hyeok last wearing it in the 2024/25 season. Elsewhere, the other new signings have yet to be assigned a squad number.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who signed from Burnley to compete with the likes of Antonin Kinsky and Guglielmo Vicario, if he stays at the club, is yet to be given a shirt number. Fellow new signings Senesi, Robertson and van Hecke have also yet to be given their new numbers at Spurs.

Robertson has worn 26 throughout his career, although this shirt has been left vacant at Tottenham since Ledley King wore it between 1998 and 2012. While the number hasn't been officially retired, the Scottish left-back isn't expected to be granted this iconic number and may have to settle for something different.

Shirt Numbers Available to Junior Kroupi

If Kroupi does arrive at Spurs, there will not be a host of shirt numbers available to him, at least until some players are shipped out, reflecting the bloated nature of De Zerbi's ensemble. No.2 and No.5 are the only two vacant starting XI numbers, and neither is synonymous with a striker.

Kroupi has worn several different numbers throughout his short career to date, indicating that there isn't a unique one he opts for for a specific reason. Numbers 9, 22, 23, 33, 30 and 18 have all been worn by the 20-year-old in recent years.

The only repeat shirt number in Kroupi's career is 22, which he wore for a spell at Lorient and now at Bournemouth. The No.22 is currently available in N17, and thus, this might be the most obvious choice for the player.

That said, there are plenty more options for him if he does indeed decide to swap the south coast for North London. Number 12 is available after Emerson Royal deserted it when leaving Tottenham in 2024.

This shirt has been worn by the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker at Spurs, making it a potentially appealing shirt for Kroupi to choose.

Richarlison Exit Could Give Kroupi What he Wants

Classic striker number nine shirt is currently donned by Richarlison, who is unlikely to be willing to give it up to a young player arriving from Bournemouth. However, there are question marks over the Brazilian's future in north London, with the potential that he could leave the club this summer.

No other numbers under 30 are available, so if Kroupi opts against 12 or 22, he may have to settle for an unconventionally high shirt number. No.32 is vacant, and carries some significance at Tottenham, as iconic left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto wore it in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Above that, 34, 36 and 39 are all available numbers under 40. Above that, a handful of interesting shirt number worn by players at Tottenham are up for grabs. No.62, worn by Harry Winks for a season, and No.81, worn by Andros Townsend, are both unconventional options for Kroupi to consider.

Available shirt numbers for Kroupi at Tottenham: 2, 5, 12, 22, 32, 34, 36, 39, 41, 42, 43, and several more above 45.

Tottenham are in talks with Manchester City over a move to sign Savinho this summer, a year after almost concluding a deal to sign the Brazilian forward.

Spurs have worked hard so far in the summer transfer window to revitalise Roberto De Zerbi's squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, spending more than £237million on six players thus far.

But all of the new signings have been made at the back and in midfield, with De Zerbi yet to add to his forward line.

That may be about to change, with Spurs continuing talks with City over a deal to sign the Brazilian 22-year-old.

Savinho performed well when called upon for Man City last season

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Savinho is "number one, two and three" priority for Tottenham this summer now, amid reports of interest in the likes of Rafael Leao and Cody Gakpo too.

Savinho played a bit-part role for the Citizens last season, having not been allowed to leave for north London last summer, although he did rack up 36 appearances in all competitions. However, only 14 of those were in the starting lineup. He did still manage seven goal contributions - four goals and three assists - with all but one of those goal contributions coming when he was in the XI, showing what he is capable of when trusted from the start.

And Savinho has caused a stir, suggesting he is ready to make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a social media post on Friday night.

The City forward has been on his holidays, having not been chosen for the Brazil squad for the World Cup, as he prepares to return to pre-season. But like everyone else in football he has been taking in what has been going on in America, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament reaching the quarter-final stage this week.

Tottenham star Pedro Porro was in action on Friday night as Spain defeated Belgium in the last eight to progress to the semi-finals. And the right-back played a vital role in the victory. Speaking afterwards, he said on Instagram: "On to the semis! Proud of this crew that keeps dreaming big. One step closer."

​​​​​​​Savinho had his say on Porro's Spain display

City star Savinho was immediately in the replies. He commented: "Jogaaaaa muito fechamento." That loosely translates to: "He plays really well, man."

A comment of congratulations to the Spurs right-back which is curious, considering the two do not share a nationality, nor have they ever played alongside one another.

Porro did start life in England with City, joining the Premier League side in 2020, before leaving to move to Sporting CP in 2022. But there was no crossover, with Savinho not arriving at the Etihad until 2024.

Savinho may just have wanted to congratulate the Spurs man on a good performance at the World Cup, but there may be more to it than that, too.

Tottenham have turned their attention to forward signings in the summer transfer window, having bolstered their backline and their midfield already this summer.

Spurs have been the most active club in the transfer window so far, improving head coach Roberto De Zerbi's squad with six new arrivals.

But they are not done there. One goalkeeper, three defenders and two midfielders have joined the north Londoners and now the Italian head coach wants to strengthen in forward areas.

Spurs still have a number of players out injured

Xavi Simons will miss more than half of the 2026/27 season with an ACL injury, while Wilson Odobert is not expected back on the pitch until October at the earliest following his ACL injury.

It remains to be seen when Dejan Kulusevski can return, having missed the entire 2025/26 campaign, while there are question marks over the future of Richarlison.

GIVEMESPORT understands that at the start of the window Spurs were keen to add a new left winger and potentially a new No.9 to their ranks when it came to forward signings and a number of left-sided players have been linked with a move to N17.

Talks over a move for Savinho go back as far as last summer, with the City man looking set to join before the Etihad outfit pulled the plug on the move. Spurs have shown a keen interest once more this summer, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stating that conversations have been "ongoing".

However, Rafael Leao has emerged as a potential alternative target to the Manchester City winger, while Cody Gakpo's name has also been touted around as a potential signing for De Zerbi.

Romano delivered a new update on Savinho on his YouTube channel in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time, suggesting that the City man is their number one priority.

Savinho is the man Tottenham want this summer

He said: "My understanding is, the main names to take into consideration for Tottenham for the singer positions are Cody Gakpo, but at the moment Liverpool are yet to open doors to an exit, and Savinho.

"Savinho is a top target for Tottenham. These two players are considered priorities for Tottenham for the winger position. I'm not saying they are joining because this depends on negotiations, but Savinho is number one, two, and three because Tottenham already wanted him one year ago.

"Then Cody Gakpo is a desire of Tottenham, but this depends on Liverpool at the moment. Liverpool are not opening the doors to an exit, so we have to be patient and see what's going to happen there."

Tottenham Hotspur's summer rebuild is making for entertaining viewing and they have reportedly been offered the chance to sign one of Europe's most highly-rated attackers.

Six players have already joined Roberto De Zerbi's project including Sandro Tonali for £100 million and Mateus Fernandes for £85 million. The North Londoners clearly mean business and have now set their sights on bringing a new forward to the English capital.

Spurs have been linked with several attackers, including Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi. It's turning out to be one of the busiest windows in the club's history ahead of De Zerbi's first full season in charge.

Tottenham Offer Rafael Leao

According to Italian journalist Daniele Longo, Tottenham have been offered for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao. The Portuguese ace is expected to leave San Siro after confirming he plans to take on a new challenge.

Leao's potential availability alerted Spurs and Longo previously claimed that he had agreed to join the Lilywhites. It appears the club have been given the opportunity to press ahead with their pursuit of the 27-year-old.

There's no word on how much the Premier League giants have offered Milan but reports claim the Serie A club want around £61m for the player. He has two years left on his contract with the Rossoneri where he's been playing his football since August 2019.

Leao Ticks Plenty of Boxes For Spurs

Leao could be an excellent signing for Spurs as his versatile profile gives De Zerbi plenty of options in attack. While he is a winger by trade, he's also capable of leading the line and has a decent goalscoring record.

Last season, Leao managed 10 goals in 31 games across competitions, adding to an overall tally of 80 goals in 291 games for Milan. He has earned plenty of praise during his time in Italian football, with some calling him a "world-class" talent.

The former Lille man has frightening pace and impressive finishing ability. He suits the brand of football De Zerbi is looking to implement and would bring years of experience.

It's already been an extremely busy summer for Tottenham Hotspur and it could get even more hectic should they step up their interest in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

Spurs have already spent over £100 million, signing Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. After nearly suffering relegation last season, the club have made it their mission to back Roberto De Zerbi with a major squad overhaul.

A new forward is expected to arrive and the Lilywhites are interested in Bournemouth rising star Junior Kroupi. The French starlet has reportedly told the North Londoners that he's open to joining.

Tottenham Make Concrete Move For Rashford

Kroupi isn't the only attacker on Tottenham's radar as they are also monitoring Rashford's situation at United. The English forward spent last season on loan at Barcelona and impressed, scoring 14 goals and providing as many assists in 49 games.

Despite this, the Catalans have opted not to sign Rashford permanently, paving the way for the £325,000-a-week England international to move elsewhere. He has plenty of options and Spurs are reportedly pushing hardest for the 28-year-old.

According to Italian outlet Asromalive.it, the Lilywhites are the club that have made "the most concrete contact with the player." The problem is that Rashford wants to play UEFA Champions League football next season, something De Zerbi's side can't offer.

Rashford has also been sounded out by Italian giants Roma and Napoli, but he isn't giving priority to the Serie A clubs. A return to Aston Villa, where he spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan, is another option, while Newcastle United are keen.

Spurs could also face competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who are said to have "started real negotiations in recent days." Barca could still come back in for the player, although they have signed Anthony Gordon and agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund for Karim Adeyemi.

Spurs Need to Prioritise Kroupi First

If De Zerbi believes Rashford, dubbed "world-class" can take his Tottenham team to another level, the club's transfer chiefs need to do their best to secure his signature. He's proven to be one of the most talented English forwards, and his drop in form at United came amid a lack of confidence with constant managerial changes.

Player's preference aside, the main stumbling block for Spurs is his wages, as he currently sits on £300,000 per week (via Capology) at Old Trafford. That's a ridiculously high salary, and it's hard to imagine the club agreeing to pay him that amount.