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Tottenham are exploring a potential move for Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed.

The North London side are looking to bolster their attacking options before the transfer deadline and have reportedly earmarked Nkunku as a strong alternative to Eze.

Eze snubbed long-standing interest from Spurs in favour of a return to his boyhood club Arsenal, with his reported £68m move now close to completion.

Tottenham are also pursuing a late deal for Manchester City winger Savinho, with a fresh round of talks anticipated in the coming days to try and seal an agreement.

Spurs Eyeing Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku

According to Fletcher, Tottenham have yet to make a formal approach for Nkunku, who is also being targeted by his former club RB Leipzig.

While there are indications the £300,000-a-week Frenchman would be open to a return to Germany, no significant club-to-club talks have materialised yet, leaving the door open for Spurs to hijack Leipzig’s pursuit.

Nkunku’s ability to play both up front and in attacking midfield makes him an ideal fit for Spurs, who have started the season without several key players in attack.

The Lilywhites have yet to welcome back Dejan Kulusevski following his knee injury in May and lost James Maddison to a potentially season-ending ACL setback earlier this month.

The North London side have also parted ways with former captain Son Heung-min, who left to join MLS side Los Angeles FC.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Nkunku scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 48 appearances for Chelsea last term.

Nkunku has no future at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca and is among the players expected to depart before deadline day, having struggled for regular minutes at Stamford Bridge last term.

While the Blues are ‘slightly reluctant’ to sell to a Premier League rival, the door is not closed for his late departure to Spurs, who are considering testing their London rivals’ resolve with an initial bid.

Tottenham have splashed out close to £100m on new arrivals this summer, including £55m on former West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus, who assisted two goals in their 3-0 win over Burnley last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur beat a defensively shaky Manchester City 2-0 in their Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The home side shaded the early stages. After being put through by Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush had a very presentable opportunity, but Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario saved well. Yet it was Spurs who had the ball in the net first. Richarlison broke down the flank and delivered into the path of Brennan Johnson, who smashed the ball home. VAR checked for offside, but the goal was given.

City's insistence on playing out from the back saw Spurs double their lead. James Trafford then played a pass inside his penalty area that Spurs intercepted. In an attempt to atone for his error, Trafford swiped the ball away from the path of Richarlison, but Palhinha hammered in the loose ball. Spurs went into the break 2-0 up, with City looking vulnerable at the back.

City had their moments in the second-half, but overall they struggled to put any cohesive attacks together. When they did have opportunities it was when Spurs were guilty of overplaying in their own penalty area.

With 15 minutes left, Pep Guardiola threw on Rodri and Phil Foden. It was Foden who was denied what appeared to be a certain goal when Micky van de Ven appeared from nowhere to tackle. City may have made many late comebacks at the Etihad, but it wasn't to be on this occasion as Spurs held on for a deserved victory.

Match Highlights

Manchester City Player Ratings

Formation: 4-1-4-1

GK: James Trafford - 3/10

Looked a little nervy in the early stages and made a calamitous error leading to Spurs' second goal.

RB: Rico Lewis - 6/10

A few instances where he didn't communicate as effectively as he would have liked with his goalkeeper.

CB: John Stones - 6/10

City would have been pleased to see him back but the England international wasn't able to inspire his colleagues sufficiently.

CB: Ruben Dias - 6/10

Still looked to be struggling with City's tactics of playing a high line.

LB: Rayan Ait-Nouri - 5/10

Looked disconsolate at having to come off after only 23 minutes due to injury.

DM: Nico Gonzalez - 5/10

Performances like this remind us what a good player Rodri is.

AM: Rayan Cherki - 5/10

Struggled to have any real meaningful impact in the match as he looks to settle in England. Subbed off in the second period.

AM: Tijjani Reijnders - 6/10

Not as influential as he was at Molineux against Wolves.

RW: Oscar Bobb - 5/10

Another player in a blue jersey who struggled to impose himself in the game.

CF: Erling Haaland - 6/10

Looked to try and rouse his teammates, but even that proved to be a struggle.

LW: Omar Marmoush - 5/10

Had opportunities to score in the first-half, but he could not take them. Taken off in the second-half.

SUB: Nathan Ake - 6/10

Brought on 23 minutes in after the injury to Ait-Nouri.

SUB: Bernando Silva - 6.5/10

Made a few enticing deliveries into the Spurs penalty area and perhaps should have started.

SUB: Jeremy Doku - 5/10

Didn't really have an impact on the game.

SUB: Rodri - 5/10

Brought on late in the game.

SUB: Phil Foden - 5/10

With Rodri, given the last 15 minutes.

Tottenham Player Ratings

Formation: 4-3-3

GK: Guglielmo Vicario - 6/10

Performed well and made several good saves, but he too was guilty of overplaying with his feet in his own penalty area.

RB: Pedro Porro - 6.5/10

Assured as ever in the right-back position.

CB: Micky van de Ven - 7/10

Looked imperious at times. With his pace he's virtually impossible to run past.

CB: Cristian Romero - 6.5/10

Showed his usual muscular leadership in the defensive line.

LB: Djed Spence - 7/10

Had some joy down the flank against City and put in a hard-working performance.

RM: Pape Sarr - 7/10

Full of energy and was in the thick of it to make James Trafford's life difficult in the first period. Generally showed great energy in his pressing

CM: Joao Palhinha - 6.5/10

Grew up in confidence after smashing Spurs into a 2-0 lead.

LM: Rodrigo Bentancur - 6.5/10

Had to work hard as City turned up the heat to try get back in the game.

RW: Mohammed Kudus - 6.5/10

Made himself available for the ball without setting the world on fire, but put in a high work rate.

CF: Richarlison - 7.5/10

Broke the City offside trap with a great run and assisted Johnson to put Spurs ahead. The often maligned figure put in a hard-working performance ti inspire victory.

LW: Brennan Johnson - 6.5/10

Provided an assured finish to put Spurs into the lead.

SUB Dominic Solanke - 5/10

Came on for the hardworking Richarlison to give Spurs fresh legs up front.

SUB: Wilson Odobert - 5/10

Had an opportunity to make it three for Spurs but saw his effort go narrowly wide.

SUB: Lucas Bergvall - 5/10

Made a late cameo, but saw plenty of the ball.

SUB: Kevin Danso - 5/10

Brought on in the closing moments.

Tottenham are preparing a bid to sign Como midfielder Nico Paz following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed.

The North London side have reportedly identified Paz as a potential replacement for the injured James Maddison and are looking to make another move for the highly-rated starlet.

Di Marzio claims Spurs already tried to sign Paz earlier this month but saw their €40m (£35m) bid rejected by Como, who are believed to value the 20-year-old at €70m (£60m).

Tottenham are on the lookout for several late reinforcements to Thomas Frank’s squad, with talks also ongoing over Manchester City winger Savinho’s arrival.

The Lilywhites are not giving up on landing the 21-year-old forward before the deadline, despite City’s reluctance to sell, with Frank particularly keen on his arrival.

Tottenham Pushing to Sign Nico Paz

According to Di Marzio, Tottenham are targeting an attacking midfielder to replace James Maddison before the deadline, following the England international’s long-term injury setback.

Maddison suffered an ACL injury in a pre-season friendly earlier this month and could miss the entire 2025/26 campaign, with his recovery expected to take six to seven months.

Tottenham are also without Dejan Kulusevski, who sustained a serious knee injury in May, and have parted ways with former captain Son Heung-min, who joined MLS side Los Angeles FC.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Paz made three appearances in the Champions League for Real Madrid in 2023/24.

Pushing for late signings, Spurs are claimed to be ready to make another move for Paz, although it remains to be seen whether their improved offer will come close to Como’s valuation.

Even if it does, Real Madrid will have the final say on the 20-year-old’s future, having inserted a clause giving them first refusal to match any offer from another club.

Paz joined Como from Real in the summer of 2024 and enjoyed a promising debut season in Serie A, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 35 appearances.

The three-cap Argentina international, who made eight senior appearances for Real before departing, is under contract with Como until June 2028.

Manchester City forward Savinho remains keen to join Tottenham Hotspur before the summer transfer window closes, according to GIVEMESPORT Senior Reporter Fabrizio Romano.

GIVEMESPORT sources exclusively revealed on August 6 that Spurs were targeting a surprise move for the Brazilian attacker, and their subsequent opening £43m offer for the 21-year-old was rejected by City.

Savinho 'Keen' to Join Tottenham Despite Man City Stance

In recent weeks, it emerged that Tottenham wanted to bring in two new forwards following a failed deal for Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, as well as James Maddison picking up an ACL injury during the club's pre-season tour in South Korea.

While negotiations for Savinho have been slow due to the reluctance of someone at Man City who is 'blocking' the exit of the Brazilian, Spurs thought they were about to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this week.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Savinho has three goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances for Man City after joining them for £31m in July 2024.

However, the bombshell dropped on Wednesday night that arch-rivals Arsenal had in fact hijacked the deal, with the 27-year-old preferring to move to the Emirates instead, having grown up as a Gunners fan.

Meanwhile, a potential deal for Savinho depends on City changing their stance on selling a player they still rate to a Premier League rival. Recent reports suggest that Spurs are ready to bid up to £69m with the player's agent currently in London for talks.

Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter on Friday, Romano was asked if Savinho would be keen to join Tottenham should a deal be agreed between the two clubs.

Yes, he is. Open to the move, also because Frank really wants him. Depends on Man City.

While Frank really wants to land Savinho - described as an 'elite ball carrier' - and another attacker before the September 1 deadline, Tottenham performed well enough with their current side in their opening-day 3-0 win against Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Richarlison was the star of the show with two brilliant goals despite exit links throughout the summer, but Frank will want more depth going forward if Spurs are to enjoy a strong Champions League campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to return for a bid for Manchester City star Savinho in the final days of the window, after missing out on Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to rivals Arsenal earlier this week - with reports suggesting that Thomas Frank's men are ready to up the ante to secure a creative spark ahead of the new campaign.

With Tottenham having won the Europa League last season, that means that they will take their place in the Champions League for the upcoming campaign - seeing them become a more attractive proposition for potential targets to join with elite continental football on offer.

Report: Tottenham 'Preparing' New Savinho Offer, Agents in London

With that in mind, the report by Brazilian outlet Ge Globo states that Spurs losing out on Eze to Arsenal has thrust them into a new bid for Savinho - and Daniel Levy is promising to go 'to the limit' to secure the Brazilian's signature.

The club will 'formalise' a new offer soon, despite City continuing to play hardball over a potential move as they aim to keep the youngster in their squad. The final stretch of the window is always heating, with City rejecting Spurs' initial bid - but the north London club are now preparing a new €80million (£69million) bid to acquire the former Girona winger, who Pep Guardiola called 'extraordinary'.

There will be 'no effort spared' in their updated move for the 21-year-old, having seen Eze snub them at the last minute for their local rivals on Wednesday evening, and now Spurs are promising to push a deal through before the September 1 deadline.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Savinho has 13 caps for Brazil, scoring one goal.

Savinho's agents remain in London, peddling negotiations between the two clubs, but City's lack of receptiveness isn't seen as straightforward and that could perhaps scupper a deal. Savinho has 10 assists in just 29 Premier League games, providing a real creative spark under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, but his output in terms of goals will need to be improved upon, having only scored once in the top-flight last season.

Spurs already have Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson able to play on the right flank, whilst Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Manor Solomon can play on the left. However, with an injury to James Maddison, it's likely that Kulusevski and Kudus will drop into that role in central midfield, allowing Savinho a clear run to make the right-wing his own after some impressive performances for City in his debut campaign in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur have held initial talks over a late move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, journalist Miguel Delaney has revealed.

The Europa League winners have reportedly made the England international a priority target after missing out on the Crystal Palace ace, who is close to completing a £68m switch to the Emirates.

Tottenham have already made contact through intermediaries to see if a deal for Rogers is possible, and there is a feeling that a ‘proper bid’ might change Villa’s stance.

Unai Emery’s side do not want to sell the 'frightening' midfielder, who was named PFA Young Player of the Year on Tuesday and has been instrumental to their success in the past several seasons.

Rogers is expected to cost £80m+ and considerably more than Eze, given he is under contract until June 2030 at Villa Park, which may eventually prove a huge obstacle for Spurs.

Tottenham Make Morgan Rogers Top Target

According to Delaney, a late summer deal for Rogers could end up costing in excess of £80m amid Villa’s strong negotiating position:

However, a strong initial bid may be able to soften their stance, as Villa continue to face PSR constraints and recently parted ways with Jacob Ramsey, who joined Newcastle in a £40m deal.

Tottenham are believed to have several alternative attacking targets in mind, including Como starlet Nico Paz and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

The Lilywhites have also registered their interest in Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling with an initial approach, while the possibility of a deal for Chelsea target Xavi Simons has also been discussed.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Rogers scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 37 Premier League appearances last term.

Tottenham have splashed out close to £100m on new arrivals to boost new manager Thomas Frank’s squad this summer, including £55m on former West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian winger started the season well by providing two assists in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Burnley last weekend and starred in the absence of several first-team stars.

Spurs were without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie and Radu Dragusin for their season-opening victory, with Maddison the latest to suffer a long-term setback earlier this month.

Tottenham have held fresh talks over a late move for Manchester City winger Savinho following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The North London side are not giving up hope in their efforts to land the £70m-rated Brazilian forward before the transfer deadline and are 'pushing' to get the deal over the line.

Spurs have yet to convince Man City to sell – the Etihad Stadium chiefs continue to block the move as they want to keep the 'incredible' 21-year-old, who is greatly admired by Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

Romano claims Frank is ‘in love’ with Savinho’s talent and wants to have the Brazilian among his attacking options this season, following Eze’s decision to join Arsenal and snub long-standing interest from Tottenham.

The Crystal Palace star is now close to completing a £68m switch, with verbal agreements in place on both the club and player sides.

Tottenham Pushing to Sign Man City's Savinho

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Tottenham have intensified their efforts to sign Savinho following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eze:

“Tottenham Hotspur are not giving up on Savinho. I told you last night – Eze is over, Eze is going to Arsenal.

“Tottenham want to insist on Savinho. Also, today Tottenham had new contacts for Savinho. The message remains the same from Man City – they want to keep the player, they don’t want Savinho to go.

“There is someone in the Manchester City hierarchy pushing to keep Savinho at the club and closing doors to Tottenham, but I can guarantee you that Tottenham are pushing.

“Tottenham believe Savinho is the perfect signing. Thomas Frank, Tottenham manager, is in love with Savinho and wants Savinho to join. So let’s see if they can find a solution.”

Savinho was a regular in Pep Guardiola’s squad following his move from Girona to Man City last summer, making 48 appearances, scoring three goals and providing 13 assists last season.

The Brazilian forward has missed the start of the 2025/26 campaign after picking up an injury in pre-season and is expected to return around the September international break.

Tottenham are on the lookout for late signings following Son Heung-min’s departure to Los Angeles FC and James Maddison’s ACL injury, which has sidelined him for around six to seven months.

The Lilywhites were also without Dejan Kulusevski for their 3-0 win over Burnley last weekend, with the Sweden international still recovering from a knee injury.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank could look to raid his former club Brentford after missing out on Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who is now bound for north London rivals Arsenal - with reports suggesting that some of their budget could be used to land Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins to shore up their defensive contingency.

The report by CaughtOffside states that Tottenham are 'stepping up their efforts' to sign Collins from Brentford after his impressive four-year spell in the Premier League. The Republic of Ireland colossus has four years left on his Brentford deal, having only signed for the Bees two years ago from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his improved form in landing the west London club a top-half finish in the Premier League last time out has forced interest from various elite top-flight clubs.

Report: Tottenham 'Stepping Up Their Efforts' to Sign Nathan Collins

Any transfer is complicated. Brentford have already lost manager Thomas Frank to Spurs this summer, as well as star man Bryan Mbeumo joining Manchester United, whilst pacy forward Yoane Wissa is on the trails of Newcastle United, who had a bid rejected for his services on Wednesday.

However, Spurs are thought to be 'upping their efforts' to sign the Ireland international for a potential move to north London, with Frank being keen to work with his former defender again.

Contacts are expected to take place 'imminently' for the former Burnley star, with excellent competition for Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven being sought-after by the Danish gaffer.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Nathan Collins has two goals in 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Other clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are thought to be interested, though United's financial situation means that they would need to sell players before making a bid, putting them at a disadvantage - whilst Marc Guehi is higher up the Reds' shortlist as Arne Slot looks for added defensive recruits.

That means that Tottenham is the most likely destination for Collins, who has already made over 175 appearances in English football since his debut for Stoke City back in April 2019 - including 116 in the Premier League for Burnley, Wolves and Brentford.

At just 24, Collins is primarily a ball-playing centre-back who has a lot of room for improvement at a young age, though he can also play at right-back when needed - and with five top-flight goals to his name, the back of the net isn't alien to him, which could prove advantageous over the course of Tottenham's Champions League and Premier League campaign in the next year.

Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison has made it clear to head coach Thomas Frank and influential figures behind the scenes that he is eager to fight for his place instead of heading through the Hotspur Way exit door before the transfer window slams shut, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs have not been afraid to splash the cash in the aftermath of winning the Europa League last season, with Mohammed Kudus being the most expensive acquisition thanks to sealing a £55million switch from West Ham United, and there remains an appetite to make further adjustments to the squad.

It is a testing period for Tottenham as they are recovering from being snubbed by Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who is joining arch-rivals Arsenal instead after an agreement in principle was reached earlier this week, but there is still time to do further business ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Richarlison Determined to Remain With Spurs

Richarlison is pushing to stay at Tottenham after holding internal talks with high-ranking officials before the campaign got underway, according to GMS sources, and he is refused to adjust his stance despite accepting that he is taking a gamble as he aims to ensure he will be involved in the World Cup next year.

Spurs considered offering the Brazil international to Crystal Palace as part of the deal to win the race for Eze earlier this week, due to his departure opening the door for a move to be made for wantaway Brentford frontman Yoane Wissa, but he will not be heading to Selhurst Park in the coming days.

GMS sources have been informed that Richarlison's preference is to stay at Tottenham and, having grabbed a brace during the Premier League season opener against Burnley last weekend, he is determined to build on the performance in his current surroundings instead of seeking a switch.

Frank is a firm admirer of the 28-year-old striker, with the Danish tactician describing his finish as 'exceptional' when he doubled his tally in the victory over the Clarets, but mulling over including him as part of the offer for Eze has resulted in there being uncertainty over whether he will remain at the forefront of his plans.

Richarlison has insisted that he is prepared to battle with fellow marksman Dominic Solanke for a regular starting berth at Tottenham, GMS sources have learned, and he has indicated to key decision-makers that he will not agitate for a move in the final stages of the summer transfer window.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Richarlison averaged a goal every 129 minutes during the 2024/25 Premier League campaign

Richarlison Not Eager to Take Backward Step

GMS sources have been told by those close to Richarlison that he would not be interested in joining a club of Crystal Palace's calibre as he would see it as a backward step in his career, meaning that he could have scuppered Tottenham's hopes of including him in the deal for Eze if the pursuit progressed.

Although the former Everton marksman has entered the final two years of a contract which allows him to pocket up to £130,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, he is eager to feature in the Champions League and is not entertaining the possibility of joining a side which cannot match his ambitions.

Richarlison is determined to build on his opening day exploits when Tottenham travel to Manchester City on Saturday, GMS sources understand, even though there has been speculation over his future and he is expected to be the subject of further interest as the transfer deadline looms.

Eze is not the only target that Spurs have missed out on as GMS sources recently revealed that the north Londoners were willing to pay £40million before James McAtee joined Nottingham Forest, but they are also toying with the idea of sanctioning departures before September 1.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 21/08/2025

Tottenham have held internal talks over a late move for RB Leipzig starlet Xavi Simons following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The North London side are on the lookout for late attacking reinforcements and have reportedly earmarked Simons as a potential alternative to Eze.

The Crystal Palace attacking midfielder snubbed long-standing interest from Spurs in favour of a move to Arsenal and is now close to completing a £68m switch.

Tottenham are also facing a tough battle with fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Simons, as the Dutch international has his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Romano suggests Spurs have made contact to explore a potential deal for Simons in the last couple of days, but are not anticipating anything easy in the chase to sign the 22-year-old.

Tottenham Would Love to Sign Xavi Simons

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Tottenham would love to sign Simons before the transfer deadline following Eze’s decision to join Arsenal:

“Another player they would love to add, and they made some contact a few days ago already was Xavi Simons. But Xavi Simons has his heart set on a move to Chelsea.

“So now for Tottenham is going to be not easy, for sure, after the crazy Morgan Gibbs-White story and after this Eze story to try understand what they can do next. Rogers, very difficult. Xavi Simons wants to go to Chelsea.”

Simons emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking midfielders during his two seasons at Leipzig, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists in 77 appearances, and has been described as 'one of the best 10s in the world'.

The 'superstar' Dutch international was initially on loan at the German club for the first 18 months before Leipzig activated their €50m option to make his move permanent from Paris Saint-Germain in January.

Tottenham are on the lookout for late attacking reinforcements following Son Heung-min’s move to LAFC and James Maddison’s long-term injury.

The 28-year-old midfielder sustained an ACL setback in a pre-season friendly earlier this month and could miss the entire 2025/26 campaign.

Spurs were also without first-team stars Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski for the 3-0 win over Burnley last weekend, with Kulusevski still recovering from a knee injury he sustained in May.