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Tottenham look likely to be one of the busier clubs in the summer transfer window and rightly so after a desperately poor 2025/26 Premier League season.

Spurs fought off relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season with a 1-0 win over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was just their third home win of the campaign and ensured new head coach Roberto De Zerbi ended with 11 points from his seven games in charge, doing what was asked of him and keeping the club in the Premier League.

Now attention has turned to the summer transfer window, with De Zerbi requiring investment from the owners, the Lewis Family, to strengthen a squad that he says has "10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay".

De Zerbi will expect financial backing this summer

In a statement this week, the Lewis Family pledged to support the Italian to ensure he can turn things around. It read: "We take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us. That means football comes first. The board and executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition.

"This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months."

The problem Spurs - and other Premier League clubs - will run into this summer is that it is a big international tournament year, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

That will call a halt to negotiations for big-name players who are at the tournament, with any deals not done before the big kick-off potentially needing to wait until it ends in mid-July.

Players heading out to North America will be joining up with their international teammates in the next week, with many nations involved in friendlies to get up to speed before the tournament kicks off. That leaves a very small window between now and the meet date to get transfers over the line.

Tottenham have been linked with a number of players already this summer, but which ones can they get over the line before and even while the World Cup is on?

Two free transfers Spurs are working on

Spurs have lined up deals to sign both Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively. Robertson is understood to be close to signing on the dotted line at Tottenham, but confirming a deal for the Scotland captain now before the World Cup could prove troublesome, with the player likely to be on holiday until the tournament starts.

Senesi, however, is a deal they could complete. It is agreed in principle, but not done yet, and with the Cherries defender missing out on Lionel Scaloni's final squad, a deal could be done when the centre-back returns from holiday.

Spurs can make signings from Man City

Tottenham have been linked with three players from Manchester City, with one of them available on a free transfer. However, they can really only complete a deal for one of them before or during the World Cup.

James Trafford and John Stones have both been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, but both are in Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad. Their full focus will be on the Three Lions, so even though Stones is out of contract, it looks unlikely that a quick deal can be agreed for a move to north London.

Savinho is the other player Spurs are reportedly interested in and after a difficult season with the Citizens he is not part of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the World Cup, meaning Spurs can open talks and get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old.

One Brighton deal out of three could be completed

De Zerbi has been linked with a raid on his former club Brighton & Hove Albion this summer. Dutchmen Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke are understood to be high on his wishlist, but they are both in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup and with negotiations expected to take some time with Brighton, those signings, should they be sought, will have to wait.

One player they can discuss, however, is Carlos Baleba, whom the Independent have claimed de Zerbi also wants to sign.

Cameroon did not qualify for the tournament in North America, so Spurs can discuss terms over a move for the midfielder, who would cost big money.

GMS senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said: "Brighton sources have told me anything that begins with a five, a six, and very possibly a seven or an eight is not going to be engaged with. So Baleba is still going to fall into an expensive category."

Other names in the frame for Tottenham

Another goalkeeper has been linked with Spurs in recent days and it is another one with previous links to De Zerbi in Anatoliy Trubin. The Benfica shotstopper could be part of De Zerbi's plans, depending on what happens with Verbruggen and with the Ukraine not qualifying for the World Cup, the 24-year-old is one Spurs can speak to and try to get over the line quickly.

Lucas Chevalier is another goalkeeper who has been linked with N17 and he is not part of the France squad for the World Cup.

Marcus Rashford is a new name emerging with regard to Tottenham, now that it looks like Barcelona are signing Anthony Gordon instead of him. The frontman has no future at Manchester United, but is with England at the World Cup, so again, any deal will have to wait.

The Lewis Family are "taking responsibility" to turn Tottenham Hotspur's fortunes around this summer.

It has been a season of major upheaval off the pitch and one of almost constant disappointment on the pitch with the 2025/26 going down as one of the worst in the club's modern history.

Roberto De Zerbi was Spurs' third manager of the season when he came in at the end of March, given one task - to keep the club in the Premier League.

Eleven points from seven games in charge secured survival on the final day of the season and Tottenham can now rebuild, both behind the scenes and with De Zerbi's playing staff.

Lewis Family statement points to investment in the playing squad

In their first ever statement to the Tottenham supporters - Daniel Levy was the face and voice of ENIC for 25 years until he left the club in September - the Lewis Family made a vow, while confirming they had no plans to sell.

The statement read: "We take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us. That means football comes first. The board and executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition.

"This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months."

Investment into the playing squad will be key. Tottenham do not have any European commitments next year, and an argument can be made for De Zerbi having a smaller squad as a result. However, the Italian head coach has already admitted that he has "10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay" meaning he does need significant investment to fill out a matchday squad and then the full 25-man squad too.

Work is already being done to strengthen, with Andy Robertson set to sign on a free transfer from Liverpool, having agreed terms on a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Another free transfer should be completed for Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, with a deal in principle agreed with the centre-back.

Spurs have also been linked with a move to sign John Stones on a free, after he left Manchester City at the end of this season.

But there are plenty of links with players who will cost Tottenham big money to sign. A report in the Independent this week stated that De Zerbi wants to raid his old club Brighton for not one, not two, but three new signings.

Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke have been linked before, with Spurs likely to need a new goalkeeper as Guglielmo Vicario looks set to sign for Inter Milan, while even though Senesi looks set to arrive, more defensive reinforcements will be required with club captain Cristian Romero set to depart.

Spurs to battle Manchester United for summer signing

However, the third name to emerge is new - Carlos Baleba.

The Brighton midfielder has not had the best season, but remains one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League. He has been named as on the Manchester United shortlist of midfielder signings this summer, after the Red Devils missed out on signing him last year.

United balked at the £100million price tag on his shoulder then, despite having come to a verbal agreement with the player over a move to Old Trafford.

Baleba, described as 'world-class' has a contract at the Amex Stadium until 2028, meaning this summer would be the optimum time for Brighton to sell, should they wish to do so, to get the most money for his signature.

Reports suggest the Seagulls may have softened their stance on the price tag and GIVEMESPORT understands that is the case, but it will still be an extremely expensive deal for Tottenham to get done.

​​​​​​​Sources indicate how much it will cost to sign Carlos Baleba

GMS senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said: "Brighton sources have told me anything that begins with a five, a six, and very possibly a seven or an eight is not going to be engaged with. So Baleba is still going to fall into an expensive category."

That means if Spurs want to beat Manchester United to his signature, they are going to have to do something they have not done before and sign a player for more than £70million.

Spurs' record signing is Dominic Solanke, having splashed out £65million to sign the striker from Bournemouth in 2024. De Zerbi's system has already been boosted by the return from injury of Rodrigo Bentancur late in the season and with Baleba, who already knows how the Italian wants to play, he could have another ball-winning, ball-playing man he can trust in the middle of the park.

How serious the Lewis Family are when it comes to backing De Zerbi will be evident this summer and a move for Baleba might give everyone an indication of their plans for the future.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow in the transfer market after it emerged that one star Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep has already agreed terms with another club.

Spurs avoided relegation on the final day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win over Everton, and are now looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the World Cup to ensure that scenario isn't repeated next season.

De Zerbi has already green-lit deals for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who will join on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively once their contracts expire, but he now looks set to lose a key member of the squad that helped them earn survival.

Palhinha Reaches Agreement With Sporting CP

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Spurs loanee Joao Palhinha has already reached an agreement with former club Sporting CP about a return to his homeland this summer.

The holding midfielder, who scored vital goals against Wolves and Everton in the battle for survival, spent the season on loan from Bayern Munich, and the Lilywhites hold the option to make the move permanent, with De Zerbi previously admitting that he wanted to keep the Portugal international at the club, having described him as 'one of the best'.

It's understood that Palhinha is also open to staying at the north London club, but with Spurs unsure about triggering the clause, it has allowed Sporting to enter the race to take the 30-year-old back to Lisbon, and they have now agreed personal terms with him.

Sporting haven't closed a deal though, as they still need to negotiate a fee with Bayern Munich. It's reported that Sporting would prefer to strike a deal for a loan with an option to buy, and negotiations are ongoing with the Bundesliga giants about whether that is possible.

Spurs Plans Take Massive Hit

While Palhinha isn't the most exciting signing around, he proved his worth at the back end of the season with his performances on the pitch and his leadership qualities.

He managed to change the mind of De Zerbi and became a key player. So for De Zerbi to enter the new season without him, having openly admitted that he wants him to stay at the club would be a major blow to the team, but also to their plans for the summer window.

In what is likely to be a hugely busy transfer market anyway, Spurs have lots of areas to address, and they won't have been planning on replacing him, which makes their task that little bit more difficult ahead of a hugely important season.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a third signing of the summer after making an offer that the player can't refuse, according to reports in Italy.

The Lilywhites have already agreed deals to sign Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively, after Roberto De Zerbi kept the north London club in the Premier League with a final day win over Everton.

Now the Italian is desperate to strengthen his squad in the summer to ensure they are not in that position again next season, and the club are reportedly closing in on a third deal before the window has even opened.

Tottenham Close to Signing Vergara

According to Napoli Network, Tottenham Hotspur are close to signing Napoli midfielder Antonio Vergara to bolster their midfield.

Vergara, who has been described as 'dangerous', made 19 appearances for the Serie A giants this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists, as the club earned qualification to the Champions League once again.

De Zerbi is understood to have been a big fan of the 23-year-old, having watched him regularly over the last year, and has now decided to make his move to bring him to Tottenham.

Spurs are reportedly ready to table a contract that hands the Italian a significant wage increase, and it's reported that the offer is one that the player considers to be 'unmissable'. Napoli are open to selling the player for the right offer, and a deal now looks to be on the cards.

Tottenham are expected to see several top stars on the move this summer after missing out on European football, and De Zerbi is now ready to bring his own players in to implement his style.

Tottenham Need Midfield Reinforcements

The midfield is always a key area in the Premier League for the top clubs, and Tottenham know that they will need big reinforcements if they want to compete next season.

Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, and Joao Palhinha are the current options, but the Portugal international could well be on the move if his loan deal isn't made permanent, and that would open a spot for Vergara to come in.

If De Zerbi is keen to bring him in, then Spurs need to back him as best as they can, and trust him to do what they are paying him for.

Tottenham are looking to make some quick additions in the summer transfer market, as the squad rebuild gets underway in very swift fashion.

Spurs fans were left frustrated throughout the 2025/26 campaign, having been in real danger of being relegated from the Premier League in shocking circumstances.

The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi signalled some much-needed change, however, as the Lilywhites avoided the drop on the final day of the campaign, registering back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the league.

While there may be some mitigating factors, there are no excuses to be had, as the new Tottenham head coach ushered in a new era by demanding that changes need to be made over the summer transfer window.

Work is already underway, with Spurs agreeing deals to sign Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, but the moves aren't stopping there.

Tottenham Want Matt O'Riley Deal

One area that needs clear reinforcement at Tottenham is the midfield, with a lack of on-the-ball quality hampering the side throughout the recent campaigns.

Several options have been linked with a move to North London as a result, but the latest is a player that De Zerbi is very familiar with from his time elsewhere.

That is Matt O'Riley, as Football Insider reports that Tottenham are lining up a move for the Danish international amid uncertainty over his future at Brighton.

The Seagulls paid £25 million to sign the 25-year-old from Celtic back in 2024, but injury issues ruined his first Premier League campaign with the club.

O'Riley has since found it tough to get back into the mix, which resulted in a loan move to Marseille for the first half of last season, where he played under De Zerbi 25 times, registering one goal and six assists.

His return to Brighton for the second half of the campaign only resulted in 25 minutes for the club in the Premier League, signalling his possible exit.

In O'Riley, there is a player there who can make an impact, having previously been praised as a "genius" during his time at Celtic.

Whether that translates to performances at Tottenham remains to be seen, but with the report claiming that De Zerbi is keen on a reunion, there is a player who clearly knows what it takes to play under the manager.

Tottenham's Midfield Depth For Next Season

The Tottenham midfield is due a shake-up in the summer transfer window, given the difficulties that the team have faced with their quality in-possession.

An exit for Yves Bissouma is on the cards, with the 29-year-old set to be a free agent at the end of June unless an extension can be agreed.

Meanwhile, there are doubts over whether Joao Palhinha could return to Spurs, having enjoyed a successful loan spell from Bayern Munich, but with question marks over his ability on the ball and his age profile.

Beyond them, there is a mix of physicality and promise available, and the job of the Tottenham recruitment team is to find the players who can glue it all together.

Tottenham Central Midfielders

If the club are to bolster those ranks, then there may need to be a player who makes way to ensure that there isn't a bottleneck of players fighting for limited minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, according to reports in Italy.

The midfielder made a name for himself in the 2024-25 season as he scored an extra-time winner for Inter in a thrilling Champions League semi-final triumph over Barcelona.

However, he has been unable to kick on from that moment as he was benched for the final, which Paris Saint-Germain won 5-0.

This campaign he has started just nine games in all competitions and failed to register a goal. Three of those starts came in Serie A as Inter won the title.

The Italian giants are happy to sell Frattesi this summer following a poor season while the player himself is open for a new challenge with several clubs showing an interest.

Tottenham eye move for Davide Frattesi

According to FC Inter News, Spurs are considering a move for the midfielder. Inter will look for around £21.5m to sell the player.

Most of the interest in the 26-year-old comes from Serie A. Atalanta, AS Roma and Juventus are all positioning themselves to begin talks, which could commence in the next few days.

With Italian clubs ready to make their moves, Tottenham will need to act swiftly to avoid missing out on 'one of the best players in Europe'.

Roberto De Zerbi is keen to bolster his options in midfield, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba emerging as a target for the North London club in recent days.

Tottenham's previously-perilous Premier League position made it difficult to plan ahead for the summer window but following the club's survival they can now get to work on trying to sign their top targets.

Davide Fratessi should only be signed as a back-up option at Tottenham

Fratessi has spent his entire professional career in Italy. He was in the academy systems at Lazio and Roma before joining Sassuolo.

He had a series of loan spells before making the temporary switch to Inter in 2023. A year later he signed a four-year contract to join the club permanently.

He is described as a player who can do the 'dirty work' in midfield. Nottingham Forest made an attempt to sign him in January but they do not appear keen to revisit their interest.

The City Ground outfit face a tough battle to keep hold of Elliot Anderson, who is the subject of strong interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.

For Tottenham, if they want to get back challenging at the right end of the table, Fratessi would likely only be good enough as a squad option given his lack of game-time this season.

Manchester City are keen to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro this summer, according to reports in Spain.

The 26-year-old joined Spurs on loan from Sporting CP in January 2023 before signing a permanent deal for around £35million the following summer. He still has two years remaining on his contract at the club.

City are looking at more fresh additions this summer with Enzo Maresca poised to take charge of the club after Pep Guardiola announced his exit last week.

Spurs survived in the Premier League on the final day of the season and are now keen to build under Roberto De Zerbi after putting faith in the Italian to get them out of relegation trouble.

Spurs set £50m price tag for Man City target Pedro Porro

According to Spanish outlet AS, City have already made contact to begin work on a deal to sign Porro. Spurs have set his value at £50million but they would prefer not to sell him at all.

It was reported in February that ex-Spurs boss Thomas Frank believed Porro was the only ‘elite’ player in the squad during his time in charge of the North London club.

Tottenham have held talks with the defender to try and extend his contract but so far no agreement has been reached and City are circling.

The Etihad Stadium club would prefer to get a deal done as quickly as possible and would like to secure an agreement before the World Cup. Porro will travel to the tournament with Spain after being named in the international squad.

Porro spent three years under contract at City between 2019 and 2022 but never made a competitive appearance. He was sent out on loan to Valladolid and Sporting CP before joining the latter permanently.

Pedro Porro can offer something different for Man City

Matheus Nunes has established himself as City's first-choice right-back despite initially arriving at the club as a midfielder.

Porro would provide strong competition for the position but there is no certainty he would dislodge Nunes from the right-back spot.

The Tottenham defender is impressive going forward and according to statistics from Data MB, his crossing, expected assists and progressive passes outshine Nunes.

However, Nunes has won a higher percentage of his defensive duels while the City man also has much better success with aerial duels and ball carrying.

Porro could be tempted by the lure of playing in the Champions League again, with Spurs failing to qualify for any form of European football.

If he was to join, he would be able to offer incoming manager Maresca something different to Nunes. His attacking contributions could prove invaluable to City, as the defender has the ability to further service the prolific Erling Haaland.

Arne Slot is pushing Liverpool to get a deal done for Tottenham Hotspur star Micky Van de Ven this summer to take advantage of their woes, according to Sports Boom.

The Reds had a difficult season in 2025/26 as they finished fifth in the Premier League with 13 defeats and over 50 goals conceded, while they also went trophyless, just a year after winning the Premier League title.

Tottenham, on the other hand, avoided relegation on the final day of the season by defeating Everton, and have already moved quickly in the market to strengthen the squad, with deals agreed for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. But now Liverpool are considering testing their resolve to keep a top star.

Liverpool Consider Van de Ven Bid

Van de Ven, who has been described as 'world-class', has been heavily linked with a move away from north London this summer after their poor performances.

The Netherlands international is understood to be a fan of the Anfield club and would prioritise a move to Merseyside over any other, and Slot is keen to strengthen his defensive options with big question marks surrounding the future of Ibrahima Konate.

Jeremy Jacquet will be arriving after a deal was pre-agreed in January, but Slot is now pushing the club to make a significant bid for the Tottenham star to further strengthen their options with Virgil Van Dijk turning 35 before the new season starts, and Joe Gomez potentially on his way out too.

Van de Ven is understood to be open to a move away from the club, although he is unlikely to push now after enjoying his time under Roberto De Zerbi. Tottenham are braced for interest, however, and would demand 'big money' to let him leave after avoiding a drop down to the Championship.

De Zerbi wants to keep the 25-year-old, but accepts some members of his squad may look to move on to play European football, including Van de Ven.

Van de Ven Would Be Perfect for Liverpool

Liverpool need to prioritise strengthening their defence this summer, and a player like Van de Ven would be a real statement of intent.

While he struggled this year at Spurs, so did everyone else, and he has shown his quality in recent seasons in the Premier League and Champions League. He's a weapon in both boxes at set-pieces, is incredibly quick, and can also play at left-back if necessary, which helps too.

Spurs obviously won't make it easy for them to take him, but Liverpool have shown in the past that they aren't afraid to splash the cash if they deem it necessary, and this should be one of those instances.

Tottenham Hotspur are making a concrete offer to sign West Ham United star Crysencio Summerville this summer, according to news outlet VI.

Spurs avoided relegation at the expense of Summerville and the Hammers on the final day of the season, claiming a 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League, and now Roberto De Zerbi is looking to strengthen his squad to ensure they're not in that situation again.

The club are keen to bolster their attacking options after scoring just 48 goals in their 38 Premier League games, and the east London club have been targeted as a result of their drop down into the second tier.

Tottenham Making Offer for Summerville

Summerville, who has been described as 'electric', enjoyed a fine campaign for the Hammers despite their relegation, and his form is understood to have alerted several clubs to his availability following relegation.

Tottenham showed an interest in the Dutch winger during the January window but were told he was not available, with both clubs battling against the drop, but now they are ready to return and resurrect their interest by making a concrete offer, according to journalist Joost Blaauwhof, via Sport Witness.

Summerville has been called up to the Netherlands squad for the World Cup and is not expected to make a decision on his future before then. However, it is noted that he is 'dreaming of a big transfer' this summer.

Serie A giants Roma are also targeting the 24-year-old winger in the upcoming window, with Gian Piero Gasperini making him his number one target to strengthen their attack. Roma qualified for the Champions League too, which could give them an edge in negotiations, although Spurs will make a play to convince him to stay in London.

It's unclear how much West Ham would demand to let Summerville leave, but having signed him for £25m last summer, it's likely to be around that figure once again.

Summerville a Perfect Tottenham Signing

Tottenham know that they need to find new attacking options that can improve them, and Summerville certainly ticks that box.

The club are also understood to be keen on a move for Man City star Savinho, showing that they mean business, and they have already agreed free transfer moves for both Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. De Zerbi wants players in early, and the club are backing him.

Summerville is someone who can come in and immediately make an impact, while also knowing that he must be patient to earn his place. De Zerbi wants direct players who can disorganise defences, and there aren't many better in the Premier League at that price, so this deal feels like a no-brainer.

Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful of sealing a deal to sign Manchester City star Savinho this summer, and he wants to join to play under Roberto De Zerbi, according to Football Insider.

Spurs avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win over Everton, and the club have already agreed two deals to strengthen the squad this summer, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi expected to join on a free transfer from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.

But the club are also keen to bolster their forward options heading into the new season to ensure they're not facing the same predicament again, and the Brazilian has emerged as a target.

Savinho Wants to Sign for Tottenham

Savinho, who has been described as 'extraordinary', has struggled to make himself a regular in the Man City team since arriving from Troyes in 2024, and is now understood to be ready to move away in order to play more regularly.

Spurs were keen to sign the 22-year-old last summer, but City pushed to keep him as part of Pep Guardiola's squad, and convinced him to sign a new long-term contract once the transfer window closed. However, he still managed just 821 minutes of Premier League action this season, and a move away now looks likely.

It's understood that Savinho is very open to a move to Tottenham this summer, and the prospect of playing under De Zerbi is believed to be a big factor in his thinking.

Enzo Maresca is set to take over at Man City this summer, and it remains to be seen if he views the Brazil international as part of his plans. But with Guardiola gone, it's believed that one of the biggest hurdles for the deal last year has now been removed.

Savinho is ready to push on his end to make a deal happen as he looks to play more regularly, and Spurs are ready to do what they can to add him to their squad.

Savinho Could Be Ideal De Zerbi Winger

This season, De Zerbi had to make do with limited attacking options due to injuries and stylistic clashes, but he managed to avoid the drop. Now, he will be fully backed in the window, and forwards are likely to be a priority.

Richarlison looks likely to be on the move, while Xavi Simons will be sidelined until 2027 after rupturing his ACL last month. There are also question marks over the long-term fitness of Dejan Kulusevski, and the future of Mathys Tel.

So bringing in a forward like Savinho, who loves to run at opponents and has a lethal left foot, could be the perfect addition for Spurs as they look to get back to being one of the top clubs in the division.