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Spurs are embarking on an unprecedented summer spending spree - here’s how Roberto De Zerbi’s XI could look come August 22

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham are not resting on their laurels after securing Premier League survival on the final day of last season.

Wholesale changes were promised by Roberto De Zerbi following Spurs’ 1-0 win over Everton last month, and with three new players already through the doors, they have not wasted any time in seeking to redress the balance of the squad.

De Zerbi has been keen to add experience and leadership to his ranks and has brought in defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke to bolster his backline.

There are expected to be more changes, with Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali a target, while youngsters Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic have signalled their desire to leave the club.

The futures of captain Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also remain in doubt, and come the start of the new Premier League season, Spurs could look like a completely different team.

Standard Sport takes a look at what Spurs’ starting line-up could be next season if the summer window goes to plan...

Sandro Tonali is Tottenham’s biggest summer target

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Vicario has long been linked with a return to his native Italy, with Serie A champions Inter Milan credited with interest in the 29-year-old.

The Spurs shot-stopper missed the final weeks of the season following hernia surgery and has yet to play under De Zerbi.

In his place, understudy keeper Antonin Kinsky impressed as Spurs shored up their defence to get over the line in the fight for survival, and De Zerbi may yet decide to stick with Kinsky as his No1 next season.

There is longstanding interest in Manchester City's keeper James Trafford, who is keen for first-team minutes next term, but as yet no talks have taken place regarding a deal.

De Zerbi has already made sweeping changes in defence, and with Romero likely to leave this summer, it appears that £52million man Jan Paul van Hecke will partner fellow countryman Micky van de Ven in central defence.

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Van de Ven could yet leave the club, but De Zerbi seems determined to convince the Dutch centre-half to stay and potentially take on the captaincy should Romero depart.

Jan Paul van Hecke and Roberto De Zerbi have been reunited

PA

Former Liverpool stalwart Robertson looks set to provide cover for Destiny Udogie at left-back, while Pedro Porro will remain first-choice right-back after signing a new long-term contract.

Spurs are in the market for a ball-playing midfielder to give them more authority in the centre of the park, and appear to have landed on Sandro Tonali as their prime target.

De Zerbi is a huge admirer of Tonali, but knows it would take a substantial fee to prize him away from Newcastle.

Were Tonali to come to Spurs, he would likely sit alongside Rodrigo Bentancur at the base of midfield. There is said to also be interest in West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

With so many injuries in attack, it is difficult for Spurs to be quite as aggressive in addressing their issues going forward as they have been in defence.

Marcus Rashford is another name linked

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Man City winger Savinho is a long-term target, and Spurs have re-opened negotiations for the Brazilian winger, who is keen to leave this summer in search of regular game time.

Marcus Rashford has no future at Manchester United and is the latest wide forward to be linked.

James Maddison returned from injury at the end of last season, and will hope for a starring role next term as the No10. Dejan Kulusevski’s fitness woes remain a concern.

De Zerbi will be judged on his ability to make the right calls about which positions and players to prioritise for a squad in desperate need of an overhaul.

He has money available to him, but must be careful to strike the right balance between what will benefit the club in the short and long-term.

Potential Tottenham XI: Trafford, Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Tonali, Savinho, Maddison, Rashford, Solanke

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Chelsea have no plans to revive their interest in Lucas Bergvall despite the Tottenham player’s desire to change clubs this summer.

Standard Sport understands that the midfielder, who is currently at the 2026 World Cup with Sweden, has informed Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi of his wish to leave due to a fear over a lack of first-team minutes.

Spurs have set an asking price of £45million for the youngster, who Chelsea explored a deal for in January only to be stone-walled by Spurs.

And Standard Sport understands that Chelsea will not go back in for Bergvall this summer.

There is also no interest John Stones, who is set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer, or Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri.

Reports in Italy have indicated that the right-back is of interest to both Chelsea and Man City.

Standard Sport understands, however, that no club-to-club talks have taken place between Atalanta and Chelsea.

The 21-year-old’s performances at both right-back and right wing-back led to Atalanta chiefs anticipating a level of transfer interest in the academy product this summer.

He made his senior debut for Italy in March, against Northern Ireland, and five days later played 74 minutes as the Italians saw their World Cup qualification hopes end on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Standard Sport reported last week that Chelsea are expected to make multiple first-team signings during Xabi Alonso’s first summer in charge, including at least two starting-level players.

The manager has near-unprecedented say on transfers at Spurs, and that’s pushing Luka Vuskovic and Lucas Bergvall to the exit door

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham’s squad overhaul has been taking place at such a pace over the last month, it is easy to get wrapped up into wondering what’s in store for Spurs under Roberto De Zerbi.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke are through the door, and Spurs are ready to smash their transfer record by signing Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. There have also been links with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Manchester City’s Savinho.

Such an aggressive start to the transfer market, the result of successive 17th-place finishes, was always going to lead to collateral damage, though, and Spurs are now reckoning with the prospect of losing two of their brightest young talents.

Teenage defender Luka Vuskovic is seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe - if not the most exciting young defender - after a stellar season on loan at Hamburg.

Luka Vuskovic playing against England

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But before even returning to Spurs, for whom he is yet to play a competitive game, he wants to leave. Brighton are leading the chase and have lodged a £45million bid.

As Standard Sport reported, Vuskovic is prepared to hand in a transfer request to force through a move away after being told by De Zerbi that he will not be given regular minutes next season.

Lucas Bergvall has also expressed his desire to leave after struggling for game time under De Zerbi, and Standard Sport understands that Spurs are ready to listen to offers in the region of £45m for the Swedish midfielder.

It feels like the end of an era for Spurs, who brought Vuskovic and Bergvall to the club under a youth-centric transfer policy driven by former technical director, now sporting director, Johan Lange. His future also appears to be increasingly in doubt.

There has been a clear shift from De Zerbi, who has taken a hands-on approach to transfers in his first summer at the helm, towards adding experience and leadership to his squad.

De Zerbi has not hidden his intentions. He said at the end of last season that there were only 11 or 12 current players he wanted to keep at the club.

But such a drastic change in tact has potentially come with consequences which may not reveal themselves until years down the line.

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On the surface, Spurs look set to get good money for two players who have so far promised more than they have delivered in their fledgling careers.

But short-term gain at the expense of undermining your long-term pathway for young players is a risk, and one made more apparent by the fact that the combustible De Zerbi does not have a history of sticking around at one club for long.

Lucas Bergvall

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De Zerbi holds the keys, having negotiated a five-year deal to come in at short notice to keep Spurs in the Premier League last season. He has, therefore, been calling the shots so far this summer, with Spurs desperate to avoid the mistakes of the last two seasons.

Spurs’ faith is not unfounded. De Zerbi has earned their trust by cajoling a squad and a fanbase that appeared resigned to relegation when he came in with seven games to go.

They must, though, be careful not to let De Zerbi wield unchecked control over how the club operates.

There will undoubtedly be a sense of insecurity among some of the club’s chief decision-makers after two unprecedentedly poor seasons, but they, too, must help plot the path forward for Spurs.

There is a balance to be struck between what came before and what De Zerbi wants to do with this squad. Deals like the ones Spurs secured for Bergvall and Vuskovic had their merits, and abandoning the club’s youth-led policy, for all its flaws, appears a drastic and somewhat reactive solution.

Spurs have made sensible, Premier League-proven additions so far this summer, which should give them greater stability and know-how next season.

Given how close they came to dropping into the Championship last term, they cannot be blamed for looking at players who can improve the base level of the squad immediately.

But ultimately, that is not how sustainable, title-challenging clubs operate.

Spurs want to build a squad in De Zerbi’s image, but they also have to look after themselves. This overhaul has to be on their terms as well as his, or it could come to bite them later down the line.

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Lucas Bergvall has told Tottenham he wants to leave the club this summer, with the club setting their asking price at £45million.

The midfielder is currently at the World Cup with Sweden and has come off the bench in both their first two group-stage matches, assisting in the opening 5-1 win over Tunisia.

While that is currently Bergvall’s focus, Spurs have been informed that the 20-year-old is keen for a fresh start away from north London.

Standard Sport understands that Bergvall will consider proposals across Europe from clubs that will offer him regular starts at No8.

Bergvall has grown frustrated at the lack of opportunities he has been given in his preferred position at Spurs.

The Swede also feels his status at the club under Roberto De Zerbi has been made clear.

Bergvall started against Sunderland in April but had to settle for limited cameos off the bench from that point onwards.

With the midfielder believing other players are evidently above him in the pecking order and there is no clear route into De Zerbi’s first-choice plans, he is eyeing up a transfer this summer.

It is understood that several clubs have already contacted Spurs to understand the situation. A loan move is not under consideration, with Bergvall wanting a permanent exit.

It is understood Spurs would hope to net around £45m from a sale. No formal approaches have yet been made and Bergvall will wait until after the World Cup to fully assess the proposals from interested clubs.

Spurs have previously insisted Bergvall is not for sale and they are in a strong position considering he is under contract until June 2031.

However, Spurs have no European football next season and that will limit the minutes they can offer to those on the fringe of De Zerbi’s plans.

The summer window is open, and the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham have wasted no time making big moves in the market. As the Gunners wait to work on deals to sign Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola, progress is said to be made on interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi. All three are at the World Cup, but one deal could be wrapped up sooner rather than later if reports from Spain regarding Julian Alvarez are to be believed.

Manchester United will soon announce the signing of Ederson, and want both Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes but Tottenham are said to be more advanced in talks for the pair. Spurs have been very busy, and are also eyeing Arsenal youngster Kyran Thompson, who has been likened to Jude Bellingham. Luka Vuskovic, though, wants out and is prepared to hand in a transfer request to force a move to Brighton.

Chelsea’s main movements have been outgoings, with Marc Cucurella joining Real Madrid and Enzo Fernandez potentially following him. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, a former Blues player, could replace Cucurella. is said to be of interest. Liverpool have signalled their intent to spend upwards of £85million on RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Barcola bid; Man Utd £130m double deal; Diomande to Liverpool; Chelsea latest

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Oli Gent, Sports Reporter @ oli_gent

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The summer transfer window may only be in its infancy, but deals are being finalised at pace as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United all look to strengthen ahead of the new Premier League season. The Gunners have stepped up their interest in Jeremy Monga by making an opening bid for the 16-year-old, while they are set to offer a pre-contract to young Georgian talent Andria Bartishvili.

An overhaul of the Arsenal front-line is also expected amid interest in Morgan Rogers and Christos Tzolis. Bradley Barcola continues to be linked amid talk of a bid being prepared. Man United aiming to bolster their midfield but are set to face competition from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes. Spurs have completed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke and would appear to have given up on Sandro Tonali, who remains of interest to Manchester City.

Chelsea want to sign a new left-back after cashing in on Marc Cucurella. Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna and are still pursuing a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

Real Madrid want €200m Olise

Spanish outlet Marca are reporting Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to break the bank to land Bayern Munich and France star Michael Olise.

After announcing his intention to sign a €150m attacker should he secure the Real Madrid presidency - which he did - rumours are floating around that attacker is Olise.

Despite Madrid bidding a similar amount for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, Marca insist this was purely to antagonise Barcelona, who were also interested in the Argentine.

The real target is actually Olise, who Perez may be willing to bid upwards of €200m for - and break the €200m record fee PSG paid for Neymar back in 2016.

Getty

Everton set for Stones reunion

Sportsboom have reported Everton are interested in signing their former defender John Stones on the expiry of his Manchester City contract.

He joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5m, making the most expensive British defender ever at the time.

Stones announced in April he would leave City after a decade, saying he “lived all my dreams out” at the club, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups in his time there.

David Moyes is looking for reinforcements to build on their 13th-placed finish.

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Van Hecke speaks

Here are Jan Paul van Hecke's first words as a Tottenham player.

Van Hecke said: "It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it's a dream come true.

"I already have a really strong connection with the Head Coach, who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky [van de Ven] has also told me some great things about the club, so I can't wait to get started.

"I've been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I'm looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."

London Standard

Romero absent as Tottenham unveil new kits

Tottenham have unveiled their new home and away kits for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with one key player missing.

The Nike designs are being marketed as “the start of a new era built on reconnection with fans, the local community and heritage.”

The likes of men’s players Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Mathys Tel, Archie Gary, Conor Gallagher, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke join fans young and old to offer the first look at the new shirts.

Women’s players on show include Olivia Holdt, Cathinka Tandberg, Toko Koga and Signe Gaupset.

But Romero, the men’s club captain, has not been included. Bethany England was the women’s club captain, but has already announced her exit this summer, and is also not involved.

Read more here!

Tottenham Hotspur

Rashford asking price revealed

Manchester United are open to letting Marcus Rashford leave on a permanent transfer this summer.

Rashford is on course for a return to Old Trafford after the World Cup, as Barcelona passed up the option to sign the forward following a successful loan spell this season.

As per The Athletic, Rashford's deal at Man Utd includes £40million clause for all clubs excluding Manchester City and Liverpool.

However, his preference is to honour his contract which expires in 2028 rather than join another Premier League side.

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Tottenham announcement

Here is the new Tottenham kit in which their summer signings will be wearing from next season.

Spurs enter Fernandes race

Tottenham are interested in West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, according to David Ornstein.

It is believed that Roberto De Zerbi is a big fan of the Portuguese, who is also on the radar of Manchester United.

Any pursuit of the West Ham would be separate to a potentiald deal for Sandro Tonali of Newcastle.

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Wharton keen on Liverpool move

Adam Wharton is willing to move to Liverpool and play for new head coach Andoni Iraola.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim Liverpool have stepped up their interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder.

Having spent the past week ‘intensifying their work on a potential £70million deal for Wharton’, the Reds are said to believe can reach an agreement with Palace.

Furthermore, the report states Wharton is apparently 'eager about the prospect of moving to Anfield and becoming part of Iraola’s new era'.

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Why Arsenal want to sign Christos Tzolis

Few had Christos Tzolis down as a potential Arsenal signing at the start of the summer, writes Matt Verri.

It is no secret that Mikel Arteta wants to add more goals and threat to his attacking options.

The Gunners are eyeing more than one signing to bolster those options and the likes of Bradley Barcola and Morgan Rogers are among those being considered.

Andrea Berta makes enquiries for a large number of players when putting together a shortlist, before then narrowing his focus and intensifying discussions with clubs.

Checks have been made for Club Brugge winger Tzolis and it is understood that the 24-year-old would be available for a fee in the region of £35million.

Read more here!

BELGA/AFP via Getty Images

Diomande to Liverpool

Liverpool are willing to put forward a package of €100m for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande

This is according to The Athletic as the Reds are showing little sign of slowing down despite confirming the signing of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz for £34.5m.

It is understood that while PSG are also interested in Diomande, Liverpool are in a better position, having offered the Ivory Coast international better terms at present.

Breakout star: Yan Diomande

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Every Premier League London derby in 2026/27 as Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea dates revealed

The all-capital clashes start straight away, with West Ham vs Millwall also set for the Championship this term

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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The Premier League fixtures for the 2026/27 season have now been announced, with plenty of London derbies to look forward to as ever.

There are two all-capital showdowns on the opening weekend alone in August, with Brentford hosting Tottenham before Xabi Alonso takes Chelsea on the very short trip to Fulham to open his Blues tenure.

Arsenal have a home clash with Chelsea coming up in early September, but we have to wait until December for the first north London derby contest of the campaign between the champions and Spurs.

Chelsea and Tottenham go head to head for the first time in the season on October 24, though the return fixtures in both of those most high-profile London derbies are not until May.

One of the biggest pairs of London derbies this season will come in the Championship, where West Ham, following their disastrous relegation on the final day last term, will renew hostilities with arch-rivals Millwall for the first time in 14 years.

The EFL fixture schedule is released at 12pm BST on Thursday, June 25, with all eyes set to be focused on when those sure-to-be-heated games at the London Stadium and The Den will land.

Here is a full list of when every London derby is taking place in the Premier League during the 2026/27 season.

One-sided rivalry: Arsenal have won all of their last five north London derbies against Tottenham

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Every Premier League London derby in 2026/27 season

August

September

October

December

January

February

March

April

May

All fixture dates subject to change.

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Two men accused of burgling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Beyonce performed to a sellout crowd have denied “any intent or involvement in criminal damage”.

They were also charged with causing £1,700 of damage to an electronic keypad used to access the terrace.

Dag admitted criminal damage to the door access control panel and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the same charge at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday.

Defence lawyers Tetevi Davie and Anisa Kebbati, representing Dag and Kodalakoglu respectively, both said their clients had no intent to steal in relation to the burglary charges.

Their trial was set for February 18, 2030 and, due to the length of time until that date, Judge Daniel Fugallo issued the sole bail condition of informing their solicitors within seven days if their address or contact number changes.

The prosecution claimed at a previous Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court hearing that the two men broke in “with intent to steal”.

The incident occurred on June 16 last year, on the final night of six sellout shows at Spurs’ ground for Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter world tour.

It is alleged Dag, from Tottenham, and Kodalakoglu, from Chelmsford, burgled Lilywhite House, which houses administration offices at the £1 billion stadium.

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