London Evening Standard

Antonin Kinsky has confirmed that he wants to stay at Tottenham despite uncertainty around the club’s goalkeeper situation.

Kinsky, who is poised to sign a new long-term contract at Spurs, ruled himself out of the Czech Republic’s World Cup squad this summer to undergo a minor medical procedure so he could be ready in time for the new season.

That decision came after the 23-year-old had played his way back into contention at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a number of impressive performances as Roberto De Zerbi’s side survived relegation on the final day against Everton.

With first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who missed the final seven games of last season following hernia surgery, expected to leave the club, Kinsky could now be promoted to No1.

It has been a remarkable turn of events for Kinsky, who was replaced 17 minutes into his Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid in March, and he admits he is ready to step up if called upon by De Zerbi.

“It’s a challenge; I’ll be fighting for a spot during preseason. Negotiations are underway with the club about what the future might hold. I’m interested in staying and fighting for my place because the English league is great,” he told Czech outlet Olympijsky Tym.

“Whether I’ll be the starter or the backup is something the coach will decide. In my mind, I’ve always been the No1, even when I was on the bench. I’ll take the same approach now, and I believe it’ll work out.”

Veteran shot-stopper Martin Dubravka will join the club upon the expiry of his contract at Burnley in July.

Spurs are ready smash their transfer record twice to land the midfield pair

Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham are pursuing big-money moves for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes as they look to overhaul their midfield this summer.

Despite both players being likely to command club-record fees, Spurs are determined to get deals for the pair over the line.

Midfield was a huge area of concern for Spurs last season, as they struggled to control games, and Roberto De Zerbi has set out an ambitious plan to completely redress the balance in the centre of the park.

Tonali and Fernandes are at the centre of these plans, and De Zerbi wants both players to figure in his starting line-up come the start of the new season in August.

De Zerbi was on a firefighting mission last season, tasked with keeping Spurs in the Premier League by any means necessary.

Now, though, with their Premier League status intact, the Italian wants to set out a blueprint for his style of play, and for that he needs midfielders who are comfortable receiving and playing the ball under pressure.

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes

London Standard

Given De Zerbi’s demands, it is easy to see why they are so heavily linked to Fernandes.

The West Ham midfielder is among the most press-resistant midfielders in England, and impressed even as West Ham were relegated to the Championship last season.

Fernandes has now suffered relegations in successive seasons, with West Ham and Southampton, yet his quality on and off the ball has continued to shine through.

Quick and incisive with his passing, Fernandes also battles hard out of possession and ranked first for tackles won by some distance for West Ham last term - the 21-year-old completed 67 tackles while his nearest competitor, Kyle Walker-Peters, managed just 30.

If Fernandes were to seal a sensational move to Spurs, he would likely compete for minutes alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, who impressed on his return from injury towards the backend of last season.

Tonali, meanwhile, would sit alongside either Fernandes or Bentancur in De Zerbi’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. There is also the potential that Spurs could move to a three-man defence, with a midfield pivot.

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The Italian can play from deep, with a sweeping array of passes, but it is his ability to drive forward with and without the ball that will have stood out to De Zerbi.

Tonali’s goal, the third in Newcastle’s 3-1 win away to Southampton in January 2025, perhaps best sums up what he can offer Spurs.

Storming in ahead of his marker to direct a header back towards Alexander Isak, Tonali continues his run, bursting past Isak before collecting Anthony Gordon’s weighted pass and slotting home.

Bursting the length of the Southampton half, Tonali started and finished the move that would put the seal on a comfortable Newcastle win while displaying his energy, timing and appreciation of space.

It is that sort of move, taking onus of the situation, both in and out of possession, that De Zerbi will want to see more of if Tonali switches the north-east of England for north London.

Spurs have reportedly been rebuffed by Newcastle in their attempts to sign Tonali, yet they are confident the player is keen to join the club.

Fernandes, too, is said to be edging towards Spurs rather than Manchester United, with a more lucrative financial package reported to be on offer.

It would represent a huge statement of intent were Spurs to swoop for both Tonali and Fernandes, and there is no denying they would be a far more fearsome proposition with the pair in the side.

Spurs’ midfield rebuild is gathering pace, and it is putting other teams on watch ahead of next season.

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Sport | Football

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Rogers bid, Alvarez update; Man Utd £80m deal; Chelsea, Liverpool latest

See all the latest news, rumours and gossip during the summer window

Ronan Sullivan

Transfer news LIVE!

The transfer window is stepping up a gear as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all work on completing huge deals in what is set to a huge summer. The Gunners are closing in on the signing of Morgan Rogers in a deal worth at least £80million, and continue to be linked with an audacious swap deal for Julian Alvarez. A fee has been agreed for wonderkid Jeremy Monga, and remain interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bradley Barcola, Eli Junior Kroupi, Christos Tzolis and Andria Bartishvili.

Manchester United hope to announced Ederson over the coming days, but are losing hope of signing both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who are said to more attracted to the project at Tottenham. Martin Dubravka has become Spurs' fourth summer signing, and Antonin Kinsky is set to be rewarded with a new contract after being promoted to first-choice goalkeeper.

Man Utd could turn to Arsenal target Alex Scott, and are said to be monitoring Aurelien Tchouameni's situation at Real Madrid. Chelsea are set to make Marco Palestra their first signing of the Xabi Alonso era, and have interest in Crystal Palace pair Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton. Liverpool continue to work on a deal for Yan Diomande Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

Arsenal in battle to keep youngster

Arsenal are concerned about the future of Ethan Nwaneri’s younger brother, Emerson.

Per reports in The Times, the club see the 15-year-old as important to long-term academy plans and are keen to keep ahold of him.

Meanwhile, the report adds 15-year-old Northern Irish goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney is due to join up this summer.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Real Madrid to activate Paz clause

Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed Real Madrid will exercise their £6.5m buy-back option for Como’s Nico Paz.

Madrid will then offer Paz to Como for around £51.7m per the terms of his contract. However, if Como pass, his price will be increase.

Clubs like Tottenham were interested in the midfielder last summer, and may enter the market for him again.

Getty

Onana to re-join Trabzonspor

Andre Onana is set to re-join Trabzonspor on loan according to Turkish football journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

The 30-year-old fell out of favour at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim and spent last season on-loan at the Turkish club.

Now, Sabuncouglu is reporting Onana is set to return.

His United contract ends in two years, so expect another deal - loan or permanent - in a year’s time as they look to move the Cameroonian on.

Middle East Images/AFP via Getty

Liverpool have not submitted second bid for Diomande - yet

Conflicting reports are emerging amid Liverpool’s bid to sign Yan Diomande.

In what is fast becoming the saga of the summer, rumours swirled in the last 24 hours the Anfield club had a £100m bid rejected, just a week after their £86m bid was turned down by Diomande’s club, RB Leipzig of Germany.

But Sky Sport News Deutschland’s Philipp Hinze insisted on X earlier this is “not true” and “as things stand, there has not yet been a second offer”.

He added there is still “more to come”.

The Ivorian would act as a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right-wing, in addition to Spaniard Victor Munoz, who they signed last week.

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If I had a Gunn - United consider Scot stopper

Manchester United’s search for a back-up goalkeeper has taken them to the World Cup, specifically, Scotland’s Angus Gunn.

Gunn was on the end of a 3-0 shellacking at the hands of Brazil last night, but that hasn’t stopped United considering the former Norwich and Manchester City shot-stopper, according to the Mirror.

After reports their young Czech goalie Radek Vitek is unwilling to play second fiddle to Lammens, Gunn is emerging as a serious option.

Leeds’ Karl Darlow is another contender for the back-up spot at Old Trafford, but is in talks over renewing his contract at Elland Road.

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Chelsea's midfield transfer chain: Fernandez out; Wharton in

Chelsea will move for Adam Wharton, but only if they move on Enzo Fernandez first.

Simon Phillips reports the Crystal Palace man is high on Chelsea’s transfer wishlist, but must free up funds by moving on Fernandez.

The Argentine is a top target for Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid, who themselves must move on one of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Fernandez is expected to go for about £120m, while Palace are demanding £75m for Wharton.

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Lacroix in advanced talks with Chelsea

Talks between Chelsea and Maxence Lacroix are advancing at a rapid rate, after the Blues’ interest was revealed yesterday.

Teamtalk report Lacroix has confirmed his wish to join Chelsea, meaning personal terms are unlikely to be an issue.

A stumbling block may be his club Crystal Palace, who are demanding around £75m for the France centre back.

Lacroix would join Marco Palestra at Stamford Bridge - the Italian is about to become Xabi Alonso’s first signing at the club, with a reported £46m fee agreed with Atalanta for the full-back.

Getty

Spurs set for £100m cash injection

Tottenham Hotspur owners the Lewis family are set to inject another £100m into the club, Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold reports.

The money will go primarily towards transfers, after they did the same in October last year - with more to come.

Now, with Roberto de Zerbi, the Lewis family are ready to put their money where their mouth is again and back the manager in the transfer market.

Spurs are reportedly interested in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who would cost a combined £185m. They face competition from Manchester City and Manchester United for the pair, respectively.

The Lilywhites have already signed Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, along with Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m.

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Kovacic on Villa and Forest's radar

Mateo Kovacic may be on the move from Manchester City amid interest from Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Sportsboom report the midfielder, 32, is interesting the two Midlands clubs, with his contract expiring next year.

He made only six appearances for City last year and is deemed surplus to requirements under incoming boss Enzo Maresca.

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Kinsky set for 5-year contract despite Trafford interest

Tottenham have been busy transforming their goalkeeping department in the last 24 hours, and more change may be afoot.

After Spurs announced the signing of Martin Dubravka yesterday amid reports they are looking to sell Guglielmo Vicario, Sky Sports News are reporting Antonin Kinsky is set to be offered a five-year contract and become the club’s undisputed No1.

This is despite rumours they could look to bring in Manchester City goalie James Trafford, who has warmed the bench for the Sky Blues since signing last summer, after Gigi Donnarumma joined the club.

A disastrous 17-minute spell against Atletico Madrid spell in March was seemingly the death knell for Kinsky’s Spurs - and possibly Premier League - career.

But after establishing himself as the first-choice under Roberto de Zerbi in the closing stages of the season, this report suggests the Czech ‘keeper has the full backing of both club and manager.

Kinsky joined Spurs back in January 2025, but only found consistent form at the back end of this season, making seven consecutive appearances as the Lilywhites escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth.

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Latest updatesOlder updates

The Spurs great says the World Cup winner “cannot be captain”, but tipped another to replace him

Ronan Sullivan

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

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Archie Gray has the potential to be a future Tottenham captain, former Spurs star Darren Anderton believes.

Gray, 20, moved from Leeds in 2024 for around £40m and played 28 Premier League games in his first season under Ange Postecoglou, often playing out of position to ease the several injury crises under the Australian boss.

Last season, he became a regular midfielder under Thomas Frank, then interim Igor Tudor, starting nine games in a row during the February and March period before losing his place under Roberto De Zerbi.

Anderton, speaking exclusively to Standard sport via BestOnlineCasino, said he could “100%” see Gray as a Spurs captain and “loves him as a player”.

He continued: “When De Zerbi came in Archie - who's by far and away been the best player for us this season - got cast aside a little bit.

Captain material: Archie Gray

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“So that's a bit worrying for me, because I want him in the team.”

Gray saw opportunities limited after De Zerbi’s appointment: he started the Italian’s first game against Sunderland, came off the bench against Brighton, but was an unused sub until the final-day win over Everton, where he featured for just eight minutes.

As two young Spurs stars look to leave the club - fellow midfielder Lucas Bergvall and highly rated defender Luka Vuskovic have both told the club they want to explore moves away - Gray appears determined to force him way into De Zerbi’s plans.

On Gray, Anderton added: “I trust him, I back him, and I think that with the new circumstances next season he's got to be involved in it - and I think he will be.

“I could 100 per cent see him being a captain going forward.”

Anderton’s comments came after he was asked about Cristian Romero’s trip to Argentina at the back-end of the season as Spurs stared down the barrel of relegation.

Romero, 28, was appointed captain by Thomas Frank last year after Son Heung-Min’s departure, and rewared with a new contract and pay rise at the time.

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However, as Spurs faced a catastrophic relegation, Romero was plastered across former club Belgrano’s training ground just days before Spurs played Everton in a final-day decider an. The Argentine club’s president confirmed that Romero would be staying in his homeland over returning to Spurs.

Unreliable: Cristian Romero

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Romero was pictured at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the day, but Anderton believes the saga did not reflect well on the Argentine:

“I don't even know why that ever came out. A) he should never have asked and B) if he did, the manager should have just said, ‘No, f*** off out of my office’.”

He added: “It's pure madness. I don't like it. It's interesting that Tottenham isn't actually his priority and that's what shines through. You can't be a captain.”

The 30-cap England international also disparaged Romero’s discipline: he has picked up six red cards since his arrival five years ago, including against Manchester United in February, with the score 0-0 at the time. Spurs went on to lose 2-0.

On the incident, Anderton said: “We're playing well for 20-25 minutes and then he does something ridiculous again. Stupid tackle and from that point, we're always going to get beat.

“So you can't have that from your captain… you look up to your captain to lead by example and he doesn't do that.”

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Roberto De Zerbi has praised Martin Dubravka’s experience and leadership after Tottenham confirmed they will sign the veteran goalkeeper upon the expiry of his contract at Burnley.

The Slovak international will join Spurs on July 1 and is expected to provide backup for Antonin Kinsky.

With first-choice keeper Guglielmo Vicario edging towards leaving the club, Spurs have been looking to bolster their options between the sticks.

Kinsky enjoyed an impressive end to the campaign as Spurs stayed up on the final day of the Premier League season and could yet make the No1 spot his own.

Dubravka’s arrival is not expected to be their last foray into the market for a keeper, though, with Spurs also holding a longstanding interest in Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford.

De Zerbi has been keen to add experience to his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and admits Dubravka is the right character to raise standards in the dressing room.

"I am very happy because Martin is a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality,” De Zerbi said.

"He has very important qualities for me and will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to our dressing room."

Dubravka, who featured in 35 of Burnley’s 38 league games last season, acknowledged that while the deal to bring him to Spurs moved quickly, he had always been impressed by De Zerbi’s intense style of play.

"It's an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I'm looking forward to it,” he said.

"Everything moved pretty quickly and I'm really happy to be here. I've loved watching Roberto's teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.

Spurs have been on the hunt for a replacement for former co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, who departed the club in February in order to return to Italy with Fiorentina due to family reasons.

Rumours had circulated about who would come in to assist under-fire remaining sporting director Johan Lange with Tottenham’s recruitment, with the likes of former Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl heavily linked with the role.

But the search has now been put on hold, according to minutes from a recent Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting.

Addressing a number of supporter concerns, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirmed that hiring a new sporting director was no longer a key priority and said responsibility for this summer’s transfer window would be shared by Lange, head coach Roberto De Zerbi and director of football operations Rafi Moersen.

“The club has confidence in our people, but if we find someone who can complement our existing team and make it better, we will do that at the right time (and in a summer window is not that time),” Venkatesham said.

“No one has been in a process and turned us down. Many names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to.”

After narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the last Premier League season, this summer has been earmarked as a critical period for Tottenham as they look to rebuild following successive 17th-place finishes.

There is particular pressure on Lange, whose recruitment strategy since joining Spurs in 2023 has been heavily criticised, but Venkatesham offered a stern defence of the Dane.

“Players are not bought or sold because ‘the club’ wants to or ‘Roberto’ wants to,” Venkatesham continued. “Johan and his team work hand in glove with Roberto to develop and deliver a joint plan.

“Roberto joined because he believes in what we can do together as a team. He had no retention bonus, he has never asked for control over any decision-making, and he was completely committed to the club if we were relegated.

“Johan played a critical role in his appointment. Roberto was always the number one choice, and we are delighted with the impact he has made so far.”

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has moved to allay any injury fears after he was forced off during Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria.

Romero injured his right knee 57 minutes into Argentina’s second group game, which secured his nation’s passage through to the knockout stages, and was replaced by veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.

The Spurs centre-back missed the last six Premier League games of the season after injuring his right knee during a collision with his own goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, but had battled back to fitness in time for the World Cup.

Romero, whose Spurs future remains in doubt, started and played 80 minutes as defending champions Argentina begun their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria last week.

However, his withdrawal just 12 minutes into the second half against Austria raised concerns over his fitness and he will undergo tests to discover the severity of the issue.

Romero has said he is optimistic he will be fit in time for Argentina’s final group game against Jordan, though Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his side with one eye on the knockouts.

“I knew this could happen to me. I had a little issue there, I felt it again, but in 3 or 4 days I’ll be fine again, so that’s that,” Romero said.

“It’s nothing serious. Keep the head up and I'll come back stronger than before”.

A crucial part of the Argentina side that lifted their first World Cup since 1986 four years ago, Romero’s influence has not waned despite Spurs’ struggles last season.

Scaloni is counting on Romero, and said he hoped the 28-year-old’s injury was not serious.

“We don’t know the extent of Cuti Romero’s issue; it’s something he’s been dealing with for a while now,” Scaloni added

“We hope it’s nothing serious. Not only because he’s important, even though he can be replaced, but it’s always important to have everyone available. He’ll undergo tests tomorrow or the day after.”

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

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

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

London Standard

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

COMMENTS

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

AFP via Getty Images

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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