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Roberto De Zerbi’s desire to sign his preferred defensive midfielder for Tottenham may be derailed by Sporting Lisbon this summer.

Even though some initially felt that Joao Palhinha was not a natural fit for De Zerbi’s style of football, the 30-year-old has ended up making pivotal contributions in Tottenham’s quest to stay up.

After popping up with an all-important winner against Wolves, the midfielder delivered a masterclass in the middle of the park beside Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur at Villa Park last week.

Tottenham have the option to sign Palhinha permanently for £22m this summer, and a few days ago, De Zerbi made it clear that he wants the Portugal international to remain at Spurs next season.

Sporting Lisbon looking to thwart Tottenham’s efforts to secure Joao Palhinha

A new report in A Bola (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now claimed that the midfielder is attracting interest from Sporting Lisbon, who are set for a major overhaul in the middle of the park this summer.

Morten Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita are expected to depart the José Alvalade Stadium this summer, and Palhinha has thus been identified as a ‘major target’.

Palhinha came through the ranks of the Sporting academy and played 95 times for his boyhood club before making a £18m switch to Fulham back in 2022.

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It is revealed that Bayern are expected to demand €30m (£25.8m) for the midfielder, with Rui Borges’ men also expected to explore a loan move.

Palhinha’s transfer desire may come as a blow to Spurs

A Bola say that Palhinha is expected to prioritise a switch to Sporting even if he receives other offers from the top European leagues.

This is because the Tottenham man wants to return to Portugal for family reasons, while he also has a special emotional attachment to Sporting.

In fact, the report asserts that Palhinha may even be ready to accept a pay cut in order to return to the club where he first made his name.

A new report has shed light on Tottenham Hotspur’s plans as Barcelona’s interest in Luka Vuskovic grows ahead of the summer.

Reports now indicate that Spurs are looking to tie down Vuskovic to a new contract in an effort to fend off the growing interest in the centre-back.

However, this has not deterred Barcelona, who are now actively exploring a move for the Tottenham teenager, as they attempt to reinforce their backline.

In fact, reports over recent days indicate that Vuskovic’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is currently in talks with Barca over a summer transfer to Camp Nou.

Tottenham are determined to hold onto Luka Vuskovic despite Barcelona’s growing interest

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are ‘determined’ to keep hold of the teenage centre-back even though sources have confirmed that Barcelona’s interest in the player is ‘growing’.

The report says that Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange has already spoken to Vuskovic and the Lilywhites have signalled their commitment to the defender.

The Catalan giants have made ‘fresh contact’ in recent days over a deal for the 19-year-old, as they look to bolster their backline.

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However, Spurs are unwilling to sanction a sale and remain determined to tie the Croat down to a new long-term contract to reflect his growth this season.

Spurs expect Vuskovic to stay under one condition

TEAMtalk explain that having previously been criticised for failing to nurture young talent, Tottenham beleive that retaining Vuskovic would represent a statement of intent.

The website says that the central defender’s future may be dictated by whether the Lilywhites manage to secure their Premier League status.

Spurs officials believe that if the club remain in the top-flight, their new offer will prove tempting enough to convince Vuskovic to sign on the dotted line.

West Ham United host Arsenal at the London Stadium on Sunday, and depending on what happens there, Tottenham could walk into Monday night’s home game against Leeds United comfortably above the drop zone or back within it. But can Spurs fans afford to rely on that result, and why is the answer more complicated than it looks?

Let’s be honest with each other. We’ve been burned too many times this season to approach anything rationally. After the injuries, the managerial upheaval, and the nights where relegation felt inevitable, the last thing any of us should be doing is placing our survival hopes in the hands of West Ham United. And yet here we are.

The situation going into the weekend is straightforward. Spurs sit 17th on 37 points, one ahead of West Ham in 18th on 36, with a goal difference ten better. Nottingham Forest are five clear in 16th and effectively safe. Leeds United have pulled well clear in 14th. This is a two-horse race: Tottenham and West Ham, with nothing else to worry about.

The maths of Sunday are simple. If West Ham lose to Arsenal and we beat Leeds on Monday, we go to 40 points with two games to play. If West Ham win on Sunday and we then win on Monday, we go to 40 and they sit on 39 – still one point behind us, same gap as now.

The difference is the pressure of walking into that Leeds game knowing we must win just to stay level. A draw takes West Ham to 37, level with us on points but still behind on goal difference – we stay above, the gap just tightens dramatically. So, can we risk hoping?

Here is where it gets genuinely complicated. Because this is Arsenal. Our biggest rivals. The club we have spent decades building a deep and enthusiastic hatred for. The last thing any Spurs fan wants – in any season, under any circumstances – is to watch Arsenal lift a league title. Let alone while we are down here scrambling to stay in the Premier League. The optics alone would haunt us for years.

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So there is a real conflict here. Part of us wants West Ham to spoil the show. The other part knows that a West Ham win is the worst thing that can happen to our survival chances. That is the dilemma Sunday serves up.

The honest answer is that a draw is the ideal result for Tottenham fans this weekend. A draw takes West Ham to 37, level on points but still well behind on goal difference – we stay above, go into Leeds still in control, and remove any momentum a West Ham win would generate.

We still need to beat Leeds. We still take care of our own business. But at least we do it without having handed Arsenal the party invite at the same time.

Why West Ham beating Arsenal should be the last thing on the minds of Tottenham fans

Of course, we understand the temptation. But a West Ham win doesn’t tighten our safety net – it removes it entirely. They’d go two points clear of us before we’ve kicked a ball. And hoping for that to happen means trusting a side that just lost 3-0 at Brentford, in a week where we went to Villa Park and climbed out of the bottom three above them. Roberto De Zerbi has done that much, at least.

West Ham are not a side playing well right now. Their fate is no longer in their own hands after the Brentford result, nine wins from 35 games, and a goal difference of minus 19. Arsenal have had big wins at the London Stadium in each of the past two seasons, conceding just three goals across those two meetings.

Opta’s supercomputer gives West Ham just a 19.3 per cent chance of winning on Sunday, with a draw considered more likely than a Hammers victory. These are not numbers that inspire confidence. Then again, Spurs are not exactly flying either, so let’s not get too comfortable on that high horse.

More to the point, the team travelling to the London Stadium is Arsenal, five points clear at the top with three games to play and a Champions League final already in the diary. They are not coming to the London Stadium for a friendly. Bukayo Saka is back. Viktor Gyökeres is scoring. The whole thing is clicking along nicely for them, which is as painful to type as it is to watch. Arsenal are not dropping points here by accident.

Why West Ham are not a completely lost cause against Arsenal

That said, it would be dishonest not to acknowledge this: West Ham have a history of making this fixture awkward for Arsenal. Last season, they went to the Emirates and won when Arsenal were chasing Liverpool at the top. The season before, they held them to a 2-2 draw when things were tight. This fixture does not always go the way it should, and Nuno Espírito Santo will set his team up to make it ugly, compact, and uncomfortable.

There is also the matter of motivation. West Ham need to win to have any realistic chance of survival. Jarrod Bowen – eight goals, ten assists this season – is exactly the sort of player who can punish a high defensive line on the counter. It is not inconceivable. It is just unlikely.

And building a survival plan around unlikely is not a plan at all.

What the Arsenal result actually means for Tottenham’s survival odds

Here is the version of Sunday that matters most to us. If Arsenal win, as most expect, West Ham stay on 36 points going into their final two games. We host Leeds on Monday night and, if we win, we move to 40 points with Chelsea and Everton still to come. That all-but confirms survival; only once in 30 seasons of the Premier League has a team been relegated with more than 40 points, a quirk of history involving West Ham themselves in 2002-03 with 42.

If West Ham beat Arsenal, they move to 39 points and above us in 17th. We would go into Monday’s game against Leeds needing a win just to restore our one-point lead. In that scenario, the pressure on the Leeds game becomes even more acute: lose or draw and we are staring at a final two games that include Chelsea away and Everton at home, still needing points.

A win against Leeds on Monday night makes the Arsenal result largely irrelevant. A loss makes it everything. That is the simplest summary of where we are.

Why De Zerbi’s message should be Tottenham’s only focus

Roberto De Zerbi has said it repeatedly since arriving at the club, and he was right to. After the Villa win, Conor Gallagher echoed it: the only result Spurs can control is their own. De Zerbi told his players to focus on themselves, not the table, not the opposition, not what West Ham are doing on Sunday. That is not naive optimism. It is the right call.

What we saw at Villa Park last Sunday, the pressing, the organisation, the collective determination from a squad decimated by injuries, was a team that had bought entirely into that mindset. Richarlison’s header, Mathys Tel’s delivery, Randal Kolo Muani’s relentless running for an hour; none of it happened because the players were thinking about West Ham. It happened because De Zerbi had them locked in on the task in front of them.

Leeds United arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday in 14th place, seven points clear of the drop, and with no pressure to speak of. In normal circumstances, that is a dangerous opponent, a side with nothing to lose and fresh legs.

But Daniel Farke’s team have gone five away games without a win, managing just four draws and a defeat in that run. If Spurs match the intensity of the Villa performance, it is a winnable game.

Can Spurs make the Arsenal result irrelevant before Monday is done?

Yes. And that is the only answer worth focusing on.

We are all going to have one eye on the London Stadium on Sunday. But hoping West Ham pull off one of the results of their season is not a strategy. It is noise. The strategy is beating Leeds on Monday, then Chelsea, then Everton, and never needing to care what West Ham did or did not do.

De Zerbi has done enough in three weeks to deserve the benefit of the doubt. The squad showed at Villa Park that they are capable of delivering at the sharpest moments. If we take care of our own business, Sunday becomes a footnote. If we don’t, it becomes the thing we spend the summer replaying. It remains to be seen whether this group can back up that Villa performance, but the belief is there, and Monday night is ours to take.

Let’s not give West Ham the burden of rescuing us. Let’s rescue ourselves.

Tottenham Hotspur are already planning for the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting striker signings will be a key focus as they look to improve their attack. As Roberto De Zerbi works on shaping the squad, adding more goals up front will be important for Spurs.

The summer transfer window is expected to be an important one for Tottenham Hotspur as they aim to strengthen their squad, with the attack seen as one of the main areas that needs improvement after a difficult season in front of goal.

Tottenham are also making plans for the summer window, as the club are still not fully assured of their place in the Premier League next season. As Roberto De Zerbi continues to do his job at Tottenham, he may have to turn to the transfer market to bring in attacking options who can improve the club’s goal output and consistency.

Richarlison is currently the club’s top scorer, but his performances in the Premier League this season have not been consistent. At the same time, Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons are both nursing injuries, which further reduces Spurs’ attacking options. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani remains part of the forward line, although reports suggest he does not expect to stay beyond the end of his loan spell this season, along with some of his teammates.

However, reports also says that the Lilywhites are ready to rebuild the squad in a big way even if they stay in the Premier League, showing how important the summer could be for the club’s long-term plans. With that in mind, here are five strikers who have already been linked with Tottenham as potential targets for the summer window.

Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda on Tottenham’s summer radar

Tottenham search for attacking reinforcements has reportedly led them to the Netherlands, where Ayase Ueda has been in strong form for Feyenoord this season.

The 27-year-old Japanese forward has enjoyed an impressive campaign, finding the net regularly in all competitions. His sharp movement, composed finishing, and ability to perform in fast-paced attacking systems have made him stand out to scouts, with his profile seen as a strong fit for English football.

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Ayesha Ueda Stats (Premier League 2025–26)

While the numbers are not eye-catching in every area, his goal return has still been impressive and highlights his consistency in front of goal. Tottenham are said to have been tracking his progress for some time as part of their summer planning, with the striker already on their radar within transfer talks.

However, Spurs are not alone in their interest. Leeds United, Everton, and Brighton & Hove Albion are also believed to have monitored him closely, meaning competition could emerge if a move develops this summer.

Fisnik Asllani emerges as Tottenham’s top striker target

Fisnik Asllani has been linked with a move as one of the main attacking targets ahead of the summer window. The 23-year-old who returned after a strong loan spell at Elversberg, has had a good season so far, scoring eight goals and assisted seven. His form shows his growing impact in attack.

He is highly rated for his ability to score and also create chances for teammates. He can drop deep to help build play and still get into the box to finish, which makes him a useful all-round attacker. There is also belief he could handle the Premier League well because of his mix of strength and skill.

His release clause is around €30 million (£26m), which has also attracted interest from clubs like Bayern Munich. Because of the price and his ability, Asllani is seen as a possible bargain, and Spurs are expected to stay interested as they look to improve their attack in the summer.

Moise Kean is another option in Tottenham striker targets for summer transfer plans

The Lilywhites have being linked with a possible move for Florentina forward Moise Kean, emerging as one of the names on their list ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a steady season, making 33 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

It is a return that has kept him in the spotlight as Spurs continue to look for ways to improve their attacking options going into next season. It is also understood that Tottenham boss De Zerbi is interested in bringing the former Everton striker back to the Premier League, despite his difficult spell in England earlier in his career.

During that time, Kean struggled to adapt to the pace and physical demands of the league, managing just two goals and two assists in 32 appearances. Even so, his potential continues to keep him in Tottenham’s thinking, with a move still seen as possible if the conditions are right. Reports suggest that a fee of around £43 million could be enough for Spurs to open talks with Fiorentina over the forward.

However, any move for Kean is expected to depend on Tottenham securing their place in the Premier League for next season, with the club’s transfer plans likely to be shaped by their final position in the table.

Marcos Leonardo is also on Tottenham’s summer striker target list

Marcos Leonardo has built a strong scoring record since joining Al-Hilal, with 44 goals in 72 appearances showing his ability to consistently deliver in front of goal. So far this season, he has scored 13 goals and provided just one assist, further underlining his main strength as a natural finisher rather than a creator.

At 23, he still has plenty of room to develop, with his sharp movement and instinct inside the box making him an appealing option for clubs looking to add a long-term striker.

Marcos Leonardo Stats (2025–26 season)

Tottenham’s interest in the forward also reflects how much they value his availability and consistency, especially as they look to avoid players who struggle with injuries or long spells on the sidelines.

A fee of around £55m would be a big spend for Spurs, but because he is still young, scores goals, and has room to improve, he is seen more as a player for the future rather than just a quick fix.

Spurs eye move for Georges Mikautadze

Tottenham Hotspur are still being linked with a move for Georges Mikautadze, with reports continuing to suggest the Villarreal forward is on their shortlist ahead of the summer.

The 25-year-old has had a steady campaign, scoring 11 goals for Villarreal. While that is not at the level of elite strikers, his all-round play and ability to create chances keep him on the radar of clubs like Spurs as they look to improve their attack.

Mikautadze’s main strength is his versatility. Across his career, he has mainly played as a centre-forward, with 157 appearances, 87 goals and 24 assists. He has also featured on the left wing, as a second striker, and as an attacking midfielder, with only a few appearances on the right wing and in central midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur are now locked in a transfer battle with Liverpool over Jan Paul van Hecke, with the Reds reportedly making the first move in the race for the defender.

Based on recent reports, there is no denying that Tottenham Hotspur have Jan Paul van Hecke as a defensive target for the summer window.

Earlier this week, Spurs Web reported that Tottenham are now looking to accelerate their pursuit of Van Hecke following intense competition for his signature.

The defender himself is said to be open to working with Roberto De Zerbi again, having played under the Italian during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion. However, any potential reunion will hinge on Spurs remaining a Premier League club next season.

Despite that, it now appears a move could be complicated further as Tottenham continue their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

Tottenham and Liverpool battle for Jan Paul van Hecke transfer

TeamTalk has now revealed that Roberto De Zerbi would love to work with Jan Paul van Hecke once again, but it is Liverpool who have now made a move for the Brighton and Hove Albion defender.

The Reds are also in the market for a new centre-back, while Spurs Web has consistently reported on Liverpool’s interest in Dutch defender Micky van de Ven.

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It now appears Liverpool is looking to scupper Tottenham’s plans for the Brighton star, with TeamTalk revealing they have recently entered the race by making initial contact with Van Hecke’s representatives.

It is claimed that Arne Slot views the Netherlands international as an ideal addition to strengthen Liverpool’s backline.

Spurs stepping up Jan Paul van Hecke pursuit

Spurs, however, are not backing down in their pursuit of Van Hecke, with the same report stating that Tottenham are also stepping up their interest in the Brighton defender.

Spurs Web reported earlier this week that De Zerbi’s connection with Van Hecke could hand the Lilywhites an advantage in the race for the centre-back, and that claim has now been reiterated by TeamTalk.

Van Hecke and Van de Ven are also said to be close friends, with Spurs hopeful the Dutch defender could help sway the decision in their favour.

Interestingly, it is also claimed that signing Van Hecke could potentially help Tottenham keep hold of Van de Ven.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle United remain in the race for the Brighton defender, although neither club is believed to be as advanced as Spurs and Liverpool.

Brighton, on the other hand, are keen to keep the centre-back and has attempted to tie him down to a new contract, but talks have stalled.

With just one year remaining on his current deal, the Seagulls are now braced for substantial offers, with reports suggesting a valuation in the region of £60m.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to improve their defence this summer, and Jan Paul van Hecke could be a solid option for the Lilywhites.

The Brighton defender already has good Premier League experience and his time under Roberto De Zerbi has also shaped his style, and Van Hecke’s experience under the Italian at Brighton could make him a perfect fit.

Tottenham Hotspur will begin a major rebuild of their squad this summer and the defensive area is likely to be one of the main focus points as they look to improve stability at the back. Van Hecke is another option that is been considered lately, as the Brighton defender has just 13 months left on his current contract at Brighton and Hove Albion.

And despite the Seagulls’ attempts to convince him to sign a new deal, the 26-year-old looks likely to move this summer, which has put several top clubs on alert, with Spurs among those keeping a close eye on him.

With interest building ahead of the transfer window, a move now looks realistic as clubs begin planning their summer business, meaning Van Hecke is expected to have several options if he does leave Brighton, with his profile fitting the needs of teams looking to strengthen at the back and add more stability in defence.

That consistency is also backed up by his experience at the highest level, as he has now reached a total of 100 Premier League appearances for Brighton, a milestone that feels both remarkable and inevitable, and it underlines his value as a defender who is comfortable both in possession and in defensive duels.

Jan Paul van Hecke’s form is attracting Tottenham interest

Van Hecke has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Brighton this season, scoring three goals, providing three assists, and helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as he continues to play an important role in their strong fight to qualify for the Uefa Europa League next season.

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Brighton currently sit 8th position in the Premier League, just two points off sixth placed Bournment, with Van Hecke consistently featuring as a key part of their defensive setup throughout the season. His impact is also clear in his numbers, which show how important he is defensively:

These numbers highlight his consistency in progressing play from the back and dealing with danger, which is why Tottenham are closely monitoring his situation ahead of a possible summer move.

Why Van Hecke could suit Tottenham defensively

Van Hecke has become one of the more reliable defenders in the Premier League over the last few seasons, often helping Brighton build attacks from the back. And that is one of the reasons Tottenham are interested in him, as Spurs are expected to look for defenders who can stay calm in possession and help move the ball forward under pressure.

The Seagulls’ system asks the centre-backs and goalkeeper to stay involved in build-up play, and Van Hecke plays an important role in making that work. He can play short passes into midfield or find attacking areas with direct passes, while also disguising his passes well to make it harder for opponents to read his next move.

Alongside his work in possession, Van Hecke is also aggressive defensively and likes to step forward early to stop attackers from turning. While he is not the fastest defender in wide areas, he reads the game well, positions himself smartly, and covers space effectively, while also helping his full-backs and making important recovery tackles when needed. He is also strong in the air at 6’2”, which makes him reliable when dealing with crosses and set pieces, and could give Tottenham more stability at the back if signed.

Van Hecke and Tottenham’s transfer interest under De Zerbi

Van Hecke’s profile fits the type of centre-back who is strong defensively and also comfortable building play from the back, which is why he is attracting interest from clubs looking for defenders who can contribute in possession and improve build-up play.

Because of this, Tottenham view him as a strong option as they look to strengthen their defence and add more control at the back, and his experience under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, where he played 50 times, also adds to his appeal as he has already shown he can adapt to a similar tactical approach.

In addition to that, Tottenham are expected to make changes to their squad ahead of the next transfer window, and Van Hecke has emerged as a notable option following a strong season at Brighton, where he has helped them push for European qualification and also caught attention with his assist in the 2-2 draw against Spurs in gameweek 33 after a mistake from Kevin Danso.

As interest in him continues to grow, his previous work with De Zerbi could still be important for Tottenham, as already knowing the manager and his style of play could make a move smoother if Spurs decide to go for him.

Tottenham are reportedly keeping a close eye on a full-back who could provide competition for Pedro Porro, although any potential deal may hinge on Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento.

Pedro Porro has certainly been a mainstay at right-back for Tottenham Hotspur since joining the club during the Antonio Conte era.

The Spaniard has barely faced any real competition and has retained his place in the first-team squad despite Tottenham’s constant changes in the managerial dugout.

Now, under Roberto De Zerbi, Porro continues to thrive, offering the Italian the option of using him as a traditional full-back, wing-back, inverted full-back or even in a more conservative role to help form a back three.

Displacing a player of that quality is never easy, but reports now claim Spurs have set their sights on a potential competitor for the position.

Tottenham join Wesley Franca transfer race

This report comes from Calciomercato IT, who states that Tottenham are in the race for AS Roma full-back Wesley Franca.

Of course, this is not the first time Spurs have been linked with the defender, with Spurs Web first reporting Tottenham’s interest in Wesley during the 2026 winter window. He is a player the club have monitored since his time in Brazil with Flamengo.

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Since moving to AS Roma, the full-back has continued to catch the eye, scoring five goals already this season. Wesley’s list of suitors is now growing, with rivals Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City all said to be in the race for the 22-year-old.

It is explained that there have been no formal offers from Spurs so far, although the north London side continues to take note of the defender alongside their Premier League rivals.

Spurs could benefit from Roma’s financial situation, as Livramento is key to full-back pursuit

Interestingly, the report also links a potential move for Wesley with Tino Livramento. Calciomercato claims the Newcastle United full-back is of interest to Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City.

In fact, it is claimed that only one of Livramento or Wesley will be targeted by the clubs, with other teams expected to push for the Roma star instead.

Naturally, should Newcastle lose Livramento, they are expected to move for Wesley as cover for the Englishman.

However, signing the 22-year-old full-back will not be straightforward, with Roma reportedly doubling their valuation of Wesley, who is capable of operating on either flank, although no exact fee has been disclosed.

When Spurs’ interest was first reported in the winter, Wesley was valued at around £22m, meaning his price tag could now be approaching £40m.

Roma’s Financial Fair Play issues could, however, work in Tottenham’s favour, with the Italian side needing player sales to balance the books, potentially forcing them to part ways with Wesley.

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to pick up form at an important time in the season, but Roberto De Zerbi has also made some tough choices. With Spurs fighting to avoid relegation, he has gone for a more experienced and strong midfield, leaving Archie Gray on the bench and unsure of his role for the rest of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to improve in the Premier League relegation battle. They are still locked in a fight to stay up alongside London rivals West Ham United, but recent results have given them a lift. Back-to-back wins under Roberto De Zerbi have helped the team regain confidence, even with a long list of injuries and players missing across the squad.

There has also been clear progress at the back. Spurs are now defending with more control, and they are not giving away as many clear chances as before. Across their last three matches, they have only allowed about 1.84 expected goals in total, which shows how much tighter they have become without the ball. This improved approach has made it harder for opponents to break them down and has helped them stay competitive in close games in the Premier League.

Going forward, Spurs are also beginning to look more dangerous again. After struggling for most of the season in front of goal, they are now creating better chances and showing more confidence in attack.

The goals are starting to come at important moments, and that has helped them turn tight matches into valuable points and has help them leave the drop zone. With survival still not secure, this mix of stronger defending and improving attack could be key as the season reaches its final stages.

Midfield changes restore balance and stability to Spurs

The changes in midfield have had a big impact on Tottenham’s performances, with Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur now playing key roles in the middle of the pitch. Their mix of energy, discipline and strength has made the Lilywhites much harder to play through, especially in tight matches, and this has started to change how the team controls games.

That control was missing earlier in the season, when opponents were finding too much space in central areas and Spurs often looked open and easy to break down, especially when trying to build attacks. So far those problems have now improved, with the team looking more connected, more in control, and stronger in possession, and that was clearly seen in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

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With that improvement, Spurs have also begun to give away fewer clear chances in recent weeks. Gallagher brings pressing and energy, Bentancur adds calmness and control since returning from injury, and Palhinha offers strength and protection in front of the defence, winning many duels and helping to stop danger before it develops.

Even so, injuries have affected Tottenham all season, with several players missing at different times which makes consistency hard to maintain. Creativity has also been affected by constant changes in the team, but despite these setbacks, the current midfield setup has brought more balance, structure and stability, and it is now playing a key role in their fight to stay up.

How Tottenham’s midfield reshuffle has blocked Archie Gray

This change in midfield has come at a cost for Archie Gray. The young midfielder is still highly rated at Tottenham after joining from Leeds United at the age of 18, but his involvement in the team has now dropped, with fewer chances to feature in recent matches.

After being used regularly under Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, Gray has now been left out of the last three Premier League games, a drop in involvement as there are concerns about his physical strength, especially after De Zerbi’s first game in charge against Sunderland, where he was taken off after an hour.

That game also highlighted his struggles in duels, as this season he has won only 35% of them, and against Sunderland he did not make a single challenge. As a result, De Zerbi has leaned towards a stronger midfield since Bentancur returned and Gallagher found form, which has made competition for places even tougher.

With that in mind, another factor affecting Gray’s situation has been his role across different positions. He has played in defence, midfield and full-back roles, and while this shows his versatility, it has also affected his rhythm and consistency in the side.

This is reflected in his overall appearances for Tottenham, where he has featured as a centre-back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, right-back, left-back and right midfielder, contributing a small number of goals and assists across those roles.

Because of this rotation and the current midfield balance, De Zerbi has now settled on a setup that is working well, and Gray has not been part of it in recent games.

Although he is technically strong and works hard, he may still lack the physical strength needed at this stage of the season, so De Zerbi continues with a more experienced and physical midfield as Spurs aim to stay up.

Tottenham’s pursuit of Ian Subiabre appears to be gathering pace, with Spurs now tipped to put in a bid for the wide player.

Tottenham Hotspur fans and regular readers of Spurs Web are well aware of Spurs’ interest in Argentine winger Ian Subiabre, who plays for River Plate.

The 19-year-old is an Argentina U20 international and a product of River Plate’s youth system, having made his first-team debut in 2024.

This season, he has played 886 minutes across 20 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists. Many Spurs fans will also be aware of the club’s previous venture into the South American market when they signed Alejo Veliz.

Spurs Web first reported Tottenham’s interest in Subiabre during last summer’s transfer window, although it was nothing more than interest at the time, with nothing concrete developing.

However, things have slowly progressed over the past few months, with recent reports stating that Tottenham have accelerated their interest in the Argentine youngster, causing panic at River Plate.

Tottenham and Chelsea register Ian Subiabre interest

There is a belief that holding on to the winger will be difficult for the South American club this summer, and our previous report revealed exactly how much Tottenham are looking to bid for Subiabre despite his £85m (€100m) release clause.

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Now, according to Soy del Millo, it is believed that River Plate intends to hold on to Ian Subiabre despite interest from several clubs this summer.

Chelsea, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Lazio and Villarreal are all said to be in the race for the teenager after registering formal interest.

River Plate is aware of the growing attention but would still prefer to keep hold of the 19-year-old, even though his sale at their desired price could help the club meet financial objectives and strengthen the squad.

Spurs expected to make a major Ian Subiabre offer

Nonetheless, another report – this time from journalist Hernan Castillo, relayed by Sport Witness – has revealed that the player’s agent, Claudio Caniggia, is looking to capitalise on the growing interest from Europe in an attempt to secure a move for his client.

It is understood he is pushing for Subiabre’s sale as soon as possible, with River Plate now prepared to give the green light, provided an acceptable offer arrives.

In the past few hours, the South American club rejected a £5.8m (€6.8m) bid and is now demanding between £7.2m-£10.8m (€8.5m-€12.7m).

Spurs Web reported last month that Tottenham were preparing to offer a similar figure, although it remains unclear whether the rejected bid came from north London.

The outlet added: ‘Subiabre is undoubtedly one of the most interesting prospects to emerge from the club in recent years: a skilful and unpredictable winger, with a profile highly sought after by European clubs.’

It is now understood that River Plate are expecting ‘important offers’ from Tottenham, Chelsea and Villarreal. It remains to be seen if Tottenham will put forward any bid for the winger this summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur seem more and more likely to sign Joao Palhinha this summer, but are there better options out there in the transfer window?

On Thursday, May 7th, Roberto De Zerbi told the press in no uncertain terms that he “100%” wants Tottenham to sign Joao Palhinha permanently.

“We have to start from this type of people. More than players, we need reliable people and players, and Palhinha is one of the best,” the Italian said.

This came after the Portuguese midfielder recorded his 100th tackle in Tottenham’s victory against Aston Villa.

Palhinha, on loan from Bayern Munich, had a somewhat difficult start to North London life and still divides opinions among the fan base. But he has entered a rich run of form recently, and his resurgence leaves the club in a difficult situation.

If Tottenham stay up, should they sign Joao Palhinha or reinvest?

Tottenham have a £22m option-to-buy clause in Joao Palhinha’s loan, which initially seems low, but many argue the 31-year-old won’t have long left on his physical prime and that that money should be used to bring in a new, perhaps more well-rounded midfielder.

In the past, Spurs have infamously insisted on the resale value of any players they sign, but they will probably have to forgo any future profits to keep the ex-Fulham star.

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What Palhinha offers on the pitch, however, is exceptionally difficult to replace.

Few midfielders in world football combine his tackling volume, positional intelligence and ball-winning instincts with such relentless consistency. If he doesn’t re-sign, Spurs will be tasked with finding a successor capable of replicating that rare ability.

So, looking at tackle data across Europe, here are three midfielders Tottenham could target next – one ambitious option, one realistic alternative, and one outside-the-box shout.

Tempting James Garner from Everton might be tricky for Spurs

The only midfielder in Europe with more tackles than Palhinha this season is James Garner. In fact, the English midfielder has the most tackles of any player in the Premier League this season.

Garner has always been solid and reliable, but has taken his game up another level this season, adding creativity and finesse in the final third of the pitch.

At the time of writing, he has scored two goals and recorded nine assists in the league for Everton and could easily finish the campaign with double-digit G/As.

As well as this, Garner has also covered multiple positions and looks just as comfortable at either fullback as he does across the midfield. Given Palhinha’s recent tactical instructions of dropping into the backline, this adaptability could be crucial.

Everton, however, will not want to sell a key player, and without European football (assuming Tottenham are in the Premier League, firstly) could make prizing him away very difficult. Spurs have been linked with a move for Garner in the past though, so watch this space.

Stylistically, Garner feels like the perfect replacement, but other options should also be explored.

Wolves’ Joao Gomes could be a more realistic target

Third on the list for most tackles in the Premier League this season sees an already relegated João Gomes. The Brazilian sits just behind Garner and Palhinha, and is next in line to reach the 100 tackle milestone, currently sitting on 99.

In what has been a poor season for The Old Gold, the 25-year-old has been one of a few shining lights, and has definitely stated his case for a move to a bigger club this summer.

Gomes brings tenacity and an unrivalled aggression that echoes his Portuguese namesake, but it’s his ball carrying that could make him more of an asset. Fans, especially in his role under Thomas Frank, often sighed at the on-ball ability of Palhinha and arguments about his passing range have gone on all season.

It wouldn’t be the worst idea to bring in a more technical midfielder to deploy in the pivot, but at what cost?

If Spurs do see him as a legitimate option, they’ll need to move fast. Reports indicate that Tottenham and Man United could be in a tug of war for Joao Gomes this summer.

Tottenham could shop in the very physical French league

If Tottenham were to replace Palhinha’s tackles, it wouldnt have to be neccessarily from within their own domestic league.

While the Premier League is often cited as the world’s most physical, it seems players from the Ligue 1 seem to adapt the quickest, coming from a very intense French league.

Down in 13th place on the Europe’s most frequent tackler dataset sits Mamadou Sangare, a midfield general for RC Lens.

Born in Bamako, Mali, Sangare came through the Red Bull system with Salzburg before learning his trade on loan spells across Austria and Belgium; he joined Lens from Rapid Vienna last summer.

Sangare excels on both sides of the ball, and his tackling numbers place him among Europe’s elite as he develops as a force of nature for RC Lens, who sit just six points off league leaders PSG.

This is another option that offers more in possession than Palhinha, without completely losing that defensive prowess – his composed, almost relaxed style is met with vision and distribution, allowing him to progress play from deep areas.