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As Tottenham Hotspur continue to scour the market for attacking reinforcements, they have now allegedly turned their attention to a Chelsea star, who could leave Stamford Bridge in search of regular game time.

According to reports, Thomas Frank wants an attacking midfielder and a winger to be signed before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Several attackers from across Europe have been mooted as potential targets for Spurs over the last week, but it has now been suggested that the Lilywhites may look to raid their London rivals.

A versatile Chelsea attacker, who scored 15 goals and provided five assists for the Blues last term, has now emerged as a surprise target for Tottenham.

Tottenham are exploring a move for Christopher Nkunku

This update comes from TEAMtalk, who claim that Tottenham Hotspur are now exploring a move to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku before the window slams shut.

The 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52m, has struggled to secure a regular place in Enzo Marseca’s starting eleven.

The outlet claims that Spurs have now shifted their focus to the Frenchman after missing out on Eze, with the Les Blues star now ‘firmly’ on the North London club’s radar.

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The report claims that Nkunku is open to a return to Leipzig, but the Bundesliga club have not made a formal approach, thus opening the door for Spurs to pursue a deal.

Will Chelsea sell Nkunku to Tottenham?

TEAMtalk say that Nkunku is viewed as an ‘ideal fit’ for Tottenham’s system due to his ability to play across the front three as well as a number ten, coupled with his flair and eye for goal.

Thomas Frank’s men hope to make the Chelsea man their ‘statement signing’ in the final week of the transfer window, but it is alleged that the West London club may be reluctant to sell the forward to a Premier League rival.

However, the publication adds that the door is not closed for a switch to Spurs for Nkunku, with the Lilywhites now considering testing Chelsea’s resolve by making a move for the player.

Tottenham Hotspur earned another well-fought Premier League victory on Saturday, and five players in particular have made Thomas Frank’s next team selection very straightforward.

Nobody was giving Tottenham Hotspur a chance when they ventured to the Etihad Stadium, but the belief was there after a decisive 3-0 victory over Burnley. Despite City showing promising signs early on, Spurs stuck to their task and were already two goals up before half-time.

Brennan Johnson once again found the back of the net, taking his Premier League tally to two goals in two games. He was joined on the scoresheet by Joao Paulinha, who was delighted to open his account at Tottenham.

Every player did his job on the day, but there were five players who have surely guaranteed their spot in Thomas Frank’s next team selection. Of course, senior stars like Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, and Micky Van de Ven also fall into this category, but there are a few more unexpected stars so far this season.

Djed Spence should keep his Tottenham first-team spot for now

It was a solid performance from Djed Spence on Saturday. The left-back may not have got forward as much as usual, but he played his part in the victory with his defensive contributions.

Spence made four recoveries and clearances each and kept Oscar Bobb at bay. Spurs did make one or two mistakes passing it around at the back, but unlike a couple of pre-season fixtures, the 25-year-old was not the culprit.

Thomas Frank did get annoyed with Spence during the first-half, but this was due to his decision not to take a long throw-in, so nothing major. On the whole, it was another fine showing from Spence and it would be very harsh if he was replaced by Destiny Udogie as soon as the Italian is match fit.

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Joao Palhinha was the standout player for Spurs

Palhinha may not have picked up the official player of the match award, but he won the supporter vote for a truly exceptional performance. Despite playing a more defensive role, he scored with his only shot of the match.

While he may not be the flashiest player, Palhinha provided a composed presence in the Tottenham midfield. He is still early on in his Spurs career, but there are signs he could be the type of player Yves Bissouma never managed to be.

Whether tackling, blocking or passing, Palhinha looks a very complete player, and his performance was just a step up from what the promising Archie Gray is currently able to offer. It would be a shock if Frank decides not to select the Portuguese maestro against Bournemouth.

What has happened to Pape Matar Sarr? His performances last season always left Spurs supporters wanting a bit more. He delivered the occasional moment of brilliance, but on the whole, he was just not good enough to be regularly starting matches.

Fast forward a few months and the Senegalese midfielder is simply ‘magic on the ball’, as his song goes. Sarr struggled to win his ground duels against Manchester City, but he did not put a foot wrong in whatever else he did.

One of Sarr’s key characteristics is his energy. There was no moment during Saturday’s game when he looked like he needed to take a moment to slow down. He is just ahead of Lucas Bergvall in the pecking order, but both players are electric in the Tottenham midfield, and Frank will make use of both throughout the season.

Rodrigo Bentancur is often the unsung hero at Spurs

Rodrigo Bentancur is one of the ultimate all-round midfielders, but he always looked a bit limited in his role under Ange Postecoglou. Under Frank, he looks good all over the pitch and he completed a midfield partnership which played a key role in stopping Man City.

The Uruguayan never looked like being dropped last season, regardless of whether he was playing well, or struggling for consistency. Even with the addition of Palhinha, his spot in the first-team looks safe and secure.

Tottenham must look to tie Bentancur down to a new contract. Replacing him with a player who matches him for quality would likely mean coughing up around £60m, which would be unnecessary. Any new midfielder joining should be an addition to the Tottenham first-team squad, not a replacement for a current player.

Mohammed Kudus is important even without his goal contributions

Mohammed Kudus did not have the same impact against Manchester City as he did on the opening day of the league season. However, it was still another encouraging display.

His dribbling is simply brilliant and a level above any winger Spurs have had for quite some time. One mistake Kudus did make was dribbling backwards when there were few options available to him, then holding onto the ball for too long. This does not take away from what was another good performance, where he also chipped in with plenty of defensive contributions.

Wilson Odobert had a very good cameo off the bench, even if it only lasted a little more than 10 minutes. However, despite Johnson’s goal, it is he, not Kudus, who is more likely to lose his place, should Frank decide to give the France U21 international his chance.

Richarlison is unlucky not to find himself on this list, but you suspect Thomas Frank will be extremely careful with the Brazilian, given his injury history. As such, routinely rotating him out for Dominic Solanke would be no bad thing.

Tottenham have made a flying start under Thomas Frank, but the injury list is already growing with Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison all out.

Thomas Frank would be delighted with the start to life he has had at Tottenham Hotspur this season, with his side picking up two wins in their opening two Premier League games.

Victories over newly promoted Burnley and former Premier League champions Manchester City have placed Tottenham second in the table, level on points with Arsenal but behind only on goal difference.

It is all the more impressive given that Frank has not yet had a fully fit squad to work with, as injuries have already hit his side early in the campaign.

The Standard has now provided the latest on every Tottenham player currently sidelined, including updates on the fitness of Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Destiny Udogie, who missed Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia after suffering a knee injury while warming up for a friendly against Luton, is understood to be edging closer to a return after resuming training with his team-mates last week. His comeback could arrive when Spurs face Bournemouth at home on Saturday, 30 August.

As for Yves Bissouma, the Malian midfielder has endured a frustrating start to the campaign. He was left out of the UEFA Super Cup squad due to disciplinary reasons and then picked up a knock in training ahead of the Burnley game. He has yet to make an appearance this season, with no clear return date confirmed at present.

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Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from knee surgery carried out in May. The Swedish international has not featured at all this season, and while Thomas Frank has not pinned down a timeline, the expectation is that he may not return until early 2026.

James Maddison’s absence has left an even bigger hole in midfield, with the playmaker sidelined after tearing his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United. The England international is set to miss the majority of the campaign, with April 2026 marked as a possible return date.

Spurs still battling more injury setbacks

Radu Dragusin, who also suffered an ACL injury during a Europa League clash with Elfsborg back in January, remains unavailable. The Romanian defender has taken positive steps in his recovery and recently returned to the training pitch, with a late 2025 return considered realistic.

New signing Kota Takai has yet to feature for Tottenham after picking up a plantar fascia injury during pre-season. Speaking about the situation, Frank said: “Kota got a plantar fascia injury, unfortunately we do not know the scale of it – weeks.” His return remains unclear.

Manor Solomon, who returned to Spurs after an impressive loan spell with Leeds United last season, has also been kept out by a mystery issue.

The Israeli winger missed the entire pre-season schedule but has now returned to training. He is unlikely to feature before September 2025.

Tottenham supporters have been quick to share their thoughts on which number ten the club should target after missing out on Nico Paz.

Tottenham Hotspur are still without a recognised number ten despite the summer transfer window entering its final week.

Spurs’ pursuit of Nico Paz ended abruptly, as the youngster made it clear that his priority remains centred on forcing his way back into Real Madrid’s first-team picture rather than making the move to north London.

The rejection has left Tottenham scrambling for alternatives, with James Maddison sidelined for a lengthy spell and Dejan Kulusevski also expected to miss several matches in the opening months of the season.

Tottenham fans name number ten targets after Nico Paz rejection

Following the setback in their chase for Nico Paz, we put the question directly to Spurs fans on social media – which number ten would they want to see arrive at the club?

The responses were lively and varied, with plenty of strong opinions. One supporter pushed for a clear choice by insisting: “El Khannous 100%.”

Another Tottenham fan argued: “Paqueta is the last option I think,” while yet another echoed the sentiment simply with “Paqueta.”

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Suggestions came thick and fast, including a bold call for a return move for Morgan Gibbs-White: “Hear me out. Go for MGW again.”

Another fan urged: “Get Yildiz with that 70m,” while there was a shout for Akliouche with: “We need to go all out for him before the window closes.”

Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez was also mentioned, with one fan noting: “Fermin Lopez would cook for us. Cheeky 50 mil.”

The push for Lucas Paqueta kept reappearing, with one supporter explaining: “Paqueta is the best of the options available. Prem experienced, and has the qualities Frank likes.”

Spurs options and the number ten dilemma under Thomas Frank

So far, Thomas Frank has managed to get results without a specialist number ten, guiding Tottenham to two wins from their opening Premier League matches while using Pape Matar Sarr in an improvised role further forward.

However, if Spurs are serious about competing on multiple fronts this season, the squad depth must be addressed.

Last year served as a harsh reminder of what injuries can do to a campaign, with Ange Postecoglou forced to juggle his side despite having ten players sidelined at one point.

It will be fascinating to see where Tottenham turn in these final days of the window, with Premier League-proven options such as Lucas Paqueta and Morgan Rogers still in the market, alongside younger talents that could shape the future of the team.

Alan Shearer was mightily impressed with three of Tottenham’s stars against Manchester City, lavishing praise on them for the aggression that they showed to suffocate the home side.

While Tottenham sides have gone to the Etihad Stadium and won in the past, in almost all of those games, the Lilywhites have had spells where their goal was peppered and had to defend with their backs to the wall.

However, that was not the case at all on Saturday, with Tottenham looking very comfortable and Guglielmo Vicario not having too many saves to make.

Thomas Frank admitted that he is over the moon with Spurs’ clean sheet, and Shearer believes that Tottenham’s impressive performance was particularly down to three players.

Alan Shearer praises Tottenham’s midfield trio

After starting with two teenagers in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall against Burnley, Frank went back to the experienced pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in Manchester.

The pair proved an impassable wall in front of the back four while Pape Sarr suffocated the City midfielders with his energy. Shearer labelled the performance from the Tottenham trio a ‘midfield masterclass’,

The Newcastle legend told BBC Match of the Day: “It was a midfield masterclass from those three, Sarr, Bentancur and Palhinha. They pressed, they were aggressive and they invited the short pass. If they didn’t win the first tackle, they won the second tackle – that was a constant all afternoon from those three.

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“Tackles, blocks, look at this block from Palhinha – he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham Hotspur, so many last-ditch tackles, the timing of them were absolutely perfect. Those numbers there tell you they absolutely dominated that midfield battle today, all three were magnificent, it was great to watch.”

Joao Palhinha has proven to be an inspired signing for Tottenham

There has been a lot of noise over the past week about the players that Spurs have missed out on this summer.

However, two signings that Tottenham have made – Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha – have both been inspired signings, who have significantly improved Spurs’ starting eleven.

While Tottenham have not given up on Savinho yet, they have identified an alternative for the Brazilian, fearing Manchester City will continue to block his move to N17.

Some sources have indicated that Tottenham are prepared to do everything in their power to land Savinho after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

However, a move for the 21-year-old is proving difficult for Spurs as Man City are continuing to block Savinho’s departure.

It was reported earlier this month by Paul O’Keefe Tottenham are considering Maghnes Akliouche as an alternative for Savinho, and this has now been backed up by another transfer insider.

Maghnes Akliouche would be cheaper than Savinho

It was recently reported by L’Equipe that Monaco want €70m (£60m) for Maghnes Akliouche this summer.

The outlet added that the 23-year-old may stay put at Monaco since none of his suitors are willing to meet the price tag.

However, O’Rourke has said that the feeling at Hotspur Way is that the versatile French attacker would be a cheaper option than the Man City man.

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O’Rourke told Football Insider: “[Tottenham] have shown interest in Savinho at Manchester City, but City have rebuffed their interest so far, saying they don’t want to lose Savinho. They’re trying to price the Brazilian out of a move, so Tottenham are looking at potential alternatives to him.

“The one that seems to be catching their eye at the minute is Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, a 23-year-old who is a very talented young player, and would be a cheaper alternative to Savinho as well.”

Could Tottenham sign both Akliouche and Savinho?

While O’Rourke and other sources seem to suggest that Akliouche is a backup for Savinho, the reality is that they are both different players.

While the Monaco man can play on the right, he arguably does his best work as a number ten rather than on the flanks.

That is perhaps why some sources have suggested that Spurs had made advances towards Akliouche after being snubbed by Eze. The possibility of Tottenham making moves for both the Moncao and Man City stars cannot be ruled out.

It has now emerged that Real Madrid played a major hand in ensuring Tottenham’s huge offer for Nico Paz was rejected on Sunday.

Spurs are now in a race against time to bring a number ten through the door, with only a week left until the transfer window slams shut.

It was claimed by Gianluca Di Marzio on Saturday that Spurs will return with an improved offer for Paz after their €40m (£34.6m) offer was rejected at the start of August.

That bid came on Sunday evening, with Tottenham reportedly sending a €70m (£60.7m) bid to Como for Paz, but that too was turned down by the Serie A club.

What Real Madrid did after Tottenham’s big offer for Nico Paz

Fabrizio Romano has explained on his YouTube channel that Real Madrid have control over Paz even though he is officially a Como player.

This is because the La Liga giants have the right to match any offer for the 20-year-old, a 50 per cent sell-on clause, and a buy-back clause for next summer worth just £10m.

Romano has pointed out that Como would have only received £30m even if Tottenham Hotspur’s £60m had been accepted due to Madrid’s sell-on clause.

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Further, the journalist adds that Los Blancos contacted the Serie A club to make it clear that they are willing to match any bid that Spurs make and are willing to compensate them in the future for rejecting the North London club’s offers.

Paz wants to stay at Como despite Spurs bid

Additionally, Romano reveals in his YouTube video that despite Tottenham’s interest, Nico Paz is keen to continue working with Cesc Fabregas, having developed a good relationship with the Spanish coach.

He explains that the youngster’s priority is to play regularly this season to give himself the best chance of being in Argentina’s team for next year’s World Cup.

As a result, the attacking midfielder has decided to stay at Stadio Comunale, and Romano adds that his move to N17 is not progressing at the moment.

Alasdair Gold has reacted to reports of Tottenham Hotspur pressing ahead with a move for Piero Hincapie, and has revealed what the North London club’s top priorities are in the final week of the transfer window.

Last week, Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe revealed that Spurs want to sign a number ten, a winger and a centre-back before the window slams shut.

However, with time quickly running out, that now appears a hard ask for the Lilywhites, who might have to prioritise some of those positions over others.

This morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham had launched a loan offer for Piero Hincapie with an obligation to buy for £52m after the centre-back expressed a desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

Alasdair Gold says Piero Hincapie is not a priority for Tottenham

The news regarding Spurs’ offer for the Leverkusen star took some fans by surprise, given that the club have still not managed to strengthen their attack since missing out on some high-profile targets.

However, Alasdair Gold has now taken to social media to confirm that Tottenham are prioritising signing a number ten and a winger in the final week of the transfer window.

The journalist explains that Thomas Frank would also like to add a centre-back to his squad so that Luka Vuskovic can be loaned out, but he adds that Hincapie does not appear to be one of the options the North Londoners are looking at.

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Why Tottenham are unlikely to sign Piero Hincapie

According to various reports, Tottenham would have to pay a club-record fee to sign Savinho, who remains the Lilywhites’ top attacking target.

Meanwhile, it has also been claimed that Spurs are ready to spend big on Como’s Nico Paz, although a deal for the attacking midfielder appears difficult at this point.

It thus seems unlikely that Tottenham would have the funds to spend big on a centre-back. However, Spurs’ stance could change if they decide to prioritise a cheaper option for the number ten rule, such as Bilal El Khannouss.

After Tottenham Hotspur had an offer turned down by Como for Nico Paz, the Serie A club’s manager, Cesc Fabregas, has now revealed what he thinks about the attacking midfielder’s future.

Over the last few days, there has been a lot of speculation regarding which number ten Tottenham will turn to next after being snubbed by Eberechi Eze.

It has been claimed by some sources that Nico Paz has now shot to the top of Tottenham’s wishlist on the back of his outstanding debut season in Serie A last term, following his switch from Real Madrid in 2024.

It was revealed by Fabrizio Romano on Sunday night that Spurs had a €70m (£60.7m) offer rejected by Como for Paz.

The journalist revealed that the midfielder wants to stay at Como with a view to returning to Real Madrid in the future, as Los Blancos have a buy-back clause on the youngster.

Cesc Fabrigas asked about Tottenham’s move for Nico Paz

The Argentina international showed against Lazio on Sunday just why Tottenham Hotspur are willing to break the bank for him, registering a sublime goal and an assist as Como emerged 2-0 winners.

After the game, Fabregas insisted that he is not worried about losing his talisman, revealing that Paz wants to remain at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

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When asked if he is worried about losing the young attacking midfielder to Tottenham, Fabrigas said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I’m very calm and relaxed, Nico is very happy here at Como. He’s a top, top player.”

Why Spurs fans should not be ruling out Paz’s arrival

A number of sources have suggested that Paz is not too keen on a move to Tottenham this summer due to his desire to return to Real Madrid in the future.

However, clubs do not usually make offers for players without first talking to them and finding out if they are open to the move.

Tottenham fans have been left fuming after fresh reports around Piero Hincapie’s future suggest that Arsenal have now entered the race.

It was reported a few days ago that Tottenham Hotspur are still working on adding a few more signings before the transfer window closes, with a left-sided centre-back high on the list of priorities.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie has since emerged as a target for Tottenham, although initial reports indicated that the Ecuador international was not for sale this summer.

Spurs appeared to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Hincapie, after claims emerged suggesting that the 23-year-old was open to leaving the Bundesliga side in the coming weeks.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano even reported that Tottenham had approached Bayer Leverkusen, tabling a loan proposal with an obligation to buy Hincapie this summer.

Tottenham fans react as Arsenal enter race for Piero Hincapie

However, those reports have now been dismissed, with journalist David Ornstein stating that Arsenal have also made a move for Hincapie.

Following Ornstein’s reports, Spurs supporters have been left frustrated by the latest twist, with many taking to social media to vent their anger at the situation.

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One fan said: “I hate Arsenal with everything I am.” Another added: “Getting embarrassing now.” One more wrote: “Tbh if he goes there then he has no ambition, he is not going to play any minutes.”

Another chimed in: “Arsenal straight up trolling us at this point.” Another Tottenham fan remarked: “They will come for Savio as well at this time.”

The reactions kept coming in, with a fan stating: “Agents use Spurs to get their players a move. In this case, it is probably to make Chelsea/Arsenal move.”

One fan said: “Would have been a top signing, especially with a long season ahead.” Another joked: “The loan player plus 18-year-old signings on deadline day will hit different.” Others turned their frustration towards Romano, with comments like: “Fabrizio should lose a tier.”

Arsenal already embarrassed Spurs over Eberechi Eze

Of course, Arsenal and Tottenham have already clashed in the market this summer, with the Eberechi Eze saga being the most recent example.

The Crystal Palace midfielder looked set to be joining Tottenham Hotspur, before Arsenal swooped in and wrapped up a deal for the 27-year-old.

It feels like a similar scenario once again with Hincapie, although journalist Alasdair Gold has since reported that the defender does not appear to be a realistic option for Tottenham at this stage.