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Roberto De Zerbi makes decision on award-winning Tottenham wonderkid

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The Tottenham Hotspur youngster had an impressive season away from the club and now Roberto De Zerbi is set to decide his next steps

Roberto De Zerbi wants to take a close look at Mikey Moore in pre-season this summer with Tottenham not interested in letting the teenager leave permanently, football.london understands.

The 18-year-old academy product showed both his talent and mentality as he overcame a tough start on loan at Rangers, with the Glaswegian side's fans initially unconvinced about him before he eventually won them over as he picked up both the PFA Scotland Premiership Young Player of the Year and Rangers' Young Player of the Year awards in the process.

Moore had a big developmental season, playing 47 matches for the Glasgow giants across a campaign that included more European experience and goals amid the pressure of Old Firm derbies, with 11 goal involvements in all from a left-sided playmaker role.

Now a queue of clubs from both home and across Europe have lined up, all looking to take the teenager next season either permanently or on loan, at a time when Tottenham have been linked with signing new wingers for that left flank, with Manchester City's Savinho a long-time target, and various young players like Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic looking to leave the club.

football.london understands though that Spurs are not interested in selling Moore this summer despite the squad overhaul currently being undertaken with likely sales and De Zerbi wants to take a closer look at the talented teen in pre-season when the players return to Hotspur Way on July 10.

The Italian will then make the decision whether to keep the youngster involved in his first team set-up for the first half of the season or if with the lack of fixtures ahead at Tottenham, due to the absence of European football, it is better to allow him another loan spell elsewhere to ensure he starts week in, week out to continue the developmental strides he made north of the border if the perfect offer comes in.

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Moore spoke about his future at Tottenham and what will come next towards the end of his campaign at Rangers last month.

"For me now, it's hard because it's the same as for me last year. A new manager [Thomas Frank] was in at Tottenham and I had to go back in and see what he was saying about me and then see what everyone was doing. To be honest, I think it will be the same sort of process," he said.

"There's a new manager at Spurs at the minute and obviously I'm a Spurs player, so we'll have to see what he says about me, what he wants me to do, what the people around me want me to do. I think that's all I can say at the moment. I'm going to go back there and see what the new people say in the building and from there I'll make a decision."

Moore loved his experience at Rangers and believed it changed him on a personal level as well as engendering a huge affection for the club.

"No matter what happens now, this club's been a huge part of what I'm going to become and it's helped me so much. So, for me, no matter what happens, I'm a fan of this club for the rest of my life now. So, it's been a special experience," he said.

"I think, mentally, I've just changed so much as a person. The way I look at stuff now, I think I've realised that every day means something. So, before, maybe I'd have days where I was a bit switched off and I'd come into training and I'm kind of not on it as much as I need to be.

"But if you want to go and win every single game, that's the way we need to be. I think, as a team, we need to learn that as well. So, we need to realise that every day means something and it's a chance to improve. So, for me, that's been the biggest learning point for me."

The 12 players waving goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur today

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A number of Tottenham Hotspur players will officially say their goodbyes to the north London club today and begin new chapters of their career

Today marks the day when Tottenham and 12 of their players say their mutual farewells to each other as their journeys head in different directions.

Across football the date June 30 marks the day when most contracts in the game either roll over into the next year or they come to an end, whether for a loan deal or a permanent one. This summer at Spurs there is change aplenty underway as Roberto De Zerbi looks to overhaul his first team squad at the same time as the club goes through the natural process of refreshing their older academy sides.

Tottenham have already added four new first team players with the free moves for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, who will all officially join the club tomorrow, as well as the £52million transfer agreement with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke.

As they continue to look for new arrivals, the club have held talks over midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes about big money moves this summer, although they face tough competition if they are to sign either of both of them from Newcastle and West Ham respectively, while Manchester City winger Savinho is also on their radar.

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New contracts have been handed out to Pedro Porro and Ben Davies while Antonin Kinsky is set to have his bumper new long-term deal announced.

Others will go though and here are the 12 Tottenham players who will officially say farewell to the north London club on their final day as an employee there today:

Alejo Veliz (Bahia) - £7.8million at end of loan contract at Rosario

Yves Bissouma - End of contract

Pele Arganese-McDermott (Crawley Town) - Free move as contract ends

Tyrell Ashcroft - End of contract

Leo Black - End of contract

Dante Cassanova - End of contract

Matthew Craig - End of contract

Calum Logan - End of contract

Leon Myrtaj (Debreceni VSC) - Free move as contract ends

Elijah Upson - End of contract

Jamel Beggs - End of contract

Samal Bangura - End of contract

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham put on red alert by Yan Diomande to PSG transfer breakthrough

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Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been watching from the sidelines as Paris Saint-Germain chase the signature of Yan Diomande.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur could have the chance to sign Bradley Barcola if Paris Saint-Germain wrap up a deal for Yan Diomande.

The 23-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, and now the French giants appear to have lined up his replacement. According to The Athletic, Diomande has decided to join PSG if he leaves RB Leipzig this summer, having been wooed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Luis Campos.

The report claims that the 19-year-old wants to consistently compete for trophies and one day win the Ballon d’Or, so he views the Parisians' project as the 'best opportunity' available to him. It's said that Liverpool were previously keen on him, having proposed a €100m (£86.8m) package for his signature.

The Athletic reckon that Leipzig were unwilling to accept such an offer and have held out for a fee closer to €130m (£112m). As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not PSG manage to sign Diomande, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2030, but his arrival could spell the departure of a big name or two at Parc des Princes.

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Barcola has recently entered the final two years of his contract in the French capital, casting doubt on his future. Unless the Frenchman signs a contract extension, his market value will gradually diminish before eventually becoming available on a free transfer.

In about 18 months, foreign clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with Barcola. If he doesn't pen a new deal, the Ligue 1 outfit will be forced to make a difficult call.

PSG must soon decide whether they'd rather risk losing the winger for free or cut their losses and cash in in one of the upcoming transfer windows. Interestingly, on paper, according to Transfermarkt, Barcola is currently worth more (€70m/£60.4m) than he has ever been before.

The Frenchman featured 49 times for the French giants across all competitions last season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. Barcola played a key role in Luis Enrique's side in the Champions League, up until the quarter-finals.

Despite starting in each of the league phase games and the knockout stage play-offs, as well as the first and second legs of the last-16, he was denied a start from the quarter-finals onwards. Barcola wasn't given much of a chance at the Club World Cup either, only starting in the last-16 and quarter-final.

Enrique raised eyebrows at the time. When asked by reporters to provide an update on the winger's future in July 2025, the PSG boss said: "Bradley Barcola's future? I have no doubt he'll remain our player.

"We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he's one of those young players we've been banking on. I expect him to play here for many more years."

Enrique hasn't commented on the matter since, leaving more questions than answers. If Barcola were to become available, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham should pounce on the opportunity to secure his signature.

Arsenal's 'most likely midfield signing' after Premier League rival reject approach

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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are looking to bolster their midfield ranks this summer and have expressed an interest in several targets

Arsenal are reportedly most likely to sign Bruno Guimaraes this summer off all their midfield targets, after an approach for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott was rejected.

BBC Sport claims the Cherries have rejected an initial inquiry from the Gunners to sign the 22-year-old, who is attracting the attention of Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea.

Bournemouth say Scott is not for sale and want to agree a contract extension with the England international, who impressed in the top flight last season.

The former Bristol City man has two years remaining on his current contract with the Cherries and played a key role in their qualification for European football.

It's those fine displays that have caught the attention of Mikel Arteta and his side, who are looking to strengthen their midfield after winning the Premier League title.

The Gunners have also explored moves to sign Newcastle United midfielders Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes. However, the report claims they're not likely to match the Magpies' valuation of the Italian international.

A move for Guimaraes is said to be 'more likely' with Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs pushing hard to sign Tonali.

The report claims Arsenal also has an eye on West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, the latter of whom has impressed at the World Cup.

Arsenal are big admirers of Guimaraes, though an offer of £45million, via intermediaries, was swiftly rejected by the Magpies.

Newcastle have insisted that the Brazil international is not for sale and have not had club-to-club discussions as things stand.

Reports in Brazil claim there's a £60m release clause in Guimaraes' current Magpies contract, though the club have denied any such transfer clause.

The midfielder has previously had a £100m exit option, but that expired in June 2024 amid interest from Man City and Arsenal.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also outlined his stance in on the club captain, after transfer talk surfaced linking the Brazilian with a move to Manchester United.

Howe gave a frosty response and said: "To say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anything else. He is totally committed here."

Tottenham signing suffers second gruesome World Cup injury after clash with Man Utd star

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Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke started for Holland in their World Cup Round of 32 defeat against Morocco in Monterrey

After suffering a swollen eye in Holland's World Cup opener against Japan, Jan Paul van Hecke sustained yet another gruesome injury in Oranje's Round of 32 clash against Morocco - though he was able to soldier on.

This time around, the Dutchman was in the wars in Mexico as Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui accidentally caught the top of the 26-year-old's head with his studs.

Mazraoui had leapt to head the ball clear following a corner but partially landed on Van Hecke, who was on the turf, on the way down.

Van Hecke certainly felt the contact and while he initially tried to continue, blood was then seen leaking from the top of his head as a result of the damage.

To their credit, Holland's medical staff cleaned up the mess quickly, and Van Hecke was soon back on the field, flying into one crunching challenge.

The centre-back's game is centred around his bravery and he's always eager to make blocks and put his body on the line.

He's also a great passer of the ball, which is one of several reasons why Roberto De Zerbi has pushed hard to re-sign his former Brighton player at Spurs.

Van Hecke netted for Holland in their final group stage victory over Tunisia, scoring a header.

The former Blackburn Rovers loanee joined Tottenham for £52million despite approaching the final year of his Brighton contract.

He recently praised international boss Ronald Koeman for allowing him to complete the transfer mid-tournament.

Van Hecke said earlier this month: "There have been a lot of calls and of course I have not been involved the whole time on this topic.

"It was important for me and the head coach gave me the time to focus on this transfer. I am grateful for this because this is a great step forwards in my professional career. I am pleased to play for my old club. It boosts my confidence as well.

"But now I will play for one of the most important clubs in the UK. It is important for my future. But now I'm focused on the World Cup here."

He partnered Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Holland's defence throughout the tournament in North America but will now be heading back home following defeat on penalties to Morocco.

Tottenham pre-season fixtures in full as De Zerbi plans start to take shape

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Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season fixtures are now starting to fill up the summer schedule for Roberto De Zerbi and his players

Tottenham players will be back at Hotspur Way in under a fortnight's time and then the club's pre-season schedule kicks into gear.

Roberto De Zerbi is already plotting and planning for the coming Premier League campaign and the Italian now has six Spurs fixtures in the diary before the season begins competitively on August 22 with the trip to Brentford. That start date was pushed back because of the World Cup currently taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

That means a later pre-season start to the normal early July return with first team players beginning to file back into the club's Enfield training complex in stages from Friday July 10 for medical and physical testing and gym work. They will then move on to full work on the training pitches with the coaching staff from Monday July 13.

Some Spurs players will have different staggered return times depending on their international involvements, with some having played in friendlies well into this month and others doing their duty at the World Cup.

Tottenham's first summer friendly currently in the diary will see them host League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way on Wednesday July 22.

Very quickly after that early test against the Dons, Spurs will fly off across to other side of the world to New Zealand to take on Auckland FC on Sunday, July 26 at Eden Park. The following day, De Zerbi's men will move over to Australia to start their preparations for a fixture against A-League side Sydney FC on Wednesday, July 29 at the Allianz Stadium.

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Then to close out their tour on the other side of the world Tottenham will meet some familiar Premier League opposition as part of the 2026 Sydney Super Cup. It will be the first Spurs derby against Chelsea played outside the UK and it will come to pass on Saturday, August 1 at the 83,500-capacity Accor Stadium.

Tottenham have now also confirmed that after that they will host Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim twice on the weekend before their new Premier League season kicks off under Roberto De Zerbi.

First they will play in front of their fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Hoffenheim on Saturday August 15, with the kick-off set for 3pm. Spurs will then also play Christian Ilzer's team again the following day on Sunday 16 August in a behind-closed-doors game at their Hotspur Way training complex to ensure another Tottenham starting XI of players gets a strong run-out to improve their fitness and sharpness for De Zerbi.

Hoffenheim finished fifth in last season’s Bundesliga table and Spurs have confirmed that the tickets for the friendly match in N17 will cost £20 for adults and £5 for children.

There is room in between those friendlies and the Chelsea game for another match or two so keep an eye out for extra fixtures in the weeks ahead.

Roberto De Zerbi has agreed transfer deal for his perfect Tottenham player

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The Argentinean is currently playing at the World Cup and has everything in his game to become the perfect centre-back for Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi might have signed a player he knows well in Jan Paul van Hecke but in Marcos Senesi he has another centre-back tailor-made for him and Tottenham.

Spurs moved quickly to tie up the free transfer for the Argentina international and ensure he will become their player this Wednesday after his Bournemouth contract comes to an end tomorrow night. The 29-year-old arrives in N17 with plenty of ready-made experience thanks to his 116 matches in the Premier League and now his World Cup exploits with Lionel Messi & Co.

Senesi will walk through the doors at Hotspur Way as the Bournemouth Players' Player of the Year after a season in which he played nearly every minute of the Premier League campaign and was a huge part in the Cherries' sixth-placed finish in the table.

The centre-back made his World Cup debut on Saturday night in the 3-1 victory against Jordan and he showed some of the football that will fit right into De Zerbi's style of defenders baiting the opposition press and playing passes between the lines.

On the night in Dallas, Senesi was a calm presence with 94.4 per cent of his 72 passes finding their mark, including two of his three long passes. Defensively he completed two interceptions and blocked one shot, while also sending an effort off target himself at the other end of the pitch as he got the full 90-plus minutes under his belt after being a late call-up to the squad by Lionel Scaloni.

It is Senesi's Premier League stats though which really show just important he will become for De Zerbi next season and what a battle he could end up having with Micky van de Ven for that spot on the left side of defence. The Spurs boss is trying to overhaul a defence that has conceded 183 goals in the league alone in the past three seasons.

The Argentine reads the game so well and made the most interceptions in the Premier League last season, his 56 being six more than the next player, Leeds' Ethan Ampadu. He finished second behind only James Tarkowski at Everton for blocks during the campaign with 47 of them while Van de Ven made the most blocks at Tottenham with just 22. Senesi's 253 clearances were fewer than only Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

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De Zerbi centre-backs need to be able to pass the ball proactively along with their defensive attributes and it's also there where the left-footer Senesi fits the bill. He topped the Premier League stats for passes into the final third with 516 - the next defender Van Dijk had 425 - and also successful long passes with 182, which should bode well for Spurs' attackers as they get another creator behind them.

Senesi created 24 goalscoring opportunities for others with only two of those coming from set pieces and his 144 line-breaking passes into the final third were up there with the Premier League's most creative midfielders. Just one player in the league completed more line-breaking passes during the campaign, and that was another defender and not coincidently Senesi's new Tottenham team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs fans might remember one of Senesi's 14 through balls last season as it was the pass to Evanilson to score the winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In terms of most passes attempted over the entire season, only Lewis Dunk and Van Hecke - both former De Zerbi players - and Van Dijk managed more than the Argentina international.

Senesi and Van Hecke are ultra-confident in carrying the ball forward with the duo doing so more than any other Premier League defenders last season, the latter more than anyone in any position in the competition with 920 ball carries, while the former was fifth with 591.

One thing is for certain, Tottenham have brought in one defender that De Zerbi has already moulded and another one who looks like needing very little adaptation to answer everything the Italian will ask of him.

Sandro Tonali offered eye-watering Tottenham deal in attempt to secure Newcastle transfer

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Sandro Tonali is believed to have agreed a personal package in principle with Tottenham Hotspur after talks with his agency GR Sports

Sandro Tonali is understood to have agreed personal terms in principle with Tottenham Hotspur following discussions with his representatives at GR Sports.

Should Spurs meet Newcastle's threshold with a formal bid, the transfer could be concluded within the next week or so. The Magpies turned down an £80million approach for Tonali earlier this month, instructing Tottenham to come back with an improved offer.

In contrast to the Bruno Guimaraes transfer saga, Spurs have at least progressed to the point of tabling a concrete bid for Tonali, rather than conducting solely informal discussions through intermediaries.

It has been a challenging summer for Newcastle's hierarchy, who are increasingly frustrated by information leaking from third parties. Nevertheless, the Tyneside club remain resolute in their transfer strategy, with a clear framework in place to complete business regardless of any financial constraints.

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What is beyond question, however, is that behind closed doors, a Tonali sale could unlock several opportunities for head coach Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson.

As revealed by Chronicle Live, while a transfer fee is yet to be finalised, the Italy international is understood to be targeting a six-year contract worth approximately £275,000 per week. Should he sign on those terms and remain at Spurs for the whole period, he could earn around £86million.

Tonali originally joined Newcastle for £55m back in 2023. The Magpies are holding firm for a £100million fee, which would see them nearly double their initial outlay to AC Milan three years ago. Spurs would be shattering their record transfer fee should they secure Tonali at Newcastle's asking price.

Their current record stands at £51.8m, paid to RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons last summer. Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is understood to share a close bond with agent Giuseppe Riso, who has never been shy about suggesting his client could be heading for the exit door at St James' Park.

Speaking back in March regarding a potential departure from Tyneside to the likes of Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.

"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

When quizzed on whether Newcastle would sanction a Tonali sale this summer, chief executive David Hopkinson stated three months ago: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

"But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

Tottenham must act fast for 'baffling' De Zerbi in next 11 days of transfer window

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Tottenham have been active in the transfer window so far but there is plenty more still to be done as Roberto De Zerbi continues his squad overhaul

Tottenham have been more active than ever before so early in a transfer window but Roberto De Zerbi will need further help with a player or two in the next fortnight.

Spurs have acted quickly with four transfers already agreed this month, including the free moves for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka as well as the £52million deal with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke. The club moved swiftly for the quartet but there is one aspect that De Zerbi won't be immediately helped by and it's that all three of the outfield players will not be present at the start of pre-season for the Italian.

That's because they are or have been playing at the World Cup for their countries. Van Hecke and Senesi are both through to the knockout stages with the Netherlands and Argentina respectively but Robertson is now back home and out of the competition after Scotland's exit was finally confirmed at the weekend.

De Zerbi will be stepping into his first pre-season at Hotspur Way with the Spurs players expected to start returning to the Enfield training complex in stages from Friday July 10 for medical and physical testing and gym work. They will launch into full work on the training pitches with the coaching staff from Monday July 13 ahead of a Premier League season which begins later this year due to the World Cup.

All players must be offered three weeks of rest after a summer international competition which means Robertson, an ankle injury suffered against Brazil allowing, could be back a week or two into pre-season but his two fellow new defenders may not be back until August if their World Cup brings want they want.

Dubravka should be involved from the start between the sticks as the 37-year-old Slovakia international will have had all summer to prepare for this new chapter in his career.

De Zerbi will want new outfield players in pre-season though as quickly as possible and preferably from the start because the sooner they arrive the quicker they can adapt to his style of football and the high level of fitness required to play it in all positions of the pitch.

Van Hecke at least holds an advantage in that he knows what the Italian's football is all about but others will need to adapt quickly to a very different style of football.

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De Zerbi used a compromised version of his football at Spurs after arriving in April, telling football.london that he did not want to confuse his new players with too much information when time was at a premium.

Pep Guardiola once said of the Italian and his Brighton side: "Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team playing the way they play - it's unique."

The former Manchester City boss likened De Zerbi's impact to a famous chef in Catalonia, Ferran Adria, adding: "He changed the cuisine. What Brighton are doing is also unique."

So if you're thinking adjusting to full-on De Zerbi can't be that hard, here's what the experienced Lewis Dunk said about his first experience of the Italian at Brighton, first with the language barrier but then also the major difference in training sessions.

"The first couple of weeks were horrendous… I wouldn't say horrendous, they were baffling. He knows that, we have spoken about it and he knew that at the time, coming in, not speaking English, speaking through a translator," he said. "The first meeting when he went in, I was so confused, who to look at, what to listen to, and you slowly pick up, basically don’t listen to the manager, wait for the translator to speak and you get there in the end.

"Training changed dramatically, we worked on a lot of different stuff and the first couple of weeks were a really hard transition. We were fourth in the league when Graham [Potter] left and we were flying with him. It was a strange time for him to go and then Roberto came in and it was carnage for two weeks."

It was all worth it though for Dunk, who got into the England set-up thanks to De Zerbi, and the centre-back added: "Football-wise, since the new manager at Brighton has come in, I see football in a completely different way. I picture it in a different way and that is the biggest thing. Football is not what I thought it was."

That was three years ago so De Zerbi's English is much improved, only needing to lean on interpreter Enrico Venturelli for certain phrases and words, but his brand of football and training will still come as a shock for some, with at least his current Spurs players having experienced basic elements of it as a foundation.

So it's either notable or maybe just a coincidence that many of the players Tottenham are currently linked with are mostly not involved in the World Cup this summer so could get going from the off if agreements can be found and rival clubs seen off.

The club have held talks over midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes about major moves this summer, although they face big competition for both players' signatures if they are to sign them from Newcastle and West Ham respectively. Manchester City winger Savinho has also been a target for the club for some time and did not make Brazil's squad for the World Cup this summer.

Some delays are unavoidable but in an ideal world, Spurs would want to get as many deals sealed in the next 11 days to ensure players can hit the ground running under De Zerbi in the early weeks at Hotspur Way before heading off on the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia later next month.

Moving so quickly for four transfers already has been a world away from Tottenham's usual summer style of operating which often left head coaches frustrated. The one recent summer in which they moved relatively swiftly with a couple of early signings was in Ange Postecoglou's first season and for another manager with very different methods, that appeared to work as Spurs flew out of the traps in the Australian's opening 10 games of the season.

A similar start under De Zerbi in another campaign without European football might just set up a big season under the Italian if it can be maintained.

Arsenal hand Tottenham Sandro Tonali transfer boost as decision made on Newcastle star

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Tottenham are interested in a move for Sandro Tonali alongside rivals Arsenal but their focus now appears elsewhere

Arsenal have no intention of paying the lofty wage demands of Tottenham transfer target Sandro Tonali. The two north London clubs have been linked with a move for the Newcastle United midfielder but Spurs look to have the upper-hand given their willingness to offer him a lucrative contract.

The Lilywhites have seen two offers rebuffed by Newcastle, who want in the region of £100million to sell, but Roberto De Zerbi is still pushing to sign his fellow Italian.

West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes, who is also wanted by Manchester United, is another firm midfield target for Tottenham. But Tonali appears the priority with their rivals instead focused on his teammate Bruno Guimaraes.

A verbal offer for the Brazil international was immediately rebuffed but it may have become clear why they opted to pursue Guimaraes instead.

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According to football.london's sister-title, the Chronicle, Tonali's £275,000 per-week salary was not entertained by the Gunners, with the same response given to a 10% agent cut of what would be an astronomical fee.

Despite agreeing to sign Elliot Anderson for £116million, Manchester City could likely afford that and have kept tabs on Tonali during their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest star.

To avoid losing out on both Tonali and Fernandes to the two Manchester clubs, Spurs have attempted to be proactive with four new signings this summer proving that.

Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and most-recently Martin Dubravka have all joined as free agents, while £52million was spent to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from De Zerbi's former club Brighton.

Having complied with profit and sustainability rules comfortably for several years, Tottenham are in a position to spend big and the available budget has only increased following the £100million injected into the club by the Lewis Family.

football.london understands that more money will be pumped into the club and it is purely investment rather than raising debt.

Further funds could be raised through player sales with Lucas Bergvall, Guglielmo Vicario and Pape Matar Sarr among those seemingly set for departures.

Cristian Romero is another who could be moved on following the arrival of two new centre-backs. Luka Vuskovic is being targeted by Brighton with a number of bids lodged, all of which have been turned down.