Football FanCast

In a world without the threat of relegation, Tottenham Hotspur are actually setting up for an impressive summer. They've already held talks to sign Andy Robertson on a free deal following his Liverpool exit at the end of the season, and there's no doubt that his experience would be invaluable.

They're also in pole position to sign Marcos Senesi at the end of his Bournemouth contract. The central defender has stepped up ever since the departures of Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen and now looks set for a move of his own.

All Spurs need to do now is avoid the drop. That, however, is easier said than done given that they're still two points adrift of safety with just four games remaining. Over to you, Roberto De Zerbi.

How Senesi would ease Tottenham's problems

On paper, Tottenham have a World Cup winner alongside the quickest centre-back in the Premier League, who should be at the peak of his powers. In reality, they've got an erratic captain next to an injury-prone player who is reportedly ready to leave the club this summer.

It's partly why Spurs' fight for survival has been so tame. Players are seemingly already eyeing up summer departures. Alas, the arrival of De Zerbi has at least calmed the storm and those in North London will be desperately hoping that it's enough to leapfrog West Ham before the end of the campaign.

Do that and it seems like Senesi will be the first name through the door in the De Zerbi era. The Bournemouth defender will become a free agent this summer, with Spurs surprisingly leading the race for his arrival.

In terms of what Senesi would add, the Argentine would instantly bring some composure to a chaotic backline. Whilst Romero has already been dealt two red cards this season, the Bournemouth star has not received his marching orders once in four seasons.

He's also won more duels than both Van de Ven and Romero whilst maintaining that discipline. There's no one that can deny the impact that Senesi would make, but would his arrival block the path towards success for another impressive centre-back?

Tottenham should prioritise Vuskovic over Senesi

Spurs have already regretted ignoring Luka Vuskovic's development once. Whilst they've been struggling, the young Croatian has been thriving in the Bundesliga.

Had he been available in North London this season, it wouldn't be absurd to suggest that the story would be so different.

Heralded as a "freak talent" by Como scout Ben Mattinson, only two defenders in Europe have won more aerial duels than Vuskvovic has done at Hamburg this season, and one of those players is Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. That's the company he's keeping.

Comparatively, Romero has won 73, Van de Ven has won 42 and Senesi has won 86. Vuskovic is not just a young player who will eventually get his time in the limelight. The time is now for the 19-year-old.

It's not just out of possession that the teenager has impressed this season, either. On the ball, he's maintained a pass success of 83.1% - better than Senesi's poor record 77% record.

And if that's not enough to earn a starting spot, Vuskovic has even followed the trend of goalscoring defenders at Spurs by netting five this season himself. The Croatian is the complete package.

Even if it is 12 months too late, Spurs should hand their young central defender an important place in their side instead of signing Senesi this summer.

Ange Postecoglou once famously said that every time he sees the light, it's just an oncoming train at Tottenham Hotspur. And that train has now turned into a journey to the Championship, featuring stops against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton.

Even in victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers - their first of 2026 - the Lilywhites were handed the devastating news of Xavi Simons' ACL injury.

It's not the first time that a Spurs star has suffered a long-term injury in the last 12 months and serious questions have been asked of the club's medical team for how they failed to diagnose Simons' fate quickly enough.

Meanwhile, there are also several questions that remain on the pitch now that Roberto De Zerbi has the task of replacing the big-money attacker.

Why Simons will be such a big miss for Spurs

On paper, Simons is a big-money flop who has been involved in just seven Premier League goals all season. But the entire story cannot be told on paper.

The reality is that De Zerbi and Simons are the perfect match and the Italian's arrival provided the attacker with his best chance to find his best form since arriving in North London.

His true quality was on show in De Zerbi's first game. The Dutchman took control of the match, assisting Pedro Porro's opening goal, before unleashing a stunning strike that he believed was the winner, before Brighton spoiled the party in classic Spurs fashion.

He then went on to tell reporters that it's a "new coach, new rules, different mentality". If anyone was ready to hit the heights under De Zerbi, it was Simons.

Spurs now have a major issue in his absence. Yet another one of their goalscoring outlets has fallen. With Dominic Solanke also set for another spell on the sidelines, where the goals come from is anyone's guess at this stage.

In fact, without that duo against Wolves, Spurs' entire starting line-up would have contributed to just seven goals between them in the Premier League this season. Someone has to step up.

How Spurs could replace Simons

Without Simons in that side, Spurs lack a crucial connector between midfield and the frontline.

They're missing someone who operates excellently on the half turn and in wide areas. What they have instead is a midfield full of rigid workhorses and that will only take them so far, especially without Solanke leading the line.

Unleashing Bergvall in a more advanced role will solve De Zerbi's Simons problem in an instant. The Swede has been forced to be pragmatic far too often, but can become Spurs' new Luka Modric if his new manager allows him some creative freedom.

The last time that Bergvall played in a system without the constraints of pragmatism was under Postecoglou last season. It was then that he enjoyed great take-on success and created almost one chance per game.

Although it's not enough to match Simons' chance creation numbers, the 20-year-old remains Tottenham's best hope of replicating the Dutchman's quality, notably said to possess a "first touch like Modric" by the Athletic's JJ Bull.

It's that versatility which stands out, too. Bergvall, just like Modric many moons ago, can play all across midfield. He should be one of the first names on De Zerbi's teamsheet for the sake of Spurs' success in and out of possession.

Bergvall will be the first to admit that it's not been the easiest season. He simply didn't suit Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor, however, and neither did most of his teammates. Under De Zerbi, things can be different.

Conor Gallagher finally picked up his first Premier League win in a Tottenham shirt last weekend, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed there is a rival English midfielder who could take his place.

Tottenham's win over Wolves comes at a cost

Tottenham’s survival hopes have been dealt an enormous blow after Xavi Simons suffered a serious knee injury, but it will open the door for other players to step up.

Inded, there are several options in the 18th-placed Spurs squad that Roberto De Zerbi could turn to during the club’s final four games of the Premier League season.

Mathys Tel

The most likely candidate to benefit is Mathys Tel, who has been a rare shining light for Tottenham during a disastrous second half of the campaign, with his fearless mentality and non-stop desire to run at defenders earning him plaudits.

Tel went 11 weeks without a start under Thomas Frank before the 21-year-old forced his way into contention at the start of 2026 and a string of consistent displays under Igor Tudor followed.

Tel flourished under Tudor and replaced Simons at Wolves, where he forced the corner which produced Joao Palhinha’s winner. Spurs desperately need creativity and a goal threat - could Tel provide that?

Lucas Bergvall

One alternative for De Zerbi would be to bring the highly rated Lucas Bergvall into the team and potentially deploy him on the left or in fact on the right, which would mean Randal Kolo Muani would switch to the opposite flank.

Kolo Muani was hooked after 45 minutes at Wolves following a largely anonymous display and De Zerbi joked he must take the France international out every day in order to boost his confidence in a cryptic way which suggested he was in the last-chance saloon.

James Maddison

The most obvious replacement for Simons in an ideal world would be James Maddison, but the playmaker has not played since his own anterior cruciate ligament injury in August.

Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa will fall on the nine-month anniversary of Maddison’s ACL injury and given he has been back with the first-team group for many weeks, he could be ready to make an eagerly awaited return - but can he start after such a lengthy lay-off?

Conor Gallagher

Another option is to deploy Gallagher further forward - a position where he thrived during his loan spell from Chelsea at Crystal Palace, scoring eight times during his season at Selhurst Park.

The England international has been the subject of much criticism for his performances in a Spurs shirt however, and Romano's latest update suggests he could soon be replaced - if they remain in the Premier League.

Indeed, the reporter has revealed that Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was the man Spurs wanted before they opted for Gallagher in January.

He states in his latest YouTube video that the future of the Premier League winner will now be 'interesting' given he has not featured in his favourite position under Arne Slot, and Tottenham could revive their interest but only if they retain their top flight status.

Jones, despite being shoved into full-back roles and used largely off the bench this season, has drawn praise from Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, who said the Scouser was "fantastic" and their "best player" during a Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.

If Spurs make another move for the 25 year-old, it would signal a quick end to Gallagher's time in North London.

Last summer, Thomas Frank's appointment was warmly welcomed by those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion. It would be a shift away from the erratic style of Ange Postecoglou, a tilt toward a more pragmatic and stable way of football.

But to dare is to do, and Frank was hardly an exponent of that approach, sacked after a torrid eight-month tenure. Sadly, ENIC Group did not deal with the former Brentford boss' dismissal very well, with Spurs devolving into relegation-threatened conditions under Igor Tudor.

Now, Roberto De Zerbi is leading the way, but 18th-place Tottenham are still two points adrift from West Ham United above them, and they need more snap and sparkle in the final third if they are going to turn this ship around.

Sadly, it doesn't look like the solution is going to come in the shape of Dominic Solanke.

Why De Zerbi must drop Solanke

Solanke was forced off after 40 minutes at Molineux, sustaining a muscular injury that has not yet revealed the extent of his anticipated layoff. It is not thought to be serious, but with only one month of the campaign remaining, the 28-year-old faces a fight to return before the culmination of Tottenham's relegation dogfight.

In any case, Richarlison is probably the preferable option at number nine. No Spurs star has outscored the Brazilian in the Premier League this season, and his tenacity could come up trumps as the fight for survival ramps up.

As far as Solanke goes, it's hard to argue that he hasn't been a flop in north London. Tottenham signed the former Bournemouth striker for an initial £55m in 2024. That figure could rise to £65m, but Solanke hasn't done enough to have checked all the boxes.

In the long run, he needs replacing, and while ENIC will be inclined to dig into their pockets this summer, should Spurs survive, they do actually have a talented goalscorer out on loan who has been referred to as the next Harry Kane.

De Zerbi must unleash Spurs' new Harry Kane

It's a hard ask, hoping that Tottenham find the new Kane. The England skipper is a one-of-a-kind player, sure to go down in history as one of the best in the business.

Solanke has probably fallen by the wayside as his compatriot's belated replacement, but a youngster like Will Lankshear could emerge as a shrewd option to step in and make an impression in the final third.

He's actually been described as a "Harry Kane regen" by one scout, Lankshear is clever with his link-up play and his timing in the danger area.

The young forward certainly isn't lacking in physicality, and he would likely manage to withstand the pressures of Premier League football, the pace intense and the defenders both brains and brawn.

If Tottenham are relegated, Lankshear is expected to be drafted into the first-team set-up, but maybe they should consider welcoming the out-on-loan talent back to the fore regardless. He has the potential to play a role in the Premier League.

This season, while the 21-year-old Lankshear has fronted an Oxford United side who have been pulled back into League One after two years in the second tier, he has impressed, a clinical outlet and a physical presence in attacking areas.

Kane spent several seasons out on loan in lower-league settings before finally emerging at Tottenham toward the end of the 2013/14 season.

There are similarities between the two, for sure, and while it would be wise to invest in a new high-class striker this summer, Lankshear might just have the right skillset to impress under De Zerbi in the Premier League.

Will Lankshear match Kane's accomplishments for Tottenham and in the Premier League? Perhaps not, but the up-and-coming attacker might be an interesting solution at number nine next season, someone whose emergence could see Solanke search for a new club.

Tottenham Hotspur would be doomed if they had not defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend. Roberto De Zerbi has Joao Palhinha to thank for that.

While Spurs remain stuck in the relegation zone, they have not been cut adrift after Nottingham Forest and West Ham United both picked up wins. Their relegation rivals have improved, and the 17th-place Hammers are two points ahead.

Tottenham need to paint a purple patch across the final phase of the season. So far, they have lacked rhythm and clarity in attack. It hasn't helped, in fairness, that neither James Maddison or Dejan Kuluevski have kicked a ball under any Lilywhites manager this season. Now, Xavi Simons has joined them in the infirmary after injuring his ACL against Wolves.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Spurs may yet pull off an escape act, with several stars improving under De Zerbi's wing.

Spurs' biggest winners under De Zerbi

While Tottenham's injury crisis deepens, a few fit players have stepped up. Antonin Kinsky, for example, has thrived in the place of the injury Guglielmo Vicario, and few would have foreseen that after the Italian's error-strewn display against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Simons was starting to make gains as Spurs' playmaker-in-chief, though he now faces a race to recover before the close of the calendar year.

There is certainly more togetherness about De Zerbi's Tottenham team, the players having bought into the Italian tactician's vision and principles.

It's paying off. Whether it will be too little too late remains to be seen, but recruits such as Conor Gallagher are starting to play a positive part, with the England midfielder having suffered a torrid time after joining from Atletico Madrid in January for a £35m fee.

Gallagher's all-action style may need to lean toward attacking play now that Simons is out injured, and it might just work. Palhinha is a tough-tackling menace, and De Zerbi has found his new version of Moises Caicedo over the past few Premier League games.

De Zerbi has found his new Caicedo at Spurs

He might not be as flashy as Simons, but Rodrigo Bentancur's return to fitness has come at the perfect time for De Zerbi's side, adding a calm and collected presence at the middle of the pitch.

Journalist Mitch Fretton said that the Uruguay international was one of several "pretty clear weaknesses" under Frank's management earlier this season, while analyst Raj Chohan went as far as to condemn Bentancur as "a candidate for the worst midfielder at a big six club".

Harsh, but there's no question that Bentancur flattered to deceive over the first months of the campaign, lacking authority and accuracy in his central role. However, he has the right style to be the main man in the middle, and there, he could play a Caicedo-esque role under De Zerbi.

When at his best, Bentancur will drive forward, progressing play and operating intelligently. He knows when to control the tempo and when to burst into the danger area.

Since returning to fitness against Brighton & Hove Albion a few weeks ago, Bentancur has impressed for the Lilywhites, a steady presence at the base of midfield.

Caicedo only spent one year in De Zerbi's Seagulls system, but he played a significant part in lifting the south coast side away from relegation fodder and toward their reputation as a fluent mid-table outfit.

Now, the Ecuadorian is a superstar for Chelsea, who he joined for a whopping fee of £111m.

Bentancur isn't going to reach those heights, but he is a strong and active dueller who has a shrewd passing game and an ability to pop up with big moments.

Tottenham's season has taken another serious turn with Xavi Simons ruled out for the rest of the campaign and 2026 after suffering an ACL injury in the win over Wolves.

Spurs officially confirmed the Dutch playmaker sustained an ACL rupture, with the injury expected to keep him sidelined for many months and ending any hope of a late-season return.

The setback is a major blow for Spurs at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Simons having become one of their most influential attacking players since Roberto De Zerbi's arrival.

His creativity, movement and ability to operate between the lines had made him a key figure in De Zerbi’s system, particularly during a run of fixtures where Tottenham were trying to stabilise their form and pull away from danger.

The 23-year-old's screamer against Brighton in particular was perhaps a sign of things to come, but in a cruel twist of fate, Simons' World Cup hopes are now over, as was expected after the collision with Hugo Bueno happened.

The injury itself came during the match against Wolves, where Simons landed awkwardly in the second half and immediately signalled discomfort before being forced off.

Spurs medical staff bizzarely sprayed his knee and tried to get him to play on, which looks pretty silly now we know that the injury was as serious as an ACL tear.

Early assessments were concerning, but further scans today confirmed the worst fears inside the club.

Tottenham now face the difficult task of reshaping their attacking structure for the final stretch of the season. Simons had been central to much of their creativity, and his absence leaves a clear gap in the squad.

With matches coming thick and fast, De Zerbi will need to adjust both personnel and system to compensate for the loss of one of his most technically gifted players.

De Zerbi expected to hand Maddison lead creative role after Simons blow

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, the injury is expected to trigger a reshuffle in attacking responsibilities, with James Maddison set to be handed a 'lead' creative role in the team to compensate for Simons.

Indeed, De Zerbi is believed to be preparing to lean heavily on Maddison as the main playmaker for the remainder of the campaign.

The England international, who has been injured since pre-season but could make a return in the final weeks, is now viewed as the natural replacement to step into the central creative role vacated by Simons.

The expectation is that Maddison will be given more freedom to dictate play and take on greater responsibility for chance creation, with Bailey reporting Spurs are hopeful he'll return to play a key part.

The situation also highlights the lack of depth Tottenham now face in advanced midfield areas.

While there are alternative options in the squad, none offer the same blend of vision and final-third influence that Simons provided. As a result, Maddison’s availability could prove crucial in determining how they finish the season.

For Tottenham, the challenge now is not only replacing Simons’ output, but also ensuring the team remains balanced and competitive without him.

The loss of such an important player at this stage of the season is far from ideal, but it does present an opportunity for others to step into leading roles.

Maddison’s return in the coming weeks will be closely watched, as Spurs look to adapt quickly and avoid losing further momentum in the relegation battle.

In 1977, Tottenham Hotspur were last relegated from the top flight of English football. To put that in perspective, 1977 was the year that Star Wars arrived in theatres worldwide, changing the course of cinema.

Disney's Star Wars will certainly not be revolutionising cinema this year, and neither have Spurs enjoyed season-defining success, instead in real danger of falling into the Championship, even after ending their Premier League hoodoo and beating Wolves last weekend.

With the 2025/26 campaign now into the closing weeks, Tottenham only have one focus: surviving this agonising relegation battle and reprising their role as Premier League competitors.

However, if they do manage to beat one of their relegation rivals, ENIC Group will surely need to revamp the frontline, with the likes of Dominic Solanke flattering to deceive.

Why Spurs need to replace Dominic Solanke

Over the past several seasons, Tottenham have sold Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Brennan Johnson. These potent players have been inadequately replaced.

Solanke hasn't provided the correct kind of relief, too injury-prone.

The England international has scored three goals in the Premier League this season, having only started 11 games due to enduring injury problems.

He is capable of special moments. You'd hope so, in fairness, what with Spurs paying a mammoth fee rising to a club-record £65m. Sadly, his statement moments have been few and far between, and Tottenham would be foolish to enter the new campaign with him as their star centre-forward.

Tottenham may push for a new big-money striker - should they stay up - but De Zerbi could find that he already has one of the most exciting teenage talents at his disposal, and this player could feature prominently next year, whichever division the Lilywhites feature in.

Spurs have already signed the new Harry Kane

Tottenham miss Kane. That one goes without saying. The England and Spurs record goalscorer is into his third season with Bayern Munich, chasing down the Champions League.

Strikers like that don't just grow on trees, but Spurs did nurture him from their academy to the fore, and lightning could strike twice with Mason Melia, who arrived in London from Ireland, aged 18, at the start of the January transfer window.

Described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as the "Irish Harry Kane", the 18-year-old Melia has yet to make his mark in Tottenham's senior set-up, though he has battled back to fitness following an injury right at the start of his new career chapter.

He might be young, but this is a potential superstar, having already featured 98 times for St. Patrick's Athletic in his homeland, scoring 25 goals and providing eight assists.

A long and limber centre-forward, Melia has a certain Kane-esque quality about him, strong and intelligent and composed. He's not blisteringly fast, but he uses his pace efficiently.

Will he match Kane's record of 282 goals and 63 assists for Tottenham? Probably not, but there's no question that this could be one of the new attacking faces in the Premier League.

Melia hasn't yet proven himself on the major stage for Tottenham, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he'll get opportunities during pre-season.

If Melia makes a good impression, it could be curtains for Solanke, who has suffered from rotten luck since arriving from Tottenham. Still, this is not a charity but a football team desperate to bounce back.

And just like that, Xavi Simons maiden campaign as a Tottenham Hotspur player has been snuffed out like a flame - and along with it, his World Cup dream with the Netherlands.

It's a cruel end to the season for the Dutch playmaker, who joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig last summer for £52m and arrived with a weight of expectation that has crushed him. It's been a tough season, and now Roberto De Zerbi's side have to pull themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone without him.

This is a snapshot into the Londoners' deeper fitness problems. Injuries have plagued Tottenham over the past several years, forming the crux of their decline.

Creativity has been in short supply for Tottenham this season, and Simons' injury has aggravated that. How can they combat the Dutchman's absence, not just over the next month but potentially for the remainder of 2026.

How Spurs can replace Xavi Simons

Simons hasn't had a fantastic season by any stretch, but he is a creative player, and Tottenham need all of the creativity they can scramble together right now.

De Zerbi has taken charge of one of the Premier League's least effective attacking outfits. Maybe Spurs have mustered a touch more fluency in recent weeks, but more is needed.

Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.

Simons leads Spurs' assist charts this season. He has assisted five goals in the Premier League, and he has created seven big chances, more than any of his peers. Tottenham's playmaking problems are structural, and Simons has the potential to thrive as the nucleus.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have both missed the campaign with injuries. Maddison is fit once again, and will be expected to play a role over these final few weeks, but his Swedish partner is absent, having last played in April 2025.

Tottenham don't just need to fret about replacing Simons for the next several matches, though. The Lilywhites will be without his services for many months yet, and with Maddison and Kulusevski undependable in terms of fitness levels, De Zerbi may be inclined to dig into the academy.

Spurs' new Dele Alli could replace Simons

Tottenham could do with someone like prime Dele Alli right now. Unfortunately, Dele's prime years in crisp Tottenham white are behind him.

However, it might be wise for De Zerbi and co to make better use of one of the world's finest academy systems, with the likes of Luca Williams-Barnett waiting in the wings.

The 17-year-old has not established himself as a household name - yet - but he has undoubtedly impressed his youth coaches, skilful and tenacious and skilled out wide or in a central attacking position.

Journalist Sean Walsh has actually remarked that there are "shades of Dele" about the youngster, a natural game-changer with a prolific edge. This season, he has posted 16 goals and eight assists across 19 matches for the development team.

Spurs could do with a talent of Dele's ilk to steer them back into the limelight, and while Williams-Barnett is a mere hatchling on the major stage, he may just need one shot to prove his worth.

The leap from youth football to the senior stage is a significant one, but he has the quality to thrive. Sadly, he isn't around to make an impact right now, sidelined since February with an injury, but Simons is not going to be back on the grass for a long time, and he could fill that hole next year.

Whether that occurs in the Premier League or the Championship remains to be seen, but there's no denying Williams-Barnett's potential.

A vibrant and multi-faceted attacker, he came off the bench when Tottenham beat Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, and repeated appearances on the bench in the Premier League and Champions League emphasise the respect his coaches, of which there have been numerous, have shown in him.

Tottenham have opened discussions over signing a star who's been called the perfect signing for Premier League rivals Man United, according to a report this week.

Spurs make recruitment strides despite ongoing relegation threat

Spurs' summer planning is already beginning to take serious shape, even with the club still fighting to secure their Premier League status.

There is a clear sense that survival will define everything, from recruitment strategy to the calibre of players they can realistically attract.

Two names already underline that point.

Both Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi are understood to be keen to join Spurs this summer, but only if the club avoids relegation.

It is widely reported that the defensive duo have both verbally agreed terms already, but again, the Lilywhites must be a Premier League team next season — or no dice.

The clear picture is that Tottenham remain an attractive proposition, but only if they can offer top-flight football and stability after a turbulent campaign.

Robertson would bring proven Premier League pedigree and leadership to a defensive unit that has often lacked consistency.

Meanwhile, Senesi is viewed as a reliable, no-nonsense centre-back who could add balance and physical presence.

Both free deals are major opportunities for proven Premier League stars who could steady the squad without requiring much in the way finance.

Tottenham’s defence has been under scrutiny for much of the season, with injuries, inconsistency and a lack of depth all playing their part. It is no surprise, then, that strengthening the back line is emerging as a priority heading into the transfer window.

There is also uncertainty surrounding current options, with both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero repeatedly linked to the N17 exit door, while others have struggled with fitness or form.

That has forced the club to cast the net wider, exploring both established names and emerging talents across Europe.

Tottenham open discussions to sign Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo

Now, as per Sport Witness, Tottenham are understood to have made contact over a potential deal for Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araújo.

The Uruguay international has emerged as one of the most in-demand defenders in his position, with interest building across the Premier League.

Spurs are not alone in their pursuit, with several English clubs tracking his progress, and competition is expected to be strong as the window approaches.

That being said, Tottenham have already taken initial steps to sign Araujo by opening discussions, registering their interest as part of a wider battle for his signature.

Since arriving at Sporting, he has developed into a key figure, with his ability to operate as both a full-back and a wing-back only increasing his appeal.

Destiny Udogie is one of many Spurs stars who have really struggled with injury this term, and Araújo fits the Italian's exact mould.

There is, however, a financial challenge.

The defender is protected by a significant £70 million release clause, and while clubs may attempt to negotiate a lower fee, any deal would still represent a major investment.

There is also the matter of north London rivals Arsenal, who've been repeatedly linked with the 26-year-old and may hold stronger appeal as a potential landing spot.

Interestingly, Araujo has also been called a 'must buy' for Man United by football anaylst and talent scout Rising Ballers on X (formerly Twitter).

For now, Tottenham’s approach appears measured rather than aggressive. Initial contact signals intent, but there is no indication yet of a formal bid.

Much could depend on how the remainder of the season unfolds, particularly with the club’s league status still uncertain.

What is clear is that Spurs are preparing for multiple scenarios. If they stay up, deals for players like Robertson and Senesi could move quickly, while targets such as Araújo would represent a more ambitious push to reshape the defence. If they fall short, priorities may shift again.

Either way, this is shaping up to be a defining summer.

Tottenham were handed a huge blow over the weekend with the news that Xavi Simons is set to miss the rest of the season through injury, and manager Roberto De Zerbi is now reportedly at odds over their first signing of the summer.

Simons 'heartbroken' as knee injury ends his season

Tottenham have confirmed Xavi Simons has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup with the Netherlands.

The Netherlands playmaker went down clutching his right knee in the 58th against Wolves, where Spurs claimed a league win for the first time in 2026.

After falling to the floor following a collision with Wolves defender Hugo Bueno, Xavi attempted to run off the injury but collapsed in front of Tottenham’s medical staff and subsequently left Molineux on a stretcher.

In an Instagram post, Xavi revealed he would not be fit enough to take part in Tottenham’s final four league matches or represent the Netherlands at the World Cup this summer.

“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it,” the former Paris St Germain player said.

“Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense.

“All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me, along with the World Cup.”

The absence of the £52million attacker is a significant blow to Tottenham and De Zerbi, who has already lost captain Cristian Romero and winger Mohammed Kudus to season-ending injuries during his first month at the club.

Xavi had endured a frustrating debut campaign in England, only showing flashes of his class under Thomas Frank before being bizarrely frozen out by Igor Tudor, but looked set for a key role with De Zerbi, especially after a wonder strike in a 2-2 home draw with Brighton.

The Lilywhites still need to find out their fate before they can begin fully planning for the summer, but have begun to get deals into place on the assumption survival is secured.

De Zerbi eyeing new left-back despite agreeing Robertson deal

Indeed, Andy Robertson has reportedly fully agreed to sign for Spurs come the end of the season, on the condition that they remain a top flight club.

However, that deal could now come under scrutiny, as it appears De Zerbi prefers a different left-back target.

The Italian's deal when he signed was the subject of much controversy, with it revealed by Italian media that he had been granted a significant say in all dealings at the club, including signings, as opposed to just a head coach.

Now, the Italian media (translated by Sport Witness) claim De Zerbi is 'ready' to make a move for former Brighton star Pervis Estupinan.

Currently of AC Milan, the Ecuador international is set to leave Serie A the club at the end of the season, with Milan open to a sale for a relatively low fee of around £15m.

Having played 64 times under De Zerbi on the South Coast, scoring four times and providing 12 assists, the Spurs boss is believed to be a big fan of the South American's fit in his system.

Whether he is fond enough to cancel what is essentially a fully agreed deal with Robertson remains to be seen.