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Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham has publicly backed Roberto De Zerbi despite Spurs sitting bottom of the Premier League after a disastrous start to the season.

De Zerbi is still searching for his first league win after Tottenham collected just two points from their opening five matches.

However, Venkatesham has expressed confidence in the Italian and the club’s revamped squad, while stressing that the significant changes made during the summer will require time to produce results.

Vinai Venkatesham backs Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Speaking at the Fan Advisory Board meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week, Venkatesham insisted he remained confident that De Zerbi will turn things around.

The CEO noted encouraging signs of improvement since Spurs were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Brentford on opening weekend.

“Vinai Venkatesham expressed confidence in Roberto De Zerbi, in the players brought in and in the changes made, noting the considerable work underway behind the scenes,” the recently published meeting minutes stated (via The Standard)

“The club had made significant changes over the summer, both on and off the pitch, and recognised that these might take time to take full effect.

Venkatesham was encouraged by aspects of the underlying performances since the opening day defeat but acknowledged the disappointment at the current points total even at this early point in the season and recognised the frustration this caused supporters following the previous campaign.

“Supporter backing, home and away, had been excellent and was not taken for granted. He acknowledged that the club must earn supporters’ belief through results.”

Roberto De Zerbi needs Tottenham results quickly

Despite the public vote of confidence from the hierarchy, the pressure on De Zerbi remains immense.

Having spent heavily over the summer transfer window to reshape the squad, Tottenham’s board expects a swift return on investment.

With demanding fixtures approaching following the international break, starting with a crucial trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford, De Zerbi must translate underlying performance metrics into actual points on the board to steady the ship in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur insider Alasdair Gold has delivered some interesting observations from training this week when it comes to forgotten man Dejan Kulusevski and summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo.

There is growing optimism at Spurs about Kulusevski’s return, as the Swedish attacker enters ramps up his rehabilitation after more than 500 days out of action.

The extended international break has given the 26-year-old some crucial extra time to work towards full fitness, with some reports suggesting that Kulusevski could finally be ready to feature over the coming weeks.

According to reports, Kulusevski’s progress has lifted the morale of his teammates at Hotspur Way, as Tottenham attempt to haul themselves off the bottom of the table after a disastrous start to the new season.

While the Sweden international did feature as a No.10 at times under Ange Postecoglou’s management, he has nominally been a right winger during his time at the club.

But, after watching the latest training video released by Spurs, Gold pointed out that Kulusevski was training to play centrally rather than out wide in what could be a more defined role for him going forward.

Gold wrote in Football.London: “The 26-year-old looked bright in the training footage from this week and set up teammate Mohammed Kudus for a couple of goals with some incisive passing.

“Despite the Ghanaian having been at Spurs for more than a year now and suffering from his own long-term injury, the two attackers have never played in a game together.

“With Kudus operating down the right and Kulusevski feeding him the ball into his runs in the small-sided mini-games, could Kulusevski be the number 10 De Zerbi turns to when he’s fully fit, with Maddison and eventually Xavi, rather than his more regular role as a right winger before his injury?”

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Tosin standing out from the crowd

Meanwhile, Gold was also struck by what he saw and heard from one of Tottenham’s last summer signings in Tosin.

He stated that the former Chelsea man’s voice could be heard throughout the four-minute video, suggesting that Tosin is the sort of vocal presence that Spurs have lacked in their backline, alongside his physical presence – especially after Jan Paul van Hecke was bullied by Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson last time out.

Gold added: “There was one noticeable player voice constantly heard during the training sessions, and that was summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo.

“In the training footage shown this week, Adarabioyo was constantly talking to those around him and barking instructions at his teammates, young and old.

“Spurs need some strong voices and personalities in the squad, and they could need the former Chelsea and Fulham defender in the weeks ahead as Jan Paul van Hecke has suffered a toe injury.”

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Tottenham were bottom of the Premier League and winless after five games, despite spending in excess of £300 million over the summer. CEO Vinai Venkatesham has reaffirmed his confidence in Roberto De Zerbi and the reshaped squad, but the harder question is whether the club has a coherent, accountable plan behind that backing. His comments at a Fan Advisory Board meeting, recorded in the published minutes, provide some criteria for judging it. They also underline that confidence is not the same thing as proof of progress.

A stated recruitment model, not just a tally of arrivals

The summer involved approximately 35 first-team transactions, including signings, departures and contract renewals. Tottenham made 10 new signings, with the club saying its aim was to build around quality, character and physical robustness, combining Premier League experience with younger players who could develop at the club.

That is at least a recruitment brief, rather than a collection of names and fees. The minutes also framed Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro’s contract renewals as evidence of senior players’ belief in the club’s direction, with the broader objective of creating a squad capable of competing at the level supporters expect.

But broad criteria only become meaningful when the club can show how they shaped decisions and improved the team. Tottenham’s recruitment strategy under De Zerbi is therefore about more than whether the summer’s arrivals look convincing individually: it is whether the whole group fits a defined plan.

Backing the coach also means answering for the operation

Venkatesham expressed confidence in De Zerbi, the players brought in and the changes made behind the scenes. He said he was encouraged by aspects of the underlying performances since the opening-day defeat by Brentford, while acknowledging that extensive changes on and off the pitch could take time to take effect.

That is a case for patience, not a verdict that the rebuild is working. Spurs had already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool in September, while the minutes recognised the disappointment of the points total and the frustration carried over from the previous campaign. Supporters had backed the team home and away, the club said, but it also acknowledged that belief has to be earned through results.

Injuries were accumulating and players were adapting after a disrupted pre-season. The club said it had made significant changes across its medical, physical-preparation and performance departments, alongside improvements to the training centre. Those decisions sit within the wider football operation; responsibility cannot be placed on the head coach alone. The questions around recruitment responsibility at Spurs matter because backing De Zerbi also puts the club’s decision-makers on the hook for the conditions and squad they provide.

Financial limits make another reset harder

Venkatesham described financial regulation as a genuine constraint. Tottenham had not recorded a profit since 2019, while investment in men’s-team wages and transfer fees was increasing costs. Successive 17th-place finishes and the absence of European revenue this season had also affected the club’s revenue position.

The minutes said Tottenham monitored itself against Premier League rules allowing squad costs of up to 85% of revenue. UEFA’s framework was described as tighter: a 70% squad-cost limit alongside a three-year profitability test. Growing commercial income, including from concerts and other stadium events, was presented as a way to create more room for football investment, with football remaining the club’s priority.

The scale is plain enough: more than £300 million spent, roughly 35 first-team transactions and no league win after five games. Those figures do not prove the recruitment was wrong, but they leave little room for another expensive round of guesswork.

Venkatesham has backed De Zerbi and said the squad was strengthened. Now the club has to demonstrate that its stated priorities produce a team that can compete, while managing its finances without relying on repeated overhauls. Tottenham’s plans for De Zerbi’s future will be judged less by declarations of confidence than by results and the next decisions made across the football operation.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with the Bundesliga club believed to have set a high asking price for the highly rated Norwegian.

Nusa has continued to make significant progress since joining Leipzig from Club Brugge in 2024, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking players.

Antonio Nusa attracts Premier League interest

According to a report from Fussball News, Arsenal and Tottenham are currently among the clubs showing the strongest interest in the 21-year-old. Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also monitoring his situation, while several major clubs from Italy and Spain have been linked with the Norway international.

Arsenal could be prepared to make the first move, with the Gunners reportedly considering an opening proposal worth around €40 million. However, that figure would fall considerably short of Leipzig’s current valuation.

The German club is understood to want between €60m and €65m before considering letting their attacking star leave. His contract runs until 2029, meaning Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to negotiate a transfer.

Nusa could have several options

Nusa’s direct style of play makes him an attractive option for clubs looking to add more pace and creativity to their attack. The winger is particularly dangerous when cutting inside from the left and using his acceleration to attack defenders.

Tottenham have already shown interest in Nusa in the past, while Arsenal could now provide serious competition for his signature. Both clubs have been looking to strengthen their attacking options and could see the Norwegian as a player who could develop into a key contributor.

For now, Leipzig appear determined to retain control of the situation. Nusa is reportedly happy with his development at the club and is not actively pushing for an exit.

It remains to be seen whether either Premier League side will be willing to meet Leipzig’s sizeable asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign former Chelsea stars Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of the January transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, AC Milan are open to offers for the two experienced Englishmen as they look to reshape their squad in the winter market. Both players are entering the final months of their contracts at San Siro, with no renewal talks underway.

Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek attract Tottenham interest

Tomori could be an interesting option for Tottenham, particularly given the club’s need for greater defensive depth. The 28-year-old has yet to appear for Milan this season, and his lack of involvement could make a move away increasingly likely.

The former Chelsea defender has considerable Premier League experience and previously established himself as an important player in England before moving to Italy. A return to the Premier League could therefore give him an opportunity to revive his career.

Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, offers midfield versatility and can operate in more advanced positions. The 30-year-old has also struggled for regular opportunities at Milan, leaving his future increasingly uncertain.

Milan could be willing to sanction either a permanent transfer or a loan deal in January, with several Premier League clubs reportedly approached about the pair.

Tomori on Spurs radar

Tottenham are not the only club monitoring the situation, with Newcastle United, Everton, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Fulham also contacted about the former Chelsea players’ availability.

Coventry City are another club to watch closely, particularly because manager Frank Lampard has previously worked with both players at Chelsea. The opportunity to reunite with two familiar faces could make Coventry an attractive destination.

For Tottenham, however, the availability of experienced Premier League players could provide an interesting opportunity as they assess their options ahead of January.

Mikey Moore's loan to Bundesliga side FC Koln will be one of the underrated storylines of the season that Tottenham Hotspur supporters have to follow with great interest, and the young England international, who is banging home the goals at the international level, has already worked his way into the starting lineup for the iconic Billygoats.

But instead of starting on the left wing - and thankfully instead of starting on the right wing, which is where Spurs were fitting him in during the preseason and start of the Premier League campaign - Moore has been back in the middle again as an attacking midfielder.

While Moore is mostly thought of as a winger, though he has certainly made it clear that he is not a right-sided winger, a lot of Tottenham fans who have followed him since he was a wee prospect have felt that his best position is in the attacking midfield. Moore thrives more as a playmaker in tighter spaces and can score more goals when feeling out the game from central areas, whereas he doesn't quite have the athleticism and robustness to be a winger at the Premier League level.

Tottenham are having problems at the 10 this season

Tottenham Hotspur would have thought that attacking midfield would be one of their strengths this season, but it's actually been their biggest weakness. Aside from Savio, nobody is averaging more than a key pass per game, and their main No. 10 option has been Mateus Fernandes, whose respectable performances in an unfamiliar role have naturally faded.

As Spurs await the return of James Maddison to the starting lineup since 2025 when he tore his ACL with both Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert on the shelf for longer with torn ACLs, Mikey Moore is coming off back-to-back games with three dribbles completed in his Bundesliga starts as an attacking midfielder while putting up two key passes in 45 minutes in his Bundesliga debut against unsung giants Stuttgart.

While Moore has been seen as future competition on the left wing, perhaps it is more fitting to think of the 19-year-old attacker as the heir to James Maddison. While they are not similar players in the sense that Maddison is more technical and more of a creative passer, that's not to say Moore can't develop into a better chance creator or that Moore can't create chances.

But Moore can step in to that No. 10 role as an alternative to Xavi Simons in the future, causing danger with his dribbling, instincts to get into scoring positions, and, yes, creativity, affecting games more in tight spaces and in the middle of the pitch instead of being shunned to the periphery. His profile as an athlete and as a footballer is more of a 10, and if he takes off in this role as the Bundesliga season continues, he could be coming back as the one groomed to be Maddison's successor.

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Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae as uncertainty continues to surround his future at the German club.

The South Korean international has slipped down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, with Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah currently ahead of him in the battle for regular places. As per TEAMtalk, his situation has attracted interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa and AC Milan, with all three clubs having made contact during the summer.

Kim Min-jae attracts Tottenham interest

Min-jae could be an attractive option for Spurs if Bayern decide that it is time to part ways with the experienced centre-back.

The 29-year-old remains under contract until 2028, but Bayern are understood to be open to his departure if they can bring in another defender. A fee of around £30 million could be enough to convince the Bundesliga champions to sanction a sale next summer.

Tottenham could certainly benefit from adding another experienced defender to their squad, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding their current campaign.

However, a January move does not seem the most realistic outcome. Min-jae himself is reportedly comfortable at Bayern and remains determined to fight for his place rather than force an exit.

Min-jae’s future remains uncertain

Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation closely, while Juventus and AC Milan have remained interested in the former Napoli star.

Min-jae has already demonstrated his quality at the highest level, winning Serie A with Napoli before helping Bayern claim the Bundesliga title. His experience could make him an appealing addition for clubs looking for an established centre-back.

For Tottenham, much could depend on how Bayern’s defensive plans develop over the coming months.

If Min-jae remains outside Kompany’s preferred starting XI, Spurs could revisit their interest. However, the defender’s willingness to stay in Munich means plenty remains to be decided before any potential transfer takes shape.

Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has lavished praise on a ‘top-level’ Tottenham Hotspur youngster who was packed off on loan during the summer transfer window, after becoming surplus to requirements by Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian made a conscious effort to add more Premier League experience to his defensive line over the summer, landing the likes of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

The addition of Robertson in particular enabled Tottenham to cash in on wantaway England star Djed Spence, with the 32-year-old forming a tandem with Destiny Udogie in the left-back position.

That left Brazilian talent Souza out in the cold as a result, with the 20-year-old having arrived from Brazilian side Santos in January in a £13million deal.

At the time of signing, then Spurs boss Thomas Frank stated that the club believed they had “bought one of the brightest left-back talents in the world who can give us something now but also for the future”.

However, Souza only managed to chalk up four first-team appearances, having swapped one relegation battle in Brazil for another in England.

Illness then interrupted the defender’s pre-season and he was ultimately left out of De Zerbi’s tour squad for the trip to New Zealand and Australia, in order to build his fitness back up.

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Souza surplus to requirements at Tottenham

And with Robertson and Udogie ahead of him in the pecking order, De Zerbi gave the green light for the talented youngster to head out on loan to Portuguese outfit Porto.

While Souza has yet to make his debut for Porto, injuries look set to hand him that chance soon, with boss Francesco Farioli reportedly working with the young defender on the training pitches to adapt him to his system. Indeed, Porto are set to play Deportivo La Coruna in a friendly on Friday and the Spurs man is expected to feature.

And, having been asked about Souza at the Portugal Football Summit this week, former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos made it abundantly clear that he believes all the hype in his homeland about the Tottenham starlet will eventually be realised.

“I don’t like to make comparisons. He came to Porto because he has quality. He’s a player who played extremely well at Santos, it was a great signing,” said the 53-year-old as reported by O Jogo.

“I’m absolutely certain that he will deliver what is expected of him on the field, he’s a top-level player.”

Tottenham will be hoping that Souza is handed significant game time for the rest of the season, in order to develop, return to the club and then challenge for a starting role in 2026/27.

Kaoru Mitoma is emerging as what sources describe as a solid market opportunity with his deal at Brighton nearing its conclusion, and with TEAMtalk understanding that a reunion with former boss Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur is one possible outcome.

Mitoma’s long-term future at the AMEX has grown increasingly uncertain, with the Japan international entering the final season of his contract and talks over a fresh deal showing little sign of progress.

The 29-year-old winger agreed a four-year extension in October 2023 that runs until 30 June 2027, an agreement that places him among the club’s higher earners on roughly £80,000 a week.

Manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed in March that discussions had taken place and expressed hope that Mitoma would commit to an extension on the south coast.

However, talks with the 67-goal winger have since stalled and, as we revealed earlier last month, sources close to the situation indicate the player is reluctant to sign further terms, partly because of interest from elsewhere, and with a painful exit now beckoning.

Several UEFA Champions League clubs are understood to have made contact during his summer rehabilitation, exploring the possibility of a free transfer in 2027.

With only 91 days remaining once the January window opens, Brighton face the familiar choice of selling at a reduced fee or risking losing a key asset for nothing, and with Tottenham and Liverpool both monitoring the situation carefully, though they are far from the only clubs keen…

Mitoma has interest in England and overseas

Liverpool have retained a long-standing interest in Mitoma.

Their recruitment staff rated Mitoma highly before his move to Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale, and more sources have linked Anfield with monitoring his situation as the contract winds down.

Tottenham have also been mentioned, both earlier this year and again in September, with the connection to Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Mitoma on the south coast, adding an extra layer and relationship.

While De Zerbi has invested heavily at Spurs, the club are yet to see an uptick in form and the addition of Mitoma for a cut-price fee in the winter window could prove extremely handy over the last half of the season.

Spurs, meanwhile, have also been linked with another top Asian forward, with Son Heung-min recommending his South Korean teammate to the club as a possible striker target.

With regard to Mitoma, Arsenal have been interested previously, though no formal approach has ever been made. Chelsea and Manchester United have featured in older links, albeit minus recent concrete movement.

On the continent, Bayern Munich remain the name that surfaces most often. The German champions are said by sources to have watched him extensively and held talks with his representatives in previous windows.

Atlético Madrid were also credited with an interest before moving for another target but are not closed off from moving for him on a free. There is also interest in Turkey, though sources have stated that they would need to work to convince Mitoma to move to the Super Lig.

Mitoma’s availability is further complicated by his fitness, however.

A hamstring injury suffered in May ended his 25-26 campaign and ruled him out of the World Cup; he is still working his way back under a cautious timetable set by Hürzeler.

Until he returns and shows his best form, any January interest is likely to be less than in previous seasons, heightening the prospects of a free transfer move away next summer instead.

AC Milan have offered Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to several Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City in the mix to sign the duo, TEAMtalk understands.

The England internationals are both entering the final six months of their contracts at San Siro, with neither player’s camp having yet held talks with Milan over a new deal.

That has opened the door to potential January exits. We understand Milan are willing to do business on both players as they look to create space in their squad and give themselves greater room for manoeuvre in the January market.

Tomori, 28, has yet to feature for Milan this season, while Loftus-Cheek, 30, has slipped some way down the pecking order.

With both players out of contract at the end of the season, Milan are now prepared to explore their options rather than risk losing them for nothing next summer.

Whether a January move would be permanent or initially take the form of a loan remains to be seen.

However, we understand that intermediaries have spoken to a host of clubs about the availability of the former Chelsea pair, with Tottenham, Newcastle, Everton, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Fulham all contacted.

Spurs have endured a disastrous start to the season and currently sit bottom of the Premier League table after five games – their worst start to a campaign for 18 years.

They already have one eye on the January transfer window, in case Roberto De Zerbi is forced to bring in further reinforcements to avoid a potential relegation battle.

The opportunity to bring in two experienced players in Tomori and Loftus-Cheek on cut-price deals could prove tempting. However, newly promoted Coventry are ones to watch in the race, too.

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Frank Lampard keen to bring Tomori, Loftus-Cheek to Coventry

Coventry are understood to hold significant interest in Tomori and Loftus-Cheek.

We can reveal that Frank Lampard would be keen on the opportunity to reunite with the duo, having worked with both players during their Chelsea careers.

Milan’s willingness to listen to offers comes as they look to reshape their squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Both Tomori and Loftus-Cheek have considerable Premier League experience and could represent attractive options for clubs looking to strengthen in January.

Tomori has previously established himself as a key defender at both Chelsea and Milan, while Loftus-Cheek offers versatility in midfield and has also operated in more advanced roles.

For Milan, moving either player on would help create additional room within the squad and potentially allow them to pursue further business in January.

The Rossoneri are therefore prepared to consider proposals, with the possibility of loans also on the table as the January window approaches.