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Arnaud Kalimuendo has been linked to Tottenham in recent days.

The Rennes striker has shone in Ligue 1 and netted 17 times in the division last season.

As a result, interest in Kalimuendo is high, with the 23-year-old only having two years left on his contract.

Tottenham have been linked with Kalimuendo, with Thomas Frank showing no signs that he is ending Spurs’ spending spree this summer.

Now, the transfer saga has developed further as Spurs look to win the race for the striker’s signature.

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Rennes want £30.33m for Kalimuendo

Given the potential and talent of Kalimuendo, Rennes are not prepared to hand the striker over to Tottenham without a fight.

According to RMC Sport Mercato Foot (23 July), the Ligue 1 side are set to demand between £26 million and £30.33m for the 23-year-old.

Alongside Spurs, Nottingham Forest are also interested, with Villarreal and RB Leipzig remaining in the race.

Rennes have already begun preparing for a potential departure, as the Breton club eye potential replacements for Kalimuendo.

Now, it is up to Tottenham on whether they are willing to meet Rennes’ asking price for their star man.

Kalimuendo would be an excellent signing for Frank

For around £30m, Frank will not find a better striker this summer transfer window.

While Dominic Solanke is proving to be inconsistent at Tottenham, the Dane is in need of reinforcements up top.

At Rennes, Kalimuendo has proved to be a clinical striker for many years and finished as the third top scorer in Ligue 1 last season.

If Spurs can get this signing over the line, it would be transformative for the London club and would finally replace Harry Kane.

Hopefully, Frank makes an offer for Kalimuendo over the coming days to ensure that Tottenham beat their rivals to the signing.

Thomas Frank has some significant decisions to make on his Tottenham squad ahead of the new season.

The Lilywhites’ transfer activity has picked up pace, with Mohammed Kudus a key acquisition from West Ham.

However, several players within Frank’s squad have been mooted for an exit this summer.

Yves Bissouma has been heavily linked with a Spurs departure, and an update on Joao Palhinha could accelerate that.

Tottenham eyeing Palhinha as Bissouma linked with exit

Bissouma has expressed his desire to remain at Tottenham or in the Premier League as he continues to be linked with a move away from the North London club.

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The Malian international moved to the Lilywhites from Brighton in a deal worth £25million plus add-ons in 2022.

However, the 28-year-old has been inconsistent in central midfield, meaning Spurs are eyeing options in his position.

Tottenham have already been credited with interest in Palhinha, with the London club preferring a loan deal.

While the Lilywhites are monitoring the Portugal international’s situation, there is nothing concrete at this stage, according to Florian Plettenberg (23 July).

The Sky Sport Germany journalist says Spurs are interested and that Palhinha’s camp have been informed.

Furthermore, he reports that Bayern Munich are open to talks should suitable offers arrive for the 30-year-old.

https://x.com/Plettigoal/status/1948019323756593413

Palhinha would be upgrade on Bissouma

Tottenham certainly need to improve on the last campaign if they are to fight on all fronts next season.

Frank already possesses a squad brimming with talent, and if he can keep them all fit, then they should make substantial progress on last term.

However, the Dane needs upgrades, and Palhinha seems like he would be a better option than Bissouma.

The Portuguese has a wealth of honors to his name, having recently added the Bundesliga title to his collection.

Furthermore, when comparing the pair’s statistics from last season, Palhinha betters Bissouma in several key areas.

While the Spurs midfielder may not want to depart, his hand could be forced if the former Fulham enforcer returns to the capital.

Pape Matar Sarr will be hoping to feature prominently under Thomas Frank next season.

Sarr etched his name into Tottenham folklore with the all-important assist to Brennan Johnson’s winning goal in the Europa League final last season.

The central midfielder was already a key figure at Spurs, making more appearances for Ange Postecoglou (90) than any other player during the Australian’s tenure.

The Senegal international will hope to command the same faith from Thomas Frank, who will have key decisions to make about the 22-year-old.

Frank faces dilemma over Sarr’s position

There are seemingly very few characters more popular at Spurs than Sarr, who dedicated his summer to helping others in Senegal.

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His character and positivity will endear him to Frank, but the Dane will need to figure out how to best utilise the midfielder’s unique skill set.

Despite his relative youth, Sarr is an assured footballer, as evidenced by his performance in Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Reading (19 July).

Sarr recorded an 88 per cent pass accuracy against the Royals, and lost possession 5 times, fewer than any other midfielder or forward in the starting line-up [Sofascore].

However, he hardly contributed going forward, failing to complete a cross or make a key pass, while only 33 per cent of his long balls reached their intended target.

Arguably, the youngster’s best quality is his seemingly inexhaustible engine and ability to drive with the ball, but those attributes rarely translate into direct goal-scoring contributions.

Defensively, the former Metz player’s statistics were equally underwhelming, contributing just one tackle and interception, and winning just one duel.

Frank has a dilemma regarding Sarr, as the midfielder lacks the physicality and defensive acumen necessary to play in a holding midfield role.

At the same time, he does not possess the same level of creativity and output as players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski further up the pitch.

This leaves his Danish coach with the task of coaching Sarr and finding the right system and position to elevate his qualities.

Frank focused on improving Spurs defensively

Frank’s primary focus so far during pre-season has been on fitness and defending, with the players being put through numerous defensive drills in training.

Tottenham’s Achilles Heel last season was conceding chances, especially in transition, which led to Spurs finishing the campaign with a negative goal difference in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites are still in the market for a designated number six, and with Cristian Romero looking more likely to stay in N17, Frank is hoping to create a much more solid and settled back line for next season.

This article includes exclusive comments from Football Espana editor and writer Ruaridh Barlow.

Tottenham have set their sights on Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes, but a deal will not be easy.

Rodrygo could be headed for the exit door at the Bernabeu following the appointment of Xabi Alonso, and there is no shortage of interest.

Tottenham could be in the market for another attacker following the signing of Mohammed Kudus, and a left winger would significantly strengthen them.

While Rodrygo would be an outstanding signing for Spurs given his ability, potential and superstar status, a deal would be very difficult given the costs involved.

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Spurs unlikely to afford Rodrygo wage demands

Other Premier League sides, including Arsenal and Liverpool, have been linked with Rodrygo, and it appears that not only will a huge fee be necessary, but any interested party would have to offer him a massive contract.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, La Liga expert Ruaridh Barlow, editor of Football Espana, has explained that Rodrygo would command a salary north of £8.6million per year, with a pay cut absolutely not on the cards.

That would see Daniel Levy pay more than £166,000 a week.

“Rodrygo is reportedly on a £8.6m salary per year already, so they would probably need to pay more than that,” Barlow stated.

“If he leaves, it is partly because he wants to be the main man elsewhere, and taking a wage cut doesn’t fit with that.

“Given Tottenham have not been competing for titles in recent years, and their finishing position last season, the honest opinion is that Spurs would have to pay over the odds to convince Rodrygo of a move, especially if Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are in the frame.”

Tottenham unlikely to sign Rodrygo

Given that Rodrygo would likely command a massive pay rise on his current contract, as well as a huge fee, the finances of any deal would likely be out of Tottenham’s reach.

Son-Heung Min has been linked with an exit, and cutting his wages off the books could make some space for Rodrygo, but it would still take a huge outlay to sign him.

There is also the added prospect of PSG or Liverpool coming in for him, and Spurs may wish to quickly move on to other targets rather than trying and likely failing to sign the Real Madrid star.

Tottenham have shown their willingness to back new head coach Thomas Frank this summer.

Mohammed Kudus was signed from West Ham in a deal worth around £55million, and Mathys Tel’s move from Bayern Munich was made permanent.

Spurs looked to have followed up the signings with a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White after triggering a £60m release clause in his contract, but that signing has been thrown into doubt after Forest disputed the approach made to the player.

Frank will hope further signings follow nevertheless, with decision-makers at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium eyeing moves for Joao Palhinha and Adam Wharton.

Spurs attack ranks among most expensive

Frank’s options are also bolstered by what was an expensive two seasons of spending under Ange Postecoglou.

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The Australian’s arrival prompted well over £200m worth of signings in the 2023/24 season, a spree which involved the purchasing of players such as Brennan Johnson and James Maddison – a summer admittedly offset by the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

And the following summer saw the arrival of Dominic Solanke, who was signed from Bournemouth in a deal worth around £65m.

It is fair to say that Frank will enjoy the fruits of some significant spending in North London, despite his task being to revive his team from a dismal Premier League campaign last season.

In fact, according to a list released by transfermarkt (22 July), Spurs have the third most expensive front three in the Premier League.

The list names Kudus, Solanke and Johnson as the three for the Lilywhites, amassing a collective expenditure of £158m.

Manchester United’s £70m signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, combined with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Rasmus Hojlund, places them first in the list with the fee of £196m.

Manchester City rank third with a £169m front three, while Premier League champions Liverpool rank down in sixth, with their three costing £119m – although that is yet to include the signing of Hugo Ekitike.

Frank under pressure

Frank will already be under pressure from the Tottenham hierarchy for a fast start to the Premier League season.

His appointment was made with a charge back towards European qualification in mind, and the Dane will hope his side hit the ground running.

But the huge cost of the Spurs team will only work to further intensify that pressure, with Frank unable to have any complaints about the backing he has received.

Archie Gray had to show maturity beyond his years at Tottenham last season.

The 19-year-old got his first taste of Premier League football last term, having joined the Lilywhites from Leeds United in the summer.

Gray received plenty of praise for the way he adapted in his debut Spurs campaign, as he was forced to play in countless different positions as a result of the injuries sustained across the rest of the squad.

The England U21 international will know that he didn’t have his finest year individually, but he has rightly been commended for the selfless role that he took up within the team.

Gray reacts as Spurs confirm Oliver Boast deal

Tottenham have been working hard to strengthen their academy ranks this summer, and they recently signed a former teammate of Gray in Max McFadden.

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Leeds has proven to be a fruitful place for Spurs’ scouts to explore in recent years, with Gray himself having come through at the West Yorkshire outfit.

The North Londoners have now swooped to take a young player from the Whites once again, with Oliver Boast having recently joined Spurs for a fee thought to be in the region of £1million.

The 16-year-old forward posted a message on his Instagram account (22 July) after his move to Tottenham was confirmed.

Boast wrote: “Delighted to sign COYS,” and Gray responded by commenting and saying: “Welcome mate congrats.”

Gray could be set for a big season at Spurs this year

Gray could be in line for a breakthrough season this time around, as Spurs transition into the Thomas Frank era.

The Danish boss showed during his time at Brentford that he isn’t afraid of handing opportunities to young players, and that could see the former Leeds man take on an even more important role within the side.

He is predominantly a right-back or centre midfielder by trade, but last season’s injury crisis was so extensive that he often found himself playing at centre half, which exposed his youthful nature to some extent.

This time around, with Frank keen to overhaul the options within the squad, Spurs should be better placed to play Gray in his preferred positions a lot more often.

The youngster is tipped to have a huge future ahead of him, and this could be the year when he properly announces himself in the Premier League.

This article includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar.

Tottenham have been in hot pursuit of Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has assessed his game time last season ahead of a potential medical in the coming weeks.

Forest are currently playing hardball over the England international’s exit, preventing Spurs from securing his services.

Gibbs-White expected to clear medical if needed

The 25-year-old is expected to pass his medical if he does undergo one this summer, according to Dr Brar.

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Tottenham are prioritising a move for Gibbs-White ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Discussing the state of play with Gibbs-White exclusively with Tottenham News, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, shared his verdict.

“He missed just four games last season, with two of them being due to suspension,” he said.

“While he did face a late fitness call for the April fixture against Manchester United, he ended up clearing it and playing the full 90 minutes.

“I do not see him facing any issues with his medical and given his Premier League experience, adaptation to another Premier League club is also expected to be seamless.”

Tottenham must push for Gibbs-White’s transfer

Gibbs-White could be a game-changer under Thomas Frank and this transfer would excite Spurs fans.

His seven goals and 10 assists last season, combined with his high-energy, creative play, align perfectly with Frank’s system, where he could thrive as a dynamic No. 10.

Gibbs-White’s Premier League experience of over 150 appearances and versatility address Tottenham’s need for a mobile, attacking midfielder, especially with James Maddison’s injury concerns and Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery.

Despite Forest’s legal concerns over the £60million release clause, Spurs’ Champions League prospects and Frank’s admiration for Gibbs-White’s work rate make him vital for revitalising their attack, ensuring competitiveness in a crucial season.

Tottenham star Son Heung-min could quickly become surplus to requirements for new manager Thomas Frank.

At 33, Son’s stint in North London is slowly coming to an end, with the winger establishing himself as a Spurs legend already.

The Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou was a fitting reward for Son’s loyalty when other legends such as Harry Kane decided to leave in the past.

The South Korean international looks to have an uncertain future in N17 under Frank, and his replacement appears to have been identified.

Real Madrid star to replace Son

The Lilywhites have already conducted some ambitious business in the window so far, bringing Mohammed Kudus in from West Ham.

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Tottenham’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White is also ongoing, and the Nottingham Forest playmaker would be another excellent addition to Frank’s squad.

However, if Daniel Levy could pull off a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, then that would be one of the signings of the summer and would effectively end Son’s tenure in N17.

AS has reported in its print edition (23 July, pg 9) that Tottenham are one of many clubs interested in securing the Brazilian’s services.

Liverpool and Bayern Munich are said to be interested in Rodrygo, with the 24-year-old also being the subject of cold interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.

This competition has not deterred Spurs, who want to bring Rodrygo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When Frank took the reins after the dismissal of Postecoglou, the Dane was promised one thing: “investment and more investment.”

The investment in Rodrygo would be a significant one; however, Levy will try to lower the price of the Brazilian below £78million.

Spurs should break the bank for Rodrygo

It will be sad when the day comes for Son to leave Spurs; however, Levy has an opportunity to replace his ageing captain with a player who could turn into a world-class replacement.

Whilst at Madrid, Rodrygo can easily be forgotten, given the stars they have in their ranks like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

If the Brazilian made the move to North London, he would start virtually every game and begin to feel like the main man under Frank.

This treatment could see the 24-year-old’s output skyrocket and cement his place as one of the best wingers in world football.

If Tottenham want to continue winning trophies, they must act ruthlessly and smartly in the transfer market, and bringing in Rodrygo to replace Son would represent this ambition.

Thomas Frank is keen to add more depth to his attack this summer, and Rodrygo could provide all the answers for Tottenham.

The Brazilian star is the latest to be linked with a move to Tottenham, with the Real Madrid forward keen to find regular gametime elsewhere.

Spurs are also keen on a move for Yoane Wissa after their bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo fell through.

With Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to the Lilywhites now also looking uncertain, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could be next through the door at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham ready to beat Arsenal to Rodrygo signing

Rodrygo has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool so far this summer.

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Their two rivals now appear to be looking elsewhere to bolster their attacks, with the Lilywhites now given the perfect opportunity to swoop, though they will have to pay a premium fee.

Real Madrid are believed to value Rodrygo at around £78million, though Tottenham will try to persuade them to lower their asking price for the Brazilian.

Understandably, Spurs are trying to push down the asking price for Rodrygo, as if they do sign the attacker, they would have to get near his £208,000 per week wage.

This rises to £336,000 when bonuses are achieved, according to Capology.

Real Madrid’s salary structures are much different from the Lilywhites.

Should Frank’s side push for the signing, they would have to make a controversial exception, with his fellow players bound to start questioning their worth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Rodrygo could have fresh new shirt number at Tottenham

Rodrygo has worn the number 11 shirt for the Galacticos in recent seasons, but with that shirt now belonging to Mathys Tel, he could have a new number next season.

Spurs’ squad numbers are yet to be confirmed for next season, but going off last season, the number nine shirt could be available should Richarlison depart.

Otherwise, the attacker has number 12 as an option, or should he choose, he could still take the number 11 shirt from Tel or number 21, which he also wore at Madrid, from Dejan Kulusevski.

Daniel Levy appears to have discovered a new willingness to spend money at Tottenham this summer.

The Lilywhites chief has gained a reputation for being fairly tight with the club’s coffers over the years, but that seems destined to change as they transition into the Thomas Frank era.

Spurs have already completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55million, and several more big-money stars are being linked with a switch to N17.

Spurs to lose out to Liverpool in future Wharton decision

Adam Wharton is another high-profile player who has been tipped to join Spurs this summer, but he is now understood to have decided to stay at Crystal Palace for next season.

The 21-year-old has already earned senior international honours for England, and has had several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs chasing him at various stages in the last couple of seasons.

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Tottenham and Liverpool had been the main suitors for Wharton this summer, and it is unlikely that their interest in the midfielder will fade by the time their next opportunity to sign him comes around.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Wharton would improve upon the likes of James Maddison, but he also feels that Liverpool will hold the edge in any future decision from the youngster.

“Liverpool are certainly on the horizon for him (Wharton), as are Tottenham,” King said.

“I’ve liked him ever since he got in the team at Crystal Palace. I think he’s a very influential midfielder.

“He’s a better all-round player than Maddison. Maddison is obviously very clever with his free kicks, but Wharton has got a great engine, and he’ll run all day.

“I think he’s made the right decision to stay at Palace for another year, as it’s not going to alter anything.

“If it ever came to a straight choice between Liverpool and Spurs, I think he’d go to Liverpool.”

Tottenham need to keep Wharton in mind

Levy and Co. may have missed out on Wharton for the time being, but they need to ensure they continue to track his progress with a view to making a move later down the line.

The former Blackburn starlet has established himself as one of the country’s brightest young prospects, and there will be no shortage of interest in him as he continues to develop as a player.

Liverpool’s recent success would surely hand them the edge over Spurs at present, but if Frank can turn their fortunes around next term, it could see them gain a greater chance of landing the Palace star in the future.