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Tottenham told to sign Son Heung-min replacement that Liverpool ‘couldn’t cope with’

Antoine Semenyo has been tipped to produce similar numbers to Son Heung-min if Tottenham sign him in January.

Son departed Tottenham over the summer after almost a decade in North London.

While Son has been linked with a return to Spurs to bid Tottenham fans a proper farewell, his absence has been felt this season.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have been crying out for an efficient goal scorer, and Semenyo could be the right man for the job after his scintillating start to the season at Bournemouth.

Antoine Semenyo is just what Tottenham needs this season

Tottenham were interested in Semenyo over the summer, but the winger opted to extend his stay at Bournemouth.

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However, it has been widely reported that Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract that can only be activated during the first two weeks of January.

It is believed that Spurs are one of the interested parties, and speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes he would make a massive difference to Thomas Frank’s side.

“He brings directness,” Wenham said.

“I go back to that first game of the season at Anfield, where Liverpool couldn’t cope with him. He was running at them with pace, power, trickery, great finishing, two-footed, strength, and visually, he gets a lot of assists as well.

“He is a fantastic winger who brings a lot, and he could potentially finish with similar numbers as a striker. Look at how good Sonny was over the years, 20, 25 goals a season.

“You could see Semenyo when surrounded by better players and a stronger team, also putting up those sorts of numbers.”

Mathys Tel is the odd man out

Mathys Tel was omitted from Frank’s UEFA Champions League squad for the league phase earlier this season.

However, the striker has since started playing regularly for the Lilywhites.

With Dominic Solanke predicted to return for his long-term injury soon and Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani also options, Tel could find himself as the odd man out.

While the French international can play on the left wing, Semenyo’s arrival and Wilson Odobert’s presence would limit his chances there as well.

Therefore, Semenyo’s potential arrival could mark the beginning of the end for Tel in North London.

Tottenham are interested in signing former Wolves star Ruben Neves this winter window.

As Tottenham travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday, they do so with a depleted squad.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have suffered several injuries since the season began, which has forced Tottenham to look towards arming Thomas Frank with reinforcements come January.

Spurs are weakest in attack and could look to welcome numerous recruits this winter.

Tottenham set to battle with Premier League clubs for Ruben Neves

Tottenham are one of several Premier League clubs that have enquired about Neves’ situation, according to Fichajes on 20 November.

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The 28-year-old is reportedly craving a return to the Premier League after signing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in 2023.

Spurs are not alone in their pursuit of Neves and have even fallen behind, with Manchester United and Newcastle United leading the race for his signature.

The versatile midfielder will be free to negotiate with clubs in January, and it remains to be seen if he ends up in the Premier League if the right deal is struck.

Indeed, the upcoming transfer window could set the course for his career, and Spurs will need to be prepared to battle for his signature.

Tottenham want experience this winter window

If recent transfer links are to be believed, Tottenham are on the hunt for more experience this winter window after shopping for youth.

Ivan Toney could reunite with Frank, while Spurs are one of the clubs hoping to trigger Antoine Semenyo’s reported £65million release clause.

The Lilywhites’ current transfer strategy does not come as a surprise, given they have one of the youngest teams in the Premier League.

Indeed, Spurs’ current squad is estimated to have an average age of around 25.3 years.

With Tottenham still alive in most competitions, Frank will be looking to add some depth and experience to his team this winter.

And after several injuries to key players, if the Dane pulls this off, fans will probably thank him for it.

Tottenham have offered a contract to Martin Offiah’s son, Phoenix Offiah, after impressing for the academy.

Spurs’ academy has received plenty of attention over the international break as the East London club continues to protect their long-term future.

Upcoming stars such as Harry Hughes are set to pen new deals at Tottenham in the coming weeks.

On top of this, Dylan Thompson recently committed his future to Tottenham, with Offiah looking to be the next player in line.

Phoenix Offiah offered two-year scholarship at Tottenham

While Martin Offiah may have a big reputation in Rugby, his son is looking to make a name for himself in football.

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Phoenix Offiah has been playing for Tottenham’s Under 15s, where he has been netting goals for fun.

Recently, he was given the chance to prove himself in the Under-18s squad, where he impressed once again, netting twice on his debut.

Now, Tottenham are aiming to lock down his future at the North London club.

According to Lilywhite Rose on 21 November via Instagram, Offiah has been offered a two-year scholarship to join the Under-18s next season.

Thomas Frank should look to hand out debuts in upcoming FA Cup

While players like Offiah may be too young to be considered for the first team at the moment, there are plenty of players on the verge of making that step up.

With the FA Cup on the horizon, Frank should look to play many of Tottenham’s upcoming stars in the third round if the draw is kind.

Spurs do not have a great deal of games this season that will provide a suitable setting to test youngsters, especially given their return to the Champions League.

Therefore, the FA Cup may be the only opportunity for Tottenham fans to see how talented their upcoming generation of players are.

Dominic Solanke’s Tottenham career all but over with £43m bid ready for next striker

Tottenham are lining up an audacious attempt to sign Villarreal’s Georges Mikautadze in January.

Dominic Solanke has been injured for practically the whole of this campaign and is yet to make a competitive start under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham want to make a statement in the January transfer window by improving their attack, which has been an area of concern.

The Lilywhites are said to be reigniting their interest in Mikautadze, with Spurs “preparing” a £43million bid for the striker.

However, this would come at the expense of Solanke, whose days at N17 now look extremely numbered.

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Tottenham will most likely cut their losses on Dominic Solanke

Tottenham were interested in signing Mikautadze from French side Lyon this summer, but Villarreal managed to get his signature first.

Frank has clearly seen enough, and with the Lilywhites ready to make a move for the Georgian number nine, Solanke does not seem to be in the Tottenham head coach’s plans.

Solanke cost the Lilywhites a pretty penny, and he is yet to repay the price as the club’s most expensive signing ever from Bournemouth.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are convinced of Mikautadze’s potential, with his best yet to come and are serious about bringing the forward to N17, with a formal offer ready.

The 25-year-old’s price will most likely keep rising at his current rate of goalscoring form, and Spurs may act by offering Villarreal a handsome fee in January.

It would be a big investment by the Lilywhites and a real show of intent from Joe Lewis, but it most likely means that Solanke will be offloaded, as Spurs would have to cut their losses.

Solanke vs Georges Mikautadze 2024-25 league stat comparison

Solanke still has a road of recovery ahead of him and could soon be back for Spurs; however, he is in no place to come back and hit the ground running instantly.

Even if things were to go perfectly for the Englishman, he may only start to reach full fitness once January arrives, and that’s being optimistic.

The numbers from last season may actually suggest that there’s not much in it between the two strikers.

But Frank clearly does not trust Solanke enough despite the latter nearing a return to action, with availability often a player’s biggest strength.

The update seems like the start of the end for Solanke at Tottenham.

This is why Tottenham should avoid £75m Real Madrid transfer agreement this winter

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has opened the door for a departure this winter, with Tottenham keeping a close eye.

Tottenham were interested in signing Rodrygo over the summer, but the Brazilian was reportedly not keen on signing for the North London club.

As a result, the Lilywhites backed off and signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain instead.

However, Tottenham have since revived their pursuit of Rodrygo in the hope of securing his services.

Rodrygo on the out with Xabi Alonso

Rodrygo is going through some of his most difficult moments since arriving in Europe, and his continuation at Real Madrid has become a delicate matter, according to Fichajes on 20 November.

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Xabi Alonso’s technical decisions have minimised his participation and have definitively opened the door to his departure in the winter transfer window.

The Brazilian was once untouchable under Carlo Ancelotti but has lost prominence now that there’s a new sheriff in town.

The former Madrid midfielder has no qualms about displacing Rodrygo from his starting line-up.

Indeed, his actions reflect an internal logic to give minutes to players connected with the current idea of the team. The winger has shown disconnect in training, something that has not gone unnoticed.

Tottenham have shown the most interest in Rodrygo, and contacts with Florentino Perez have already taken place.

The initial proposal would be around £61.7million plus £13.2m in add-ons, which is a considerable figure that accounts for his current situation.

However, Tottenham must strike soon, as other Premier League clubs have enquired about his situation, and a departure this winter is more viable than ever.

Tottenham should steer clear of Rodrygo

There is no doubt that the Brazilian is talented, but his arrival in North London would be a mistake.

The Lilywhites must build a team around players who want to play for the club, and Spurs does not seem to be Rodrygo’s favoured destination.

Whereas Wilson Odobert has shown promise at Tottenham these last couple of weeks and could become an important player if allowed to develop.

While it may take longer, investing in a player who wants to play for the badge may end up being the best decision that Spurs can make.

Tottenham have been urged to recall both Jamie Donley and Ashley Phillips from their loan spells at Stoke City.

The Lilywhites loaned several players during the summer to further their development.

Some youngsters hit the ground running like Tyrese Hall, who has been excellent for Notts County this season.

While others needed a couple of months, such as Mikey Moore, who has settled in at Rangers now that Danny Rohl is the manager.

However, Donley and Phillips could become the two latest stars to make Spurs’ long list of failed loan transfers.

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Tottenham told not to do future business with Stoke City

Donley and Phillips were loaned to Stoke over the summer in the hope of continuing their development plans.

Phillips has started regularly for Stoke, having spent last season on loan at the Championship side.

On the other hand, his teammate has spent most of the season wasting away on the bench.

As a result, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that Spurs should not only recall Donley and Phillips but also stop doing business with Stoke altogether.

“If by December time, he’s still not playing, I’m sure Tottenham will be reaching out to other clubs, and another Championship club will take Jamie straight away with no problems whatsoever,” Wenham said.

“It’s just bizarre the fact that he’s been left out. And actually, because of that behaviour, I wouldn’t be adverse to Tottenham also calling back Phillips and putting him somewhere else, and we won’t deal with Stoke again.

“Thanks for the £18million for Kevin Wimmer, but we won’t be using your services again. I just think it’s ridiculous.”

How many minutes have both players received this season?

Donley received Harry Kane comparisons after netting for Northern Ireland against Luxembourg in the latest FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

However, the versatile attacker has had minimal minutes under manager Mark Robins this season.

To put this into perspective, he has the same number of goal contributions as Stoke’s starting midfielder Bae Jun-Ho, despite making nine fewer appearances.

Phillips, on the other hand, has been used generously:

Recalling both players would send a message to Stoke that the Lilywhites are not prepared to do business with them if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain.

Therefore, bringing both Donley and Phillips back to Hotspur Way this summer may be in both the club’s and players’ best interests.

Tottenham’s North London derby showdown against Arsenal will create some compelling narratives on the pitch.

Firstly, Bukayo Saka’s battle against Destiny Udogie could be decisive in the contest, with the Gunners ace scoring five goals in three appearances against Spurs.

But Thomas Frank’s men also carry an attacking threat of their own, and that should see Mohammed Kudus cause Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori problems in transition.

Ultimately, though, if Tottenham want to end their six-match winless run in this fixture, they must breach one of the best defences in Europe.

Arsenal’s defence poses huge Tottenham test

Arsenal have only conceded five goals in the Premier League this term, and two of them came last time out in a 2-2 draw against Sunderland.

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Mikel Arteta’s partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba has created the foundations for their success by forming an incredible partnership.

But for all of their dominance at the back, the Gunners were dealt a huge blow last weekend as Gabriel suffered a groin injury during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal.

The 27-year-old will now miss the North London derby and potentially a month of action, handing Piero Hincapie the chance to impress.

While that could hand Spurs the initiative, Hincapie is a quality operator, and he should slot in comfortably alongside Saliba, someone the Lilywhites almost signed.

Tottenham almost signed William Saliba ahead of Arsenal

Tottenham are no strangers to missing out on some world-class players, particularly during the Daniel Levy era.

Supporters will forever curse their former chairman after Spurs missed out on capturing Sadio Mane ahead of Liverpool because Levy wouldn’t match his demands.

Mane, of course, developed into one of the Premier League’s players in the modern day, and the same can be said for Saliba.

In the summer of 2019, Spurs were ready to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Saliba, as per The Standard, by making an upfront offer to Saint-Etienne and handing him a hefty wage packet.

But Arsenal’s former head of football, Raul Sanllehi, was key to ensuring the Frenchman moved to the Emirates Stadium and snubbed their rivals, something the defender was also behind.

“Well, the history, the badge… since I was little, I’ve been watching Arsenal play in the Champions League and so on, and there are a lot of French players who have come through here,” Saliba said when asked why he rejected Spurs for Arsenal.

“So that really helped me to make my mind up.”

Since then, the 24-year-old has been incredible for Arsenal and developed into one of the world’s best, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Tottenham are in the market to sign attacking reinforcements in January.

Spurs still have several games to focus on before plans are turned into action for the January transfer window, though work will already be underway behind the scenes.

Antoine Semenyo has already been linked with a move to Tottenham, showcasing the fact that the arrival of a new forward is going to be a priority for Thomas Frank.

With that in mind, a new update has emerged on a target who was previously linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Nico Paz back on Tottenham’s radar

Nico Paz has been a Tottenham target for some time now, and with his continued performances in Italy, that interest is only growing.

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The 21-year-old has eight goal contributions in 12 appearances for Como this season, helping his side climb the table up to seventh under Cesc Fabregas.

A report from AS on Thursday states that Spurs have made more inquiries into his availability, with Inter Milan having indicated that they are willing to pay £51million to land his signing.

Real Madrid are likely to be Spurs’ biggest rivals in the race to sign Paz, given the fact that they have a buy-back clause in the deal that saw him move from Spain back in 2024.

Paz has earned his plaudits over the last 12 months, with Francesco Totti one of many who have highlighted the Argentine as one to watch after he was named as the Serie A Young Player of the Season.

Via the Guardian, Totti said: “Let’s say right now there aren’t many,” said Totti. “The only guy I’m watching right now, who isn’t Italian, is Nico Paz. He intrigues me a lot.”

Nico Paz would be perfect for Tottenham

Not only is Paz one of the most highly rated players in European football right now, but he is also one of the most versatile.

Most of his appearances come as a number 10, though Paz has featured in various attacking roles throughout his career, which is something that Frank commonly utilised at Brentford.

With 48 goal contributions in his 116 career appearances, the 21-year-old has showcased his ability to make a difference in games, which is something that Tottenham would benefit greatly from.

Antoine Semenyo’s plans for the upcoming transfer window have emerged with Tottenham firmly in the race to sign him.

Tottenham are thought to be ready to pay Semenyo’s £65 million release clause at Bournemouth as Thomas Frank looks to boost his squad in January.

Spurs are after Semenyo as they want a winger who can play on the left with Mohammed Kudus having largely locked down the other side.

The likes of Liverpool and Man City have also been credited with an interest, and now the Ghanian’s own intentions are starting to become clearer.

Antoine Semenyo wants Premier League stay

According to a new update from talkSPORT there is a crowded race for Semenyo with Tottenham among five of the big Premier League clubs involved, as well as European giants such as AC Milan.

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Of the so-called “big six” in England only Chelsea are thought not to be in for the 25-year-old after signing Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho in the summer.

Despite interest from abroad Semenyo reportedly prefers to stay in the Premier League, and while he is “happy” at Bournemouth he is believed to not be ruling out the prospect of a move in the New Year.

His relatively-affordable release clause, made up of a £60m fee and £5m more in add-ons, was reportedly a “deal-breaker” for him when signing his new deal with the Cherries, suggesting he always intended to keep his options open.

After Tottenham failed in summer approaches for Man City’s Savinho, and Semenyo himself, the club are expected to add in the winter market.

They reportedly may add a winger who can play at number 10, as well as a striker, with Tottenham interested in Ivan Toney but facing difficulties in making that move happen.

Xavi Simons shows winning transfer race isn’t everything

As a proven Premier League operator, with 35 top-flight goals over the past two and a half campaigns, Semenyo would surely be a valuable addition if Frank can come out on top in this race.

But Xavi Simons‘ struggles to make an impact this term have proven that winning in the transfer market is only half the task.

Tottenham hijacked Chelsea to land Simons but the Dutchman has flattered to deceive in 14 appearances for the club so far.

The 22-year-old is also one of those at risk of decreased opportunities if Semenyo is to end up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, given the Cherries star’s versatility in playing in various forward positions.

It is positive to see that the club are looking to be pro-active in addressing the attacking deficiencies but Frank will have a job on either way to get everything firing properly as a unit.

Chris Sutton has predicted that Arsenal will take the three points in the North London derby on Sunday, despite mounting injury concerns.

Tottenham take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, with both sides hoping to build on positive starts to the Premier League campaign.

The Gunners are at the top of the table despite dropping points to Sunderland before the international break, while Thomas Frank‘s side sit fifth.

Gabriel is set to be missing for Arsenal against Tottenham, with the defender suffering a muscle injury while on international duty.

Still, Arsenal are strong favourites to beat Tottenham, with Mikel Arteta‘s side holding a dominant record in recent instalments of the North London derby.

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Chris Sutton shares North London derby verdict

Frank has not won any of his last seven games managed against Arsenal, with the Gunners routinely beating Brentford.

The Dane did coach the Bees to beat Arteta’s team on their Premier League debut in 2021, however, which may provide some confidence ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Both teams are set to be without several key players, with Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli all facing a race to make the squad for Arsenal.

Gabriel will miss out, and Riccardo Calafiori’s involvement is also in doubt after the Italy international was left out of his nation’s last game.

Randal Kolo Muani looks set to be declared fit for the clash, despite injuring his jaw against Manchester United, but the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain unavailable.

“While Spurs have picked up some good results, I have still been disappointed with their front line, and their attacking players have not really connected,” Sutton told BBC Sport on Thursday in his predictions.

He continued: “I started off thinking that this game was going to be reasonably close but, the more I think about it, the more I feel like Arsenal will win comfortably.

“The Gunners have some issues too, with Gabriel out injured. He has been such a colossal player for them but Cristhian Mosquera can come into their defence, and I don’t see it affecting them too much.”

Sutton predicted that Arsenal will win 3-0, while singer Olly Murs went along similar lines, predicting a 2-0 win for the home side.

Tottenham will defend deep against Arsenal

Despite being a somewhat uncomfortable truth, many Tottenham fans would admit that attempting to match up Arsenal on Sunday could lead to an unattractive score line.

Instead, Frank will likely set his team up to defend deep and hit the Gunners on the counter-attack.

With that in mind, any positive Tottenham result will be fashioned by defensive solidity and efficient transitions.

The odds seem stacked against Frank’s side on Sunday, but Tottenham may well enjoy their status coming into the game as underdogs.