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Maghnes Akliouche has emerged as one of the favourites to reinforce Tottenham’s attack this winter.

Thomas Frank has been criticised for Spurs’ poor attacking quality these past couple of months.

Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League and recent 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League indicate that the Dane might be close to resolving the issue.

That remains to be seen, however, which is why Tottenham’s hierarchy are keen to arm Frank with reinforcements this winter window.

Maghnes Akliouche is essential for Tottenham this winter

Akliouche was on Tottenham’s radar over the summer, but his transfer wasn’t meant to be.

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Instead, Spurs opted to sign Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG on deadline day.

However, Tottenham have once again made Akliouche a priority to reinforce their attack this winter, according to Fichajes on 19 November.

The Lilywhites, who are aware they’ll face competition for his signature given his recent performances for the French national team, have recently contacted Monaco to confirm their interest.

However, the Ligue 1 side view him as a key player and does not intend to facilitate a departure unless a convincing proposal arrives.

The right winger meets all Spurs’ requirements to strengthen their offence this winter.

While Monaco are keen to retain Akliouche until at least the summer transfer window, the Lilywhites are determined not to be left behind.

Given his raw quality, output and potential, his name will definitely be one for Tottenham fans to remember over the next couple of months.

Do Tottenham need Maghnes Akliouche?

Akliouche is one of the most promising youngsters in world football, but his preferred position is one where Mohammed Kudus already resides.

The versatile attacker signed for Tottenham from West Ham over the summer and has since had the right wing on lock.

As a result, it would take something extraordinary to shift Kudus from his post and Akliouche’s inexperience could hinder him in that fight.

Another player Tottenham are interested in is Antoine Semenyo, who is widely reported to have a £65million release clause that can be activated during the first two weeks of the January transfer window.

The Bournemouth star is proficient on the left wing and might be a better alternative to Akliouche.

Therefore, as talented as the Monaco star is, there is an argument to be made that there just isn’t a place for him in North London at the moment.

Roy Keane has bit back at Gary Neville’s opinion that Djed Spence will start for England at the 2026 World Cup.

Spence became England’s first Muslim player when he earned his first call-up for The Three Lions earlier this season.

This came after Spence became a crucial player for Thomas Frank due to Destiny Udogie being sidelined for a number of weeks.

The England international has continued to receive regular minutes even with Udogie’s return, which demonstrates his importance this period.

There is no doubt that Spence will want to continue performing well for Tottenham to be in with a chance of being named in Thomas Tuchel‘s World Cup squad.

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Roy Keane makes damning assesment of Djed Spence

Just as he does for Tottenham, Neville believes that Spence could start for Tuchel at the World Cup.

His declaration came when discussing the prospect with Keane on The Overlap on 20 November.

However, Keane believes that one of Nico O’Reilly, Myles Lewis-Skelly or Tino Livramento should start over the Tottenham full-back.

“I think he’s going for Spence,” Neville said.

“When push comes to shove in a proper game. His centre-backs are probably some of the weakest in the team, I would probably say. I think he’s going to go for a more solid back four with Spence tucking in,” he continued.

“Well, you said Spence is a solid player. He’s not that solid,” Keane countered.

“I think he’s more solid and stable than the other three,” Neville responded.

“No chance,” said Keane, who was having none of what the former Manchester United star had to say.

“As footballers, all three of them are better players than Spence. I just think that when it comes to the tournament, I think if you said to him to just stick to someone who’s a good right winger for another team, I think he may put him in a game where push comes to shove,” Neville stated.

O’Reilly has been excellent for club and country this season, but he is still quite young and inexperienced.

Meanwhile, Spence has years of experience playing at the top level and has been consistent for the Lilywhites this season. As such, Neville’s take on the debate has a little more substance to it.

How has Djed Spence performed for England?

Spence remained on the bench for England during their FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

Tuchel could simply prefer O’Reilly’s profile. However, the Spurs star was excellent for England during their previous games against Serbia and Latvia.

Furthermore, Spence’s chip passes were 100 per cent accurate, and he averaged 62.5 touches, according to Sofascore. He also recovered 1.5 balls and made 1.0 interceptions per game.

These are impressive stats, considering he averaged 56 minutes across both confrontations.

Meanwhile, O’Reilly also made 1.5 tackles but only recorded 0.5 clearances per game. His chip passes were also 50 per cent accurate.

Spence is unique in that he is equally as efficient as a left-back or right-back, which will come in handy for Tuchel.

Thus, Neville was absolutely spot on in his comments. As the more experienced and versatile full-back, Spence should start at the World Cup.

Thomas Frank has struggled heavily to make the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a fortress this season in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s form away from home has been sensational so far, and is the only reason why Spurs find themselves currently sitting in fifth.

Before the final international break of the year, Tottenham somehow drew 2-2 against Manchester United, but the final minutes weren’t the only drama.

It was shared during that game that the playing surface at Tottenham did not look up to scratch, with more NFL games recently taking place.

Tottenham could be investigated if Man United complain, but that doesn’t appear to have happened with the Premier League.

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Tottenham to avoid Premier League trouble for now

Thankfully, Dan Plumley has shared that it would need to escalate much further than this for the Premier League and authorities to get involved.

The football finance expert was uncertain if fines would be part of the sanctions, but did say that more than Manchester United would need to complain.

“It depends on how far it escalates, I would say,” Plumley exclusively told Tottenham News.

“One club having a bit of a moan is probably not going to do anything.

“If it’s consistent, if you’ve got every club going there putting in official complaints about the playing surface, then the authorities and probably the FA and Premier League, somebody would have to take a look and follow up.

“I don’t know the full sanction list for that kind of thing, but obviously, it’s something you don’t want to happen too many times, as there will be repercussions.

“I think it would have to scale up, though, it’s not going to be done off the back of Manchester United, raising one thing.”

Tottenham are in financial heaven

With Tottenham on the verge of a £60million jackpot from the Champions League, even more comes in through their partnership with the NFL.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could even hold the Super Bowl in the near future, in what was described as a huge opportunity on top of this.

As slight issues start to be noticed, it is down to Tottenham to keep the best possible facilities, regardless of what’s happening to them.

Thomas Frank will be without several players when Tottenham face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

Tottenham’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United was the last time fans saw their players in action before the Premier League paused for the international break.

The Lilywhites return to Premier League action in the North London derby on 23 November.

Tottenham triumphed in a 1-0 victory against Arsenal the last time these two met during pre-season.

However, Frank will want to produce a more convincing win than a game won thanks to a Pape Matar Sarr screamer from the halfway line when the two face off on Sunday.

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Form guide

Tottenham: W, L, L, W, D

Arsenal: W, W, W, W, D

Early team news

Tottenham will have injury issues to contend with on Sunday.

Sarr suffered a knock against Brazil while on international duty. While it doesn’t seem serious, there are still questions over whether he’ll be fit to start against the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall returned to Tottenham from Sweden’s national camp due to the concussion he sustained during Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.

Randal Kolo Muani sustained a jaw injury against United and is set to be sidelined, while it remains to be seen if Mohammed Kudus will return against the Gunners.

The likes of Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Archie Gray are still sidelined with long-term injuries.

The inclusion of Kota Takai, Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin in Frank’s matchday squad remains unknown.

As for Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a thigh injury in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal and his participation to face Spurs remains unknown.

Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from Italy’s squad with an injury issue, but could still be named in Mikel Arteta’s squad on Sunday.

Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz could all return for the highly anticipated clash.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Victor Gyokeres remain sidelined.

Predicted lineups

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha, Simons; Johnson, Richarlison, Odobert

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, White; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Merino

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham

Arsenal have one of the most in from defences and attacks in the Premier League at the moment.

The Gunners have conceded just five goals this season while Tottenham have conceded the same amount of goals in their last four games alone.

Arteta’s side have been more efficient and better organised than the Lilywhites this season and will likely dominate given that the game will be played in their own backyard.

As a result, Tottenham News predicts a 2-1 victory for Arsenal on Sunday.

While Gabriel’s absence will have an impact, the Gunners have enough quality up front to make up the difference.

Mathys Tel’s fate at Tottenham may finally be sealed in the January transfer window.

The Frenchman’s future in North London has been under speculation since his omission from the Champions League squad at the start of the campaign.

Tel’s absence from Tottenham’s European group prompted suggestions of a potential falling out between him and Thomas Frank, although he has since been more involved in the Premier League.

The youngster came off the bench to net late on in the recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United before the international break, but that may not be enough to save his spot in Frank’s plans.

Tottenham told to seal Roma move for ‘unhappy’ Mathys Tel

Tel’s future at Tottenham has been called into question again of late, with Roma linked with a potential loan deal for him in the winter window.

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The Italian capital club are keen to take the former Bayern Munich youngster on loan until the end of the season, with his versatility standing him out as an impressive candidate for them.

Tel is believed to still be miffed by the amount of gametime that he has received so far this term, and is keen to try and move on if possible.

Randal Kolo Muani’s latest injury at Tottenham has handed Frank the opportunity to reinstate Tel in the Champions League squad in place of his countryman, but there is no sign of that option being explored so far.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Tel’s unhappiness should be enough to convince the N17 outfit to sanction

“I think if Frank isn’t going to add him to the Champions League squad, then Spurs should let Roma take him and use him Europe,” King said.

“He hasn’t done too badly in the last few weeks, he’s scored and he’s been threatening. But, you can’t have an unhappy player within the squad when you want to push for improvement in the Premier League and in Europe.”

Dominic Solanke return to seal Mathys Tel fate

Dominic Solanke is slowly nearing a return for Tottenham, and the timing of the final stages of his recovery from injury could act as the final nail in the coffin for Tel this season.

The 20-year-old is already out of favour with the boss after starting just three league games so far in 2025-26, and Solanke’s return will surely push him further down the pecking order.

The ex-Bournemouth star is the most threatening striker at the club, and he will be like a new signing whenever he does eventually return.

Frank needs greater firepower within his group, and he will be desperate to get Solanke back as quickly as possible. When that does ultimately happen, it will surely push Tel out the door.

Tottenham may be about to see their chances of beating PSG receive a huge boost ahead of their Champions League clash.

The Lilywhites have the small matter of a North London Derby to contend with this weekend, before they return to continental action next Wednesday evening.

Tottenham demolished Copenhagen in their last Champions League outing, but their task will be much harder this time around, as they prepare to line up against the reigning European champions.

Thomas Frank will have his work cut out in trying to devise a plan to shut down Luis Enrique’s many superstars, but his job may become a little easier after the latest update from the French capital.

Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes face race against time with injuries

Tottenham would have expected Ousmane Dembele to have a deciding say in how their upcoming tie pans out, but the reigning Ballon D’Or winner is facing a race against time to even be involved in the game.

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The France international has been out of action since sustaining a calf injury against Bayern Munich at the start of November, and he may not return in time to face Spurs.

According to French outlet Le Parisien, there is only a “slim chance” that Dembele and his teammate Nuno Mendes will recover in time for the Champions League clash.

Mendes also picked up a knock in the defeat to Bayern, and is currently out of action with a knee problem.

It is currently unclear whether will be fit enough to face the Lilywhites next week, but it would undoubtedly be a major boost for Frank and his men if the world-class duo don’t make it.

Ordinarily, a trip to the Parc des Princes would be a daunting prospect for the N17 outfit, but if Dembele and Mendes are both out, then they may smell blood and feel that a famous victory could be within reach.

Ousmane Dembele is a creative machine for PSG

Tottenham’s Champions League campaign got a much-needed boost last time out after back-to-back draws previously, and the possibility of Dembele’s absence will have them dreaming of a positive result against PSG.

The 28-year-old has excelled in a central role for the European champions of late, and his stats in Ligue 1 so far this season highlight the astonishing levels of creativity that he reaches on a consistent basis.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has already created two big chances in league action, despite only starting three games, and he is currently playing a staggering 2.2 key passes per game, according to Sofascore.

Micky van de Ven may have fancied his chances of handling the megastar, but he will undoubtedly still breathe a huge sigh of relief if he is unable to feature.

Thomas Frank’s feud with Yves Bissouma at Tottenham could yet take another surprising twist.

The Mali international has been cut adrift from the rest of the squad in the Premier League, with the new boss clearly keen to get him gone as quickly as possible.

Bissouma came within inches of leaving Tottenham in the summer, but a last-minute move to Galatasaray ultimately fell through a matter of days before the transfer deadline.

Frank has made it abundantly clear that the midfielder is not a part of his plans in any way, and with that in mind, he will surely be seething with the board after the latest update on the player.

Thomas Frank to fume as Tottenham line up Yves Bissouma extension

Bissouma looks highly unlikely to play for Tottenham again, given that his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he recently picked up an injury on international duty.

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Frank will be desperate for that to be the case, as his temperament has caused him similar problems to the managers who have preceded him in N17.

Bissouma was dropped from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup final after being late for training, something which was also a persistent issue with him during Ange Postecoglou’s reign.

Since then, Frank hasn’t handed him a single competitive minute, and he hasn’t been included in the squad for the Champions League.

However, the Dane will surely be fuming with the club hierarchy, as they plan to trigger a one-year extension in Bissouma’s contract if they cannot sell him in January, according to The Daily Mail.

Spurs need to drop the idea of getting money for Yves Bissouma

Bissouma has been an unwelcome burden to Tottenham for several months now, as he is essentially dead weight within the squad, whilst simultaneously eating up a wage.

The Mail understands that the Lilywhites’ issues in offloading the midfielder in the summer came down to the fact that they were demanding a fee of over £10million to allow him to leave.

They may have shelled out £25m to sign him from Brighton back in 2022, but that is a simply baffling asking price for a player who has disappointed as much as he has.

Spurs need to accept that Bissouma’s value is effectively zero at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they should stop trying to recoup a fee for him.

The idea of a new contract for a player who is marooned outside the squad is astonishing, and it will surely exasperate Frank hugely if that scenario does end up playing out.

Every Tottenham star who could be at 2026 World Cup, including rarely-seen player

Tottenham are set to be well-represented at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The November international saw many Tottenham players depart to link up with their countries for various qualifiers and friendly clashes.

Thomas Frank will have had an eye on all his players, especially with Tottenham’s clash away to Arsenal in the Premier League pipeline.

That didn’t stop national stars from giving their all for their country, although someone like Djed Spence was totally unused for England under Thomas Tuchel.

Spence’s Three Lions have already qualified for the World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada, but which other Tottenham Hotspur Stadium regulars could feature at the World Cup next summer?

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All Tottenham players who could play at the 2026 World Cup

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn faced off in Tottenham during the international break as White Hart Lane was utilised for a huge event once again.

The second instalment of this boxing clash is said to have been watched by over a million people worldwide, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the World Cup.

An average of 571 million people are said to have watched the final in Qatar as Argentina secured the title in 2022.

This is what makes the World Cup the greatest event in sport, and as a result, every single player dreams of playing in it.

Tottenham fans will be delighted to learn that they will likely watch a large number of Spurs players at the upcoming edition, even before the qualification play-offs have been played.

All Tottenham players who could go to the World Cup:

Some hugely recognisable names will take centre stage away from North London, while others may be dark horses to make their respective squads.

Dominic Solanke may have an eye on the England camp despite his current injury woes, while Kota Takai is suffering from a similar issue.

Kota Takai could land Japan squad spot at 2026 World Cup

There may be more Spurs players on the plane to North America in the summer, should the likes of Wales, Italy, Romania or Sweden qualify through the play-offs.

This could add a further five names to a lengthy list of Tottenham representatives at the greatest show on earth in 2026.

Tottenham players who could feature in World Cup qualifier play-offs:

There will be interest if these players do manage to get through to the final tournament, but there will certainly be eyes on Takai if he is to feature.

The Japan international joined Spurs from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer, but has been rarely seen and is yet to feature due to injury this campaign.

Should he return in the coming weeks, he could put together a positive run of form to stake a claim for a World Cup spot.

Mohammed Kudus has been faultless in nearly all aspects for Tottenham this season.

Thomas Frank finds himself under pressure to deliver sustainable attacking football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Kudus has been at the centre of everything positive.

Kudus has been excellent for Tottenham this season for Spurs, who sit fifth in the Premier League table.

However, Kudus’ eagerness to get on the ball has led to him topping the Premier League charts for an alarming stat.

Mohammed Kudus dispossessed more than any other player in the Premier League

Kudus joined Tottenham from West Ham for a fee of £55million in the summer transfer window, and it’s safe to say that he has been the most successful signing by a long way.

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The Ghanaian has created 15 chances and whipped in 19 successful crosses, and he probably feels he should have more than four assists.

He has also registered a pass accuracy of 87 per cent, and has made more successful dribbles than any other player in the top flight (34).

However, according to WhoScored, Kudus has been dispossessed 30 times in the Premier League this season, the most of any player in the competition.

Tottenham have only played four through-balls in the Premier League, and it shows that Kudus isn’t getting much service himself.

He is often the man tasked with providing the final pass, and as a result, it leads to him being dispossessed much more than other wingers in the top flight.

It marks one clear area of improvement for the 25-year-old in what has otherwise been a brilliant start to like in N17.

Kudus is also having to play alongside a set of attackers who are massively underperforming under Frank.

It’s clear that Kudus is bearing the weight of producing many of Tottenham’s moments as Richarlison and Brennan Johnson continue to underwhelm.

Tottenham’s attack is letting Mohammed Kudus down

Johnson has been criticised for his poor start to the season with Spurs, with the 24-year-old not proving to be effective despite scoring two goals in the league.

His pass accuracy of 73.8 per cent is woeful and he has often been on the periphery of matches, registering only 197 touches in his first eleven games.

Richarlison started the season brilliantly for Tottenham. However, after scoring three goals in his first five league matches, he has since been dropped for Randal Kolo Muani.

His four Premier League goals mask his ineffective performances from a creative aspect, and Frank must see a quick improvement from the rest of his attacking players.

Tottenham have offered Oscar Sandiford a new deal to extend his stay with the club’s Under-18s.

Spurs brought in teenage defender Sandiford from Crystal Palace after agreeing a compensation fee just over a year ago.

At the time Tottenham overcame competition to land Sandiford, John Wenham exclusively told Tottenham News, amid excitement at his future prospects.

The right-back has six England caps at Under-17 level and appears to be proving his worth since switching south for north London.

Tottenham offer Oscar Sandiford new contract

Sandiford, 16, has made six appearances for the Tottenham U18s this term, delivering three assists in the process.

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And Spurs are so pleased with that progress that they want to ensure he continues developing at that academy level.

According to a new update from Lilywhite Rose on Instagram he has been offered a full two-year scholarship to join the U18s next season.

The Englishman is said to have “hugely impressed” since arriving from Crystal Palace.

The news comes as Tottenham have also made an offer to goalkeeper Max Sievey on the same basis.

Mikey Moore an example to follow at Tottenham

Spurs already have the likes of Luca Williams-Barnett and Jun’ai Byfield at the U17 World Cup with England so there clearly appears to be some top talent developing at the club.

Williams-Barnett may be on the way of Tottenham on loan in January, following in the footsteps of one of the most recent graduations to the senior side in Mikey Moore.

Moore departed Tottenham for Rangers on loan for the season last summer and after getting through the chaotic Russell Martin reign to start the campaign looks to be starting to impress of late.

The 18-year-old has made 21 first-team appearances in the past couple of years and scored his first goal for the club in the victorious Europa League campaign last term.

Fans, and the likes of Sandiford alike, will hope that the arrival of Thomas Frank in place of Ange Postecoglou won’t have done anything to block the pathway from age-group sides into the senior set up.