TBR Football

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur still believe a deal to sign Savinho is possible, despite Manchester City’s reluctance to sell.

The North Londoners’ summer transfer window hasn’t quite gone to plan.

Daniel Levy tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, but that deal didn’t go through, while Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze was hijacked by Arsenal in the 11th hour.

Spurs are working on other deals now, and they are pushing for Savinho.

Tottenham still think they can sign Savinho from Manchester City

Savinho has been on Tottenham’s radar for a few weeks now.

Spurs allowed Son Heung-min to leave the club earlier this summer, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are both out with serious injuries.

New signing Mohamed Kudus can play in a central role to replace the injured duo, but that would mean Tottenham need another wide option.

Spurs are really keen to sign Savinho, but Manchester City do not want to sell him in this window – they have made that very clear.

However, sources have told TBR that the Brazilian is ready to join Tottenham, which is why the Europa League winners believe this move is still possible.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, said: “I am told that Spurs are trying again for Savinho as they know the player wants to join them.

“We have less than two weeks left, so this is not easy to do, but they are going to keep trying for a few days. Spurs think it is possible!”

Savinho, hailed as ‘unpredictable’ by Manchester City expert Srinivas Sadhanand, still has four years left on his contract at the Etihad.

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Savinho’s potential replacement

Pep Guardiola claimed recently that he hopes Savinho will stay at Manchester City for many years, but the Spaniard admitted that it is down to the player.

If Tottenham can agree a fee with the eight-time Premier League champions, this deal will happen, and Guardiola’s men have a plan in place to replace him.

TBR can confirm that Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes, who has fallen down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso, is being viewed by Manchester City as a potential option in case Savinho leaves.

Arsenal have beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Eberechi Eze this summer.

The 27-year-old has been the talk of the town over the last few days, and his transfer saga is finally about to come to an end.

Tottenham were really close to signing the Crystal Palace star, but Arsenal swiftly hijacked the Eze deal and are all set to complete it now.

Ahead of his scheduled medical on Friday, some new information has come to light about Eze, and Arsenal fans will absolutely love it.

David Ornstein says Eberechi Eze kept asking about Arsenal despite Tottenham’s interest

Eberechi Eze was once a part of Arsenal’s youth setup.

The Englishman has publicly declared his love for the Gunners in the past, and he was desperate to make it at Hale End when he was a kid.

However, Eze was left in tears when Arsenal released him, but his admiration for the club has not gone away.

Arsenal were linked with Eze at the start of the window, but things became quiet on that front in recent weeks.

That’s when Tottenham stepped up and tried to sign him, but David Ornstein has now revealed that Eze kept asking people around him and his teammates if they knew anything about Arsenal’s interest in him.

The journalist said on The Athletic FC podcast: “You’ve got to remember in all of this as well that Eze’s preference was always, if possible, to join Arsenal.

“He was in their academy at an early age. He is said to be a fan of the club, and from what I hear in multiple conversations, he was asking people over a long period of time: ‘Are Arsenal there? Does Mikel Arteta want me?’

“He was sort of pushing teammates and things like that to try and explore this situation.

“So, I think there would have been a bit of residual intrigue on his part about whether this would ever come about.

“However, I’ve got to make clear that Tottenham got a deal done with Crystal Palace and with the player. It was ready to rumble, and it was very much in its final stages before Arsenal came and did this.”

Eberechi Eze had told his friends he was joining Arsenal weeks ago

Arsenal hijacking Tottenham’s move to sign Eze came as a surprise to the footballing world, but people close to the player must have known that this could happen.

Yes, Spurs seemed to be in the driving seat, and the player had given the green light to join them, but Arsenal were the club in his heart.

Back in July, TBR Football exclusively revealed that Eze had been telling his friends that he was joining Arsenal this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur travel away to Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime in the aftermath of what has been a disappointing week in the transfer window.

Eberechi Eze is joining Arsenal, despite Spurs having had a deal agreed to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thomas Frank’s team will now need to dust themselves down and get ready for what will be a tough match against Manchester City.

The Lilywhites produced an impressive first win of the Premier League season as they defeated Burnley 3-0, meanwhile, City were 4-0 winners away at Wolves.

Looking ahead to the clash at the Etihad Stadium, we have spoken to TBR Football’s resident Manchester City expert, Srinivas Sadhanand, to get his thoughts on how the game might play out.

Mohammed Kudus is Tottenham’s most feared player ‘by a country mile’

Mohammed Kudus is Tottenham’s most feared player ‘by a country mile’, the Manchester City journalist tells TBR Football.

Kudus really impressed against Burnley on his Premier League debut for Spurs, as he set up Richarlison’s brace against the Clarets.

Sadhanand admitted: “Kudus is number one by a country mile. With City struggling to defend against transitions, coming up against one of the Premier League’s best ball-carriers could be an arduous task.

“Ait-Nouri will have a big job on his hands to keep Kudus quiet as even last week, he showed how dangerous he can be in 1v1 situations.

“Brennan Johnson is another one who could cause City problems with his smart movement and finishing. With City playing a high line, Johnson could thrive if he runs in behind their defence.

“Micky van de Ven is another one who could be crucial for Spurs as he allows them to play a high line and the Dutchman’s incredible pace and ability to defend out wide and in central areas could potentially extinguish City’s attempts to break Spurs down if he has the game of his life and the hosts’ attackers are not at the races. “

Thomas Frank tipped ‘to do well’ at Tottenham

Sadhanand is backing Frank to succeed in N17 and believes that there aren’t many managers who are more adaptable tacticians than the Dane

The 51-year-old’s ability to switch up his system has been highlighted in his first two competitive matches against PSG and Burnley.

In the UEFA Super Cup, Spurs played with a back-five and defended very well, but in their Premier League opener, they dominated the ball and played on the front foot.

Speaking about Spurs’ new coach, the Man City expert said: “Thomas Frank is a brilliant manager. In my opinion, there are not many more adaptable tacticians in the Premier League and I expect him to do well at Spurs.

“As far as the game is concerned, his Brentford teams were always very direct, physical and devastating on the break.

“These three aspects have hurt City in the past 12 months and in some ways, a win against Frank’s Tottenham side would well and truly reflect whether Pep Guardiola’s side are taking steps in the right direction.”

Tijjani Reijnders is good, but Erling Haaland remains Man City’s main man

Tijjani Reijnders enjoyed an impressive debut against Wolves as he scored and assisted during his first game in English football.

But the man to watch for Manchester City remains Erling Haaland, and the Norwegian could try to expose Tottenham’s high line.

“It’s a boring answer, but I’m going to go for Erling Haaland. Haaland is a one-man counter-attack and up against Spurs’ high line, he could do some serious damage,” admitted Sadhanand.

“Taking into account that Pep admitted after the Wolves game that City will play on the break more often this season, City could wreak havoc if they are more direct and fizz balls in behind Tottenham’s defence into Haaland on Saturday.

Burnley highlighted Thomas Frank still has work to do on Tottenham’s defence

There remains a belief that, despite PSG’s struggles, Burnley showed that there is still joy to be had against Tottenham’s defence.

The Clarets still managed to cause Spurs plenty of concerns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise.

Finally, Sadhanand added: “I’d say that in the first half against Burnley, Spurs still had their fair share of defensive worries and Burnley’s lack of goals were a qualitative issue. So, I wouldn’t necessarily say that Spurs are tough to break down yet.

“However, yet is the operative word and Thomas Frank has shown that he can coach a defence with aplomb. Also, City could do a better job of breaking mid and low blocks down this season with the additions of Cherki, who is one of Europe’s best creators and Reijnders, due to how excellent his movement is.

“Ait-Nouri’s crossing and quick feet could also make City more of a threat in the final third this season. I’m not taking Spurs lightly whatsoever but I do stress that it is too early to judge this Tottenham side, both positively and negatively.”

After Saturday’s clash, the future of Savinho is likely to remain a hot topic for discussion, with two clubs remaining in contact over the Brazilian.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for another transfer blow as Eberechi Eze nears a move to North London rivals Arsenal.

Thomas Frank saw Mohammed Kudus join Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer, but still wants more creativity.

James Maddison’s injury leaves Tottenham chasing a number 10, though Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham were then closing in on Eberechi Eze, as an agreement with Crystal Palace appeared to be imminent.

However, Arsenal have hijacked the deal for Eze and are now on the verge of securing his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham are looking at Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City as a potential alternative, but they need to move quickly for new options.

Andy Brassell backs Brahim Diaz for Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are running out of time to bring in a quality number 10, and the feeling inside Spurs is bound to be low after losing out on Eze.

Spurs are bound to have other options in mind, such as El Khannouss, but he is ironically wanted by Palace to replace Eze.

European football expert Andy Brassell has now told Sky Sports that he believes Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz would fit the bill for Tottenham.

Brassell suggests that Diaz may need to leave Real this summer, especially as Rodrygo now looks set to stay put.

Brassell believes that Diaz is a ‘match-changer’ in big games, and his lack of playing time at Real should tempt Spurs into a deal.

“I just wonder what Spurs’ options are now, really,” said Brassell.

“If you’re looking at Europe, because there aren’t a whole lot of number 10s out there, I wonder if it’s worth a little go for Brahim Diaz.

“The latest news from Madrid is, it looks like Rodrygo is not going anywhere, Xabi Alonso would like to keep him, and the offers aren’t really out there at the moment.

“Brahim Diaz is someone who was at Manchester City, he’s won leagues in three different countries, he’s a match-changer in all the big matches that he plays, he’s 26, and he can’t get in the Real Madrid XI.

“To me, that looks like a bit of Spurs,” he added.

Brahim Diaz statistics amid Tottenham Hotspur suggestion

Diaz turned 26 earlier in August, but he really needs consistent starts.

The Morocco international started 16 La Liga games last season and 18 in the 2023-24 campaign, which just isn’t enough at this stage in his career.

Arda Guler could now step forward as Real’s next great playmaker, and that could certainly impact Diaz’s minutes under Xabi Alonso.

Diaz has bagged 20 goals and 20 assists in 122 games for Real, and boasted a similar record at AC Milan with 18 goals and 15 assists in 124 games.

Diaz would be a step down from Eze in terms of proven Premier League quality, but he may be a player for Spurs to ask the question about in the final stages of the window.

Tottenham thought they were about to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, before Arsenal changed everything.

As negotiations between Daniel Levy and Steve Parish stalled, Arsenal sensed an opportunity to swoop in following an injury to Kai Havertz, swiftly agreeing a £68m deal with Crystal Palace.

Eze will undergo a medical at Arsenal on Friday – once he has played his final game for the Eagles against Fredrikstad on Thursday evening in the UEFA Conference League.

Parish is understood to have insisted on the England international featuring in the European tie.

Tottenham have now turned their attention towards Bilal El Khannouss as an alternative – a player Crystal Palace hope to sign – which has sparked a reaction from Spurs fans.

Tottenham fans want to exact revenge on Crystal Palace by taking Bilal El Khannouss

TBR Football understand Spurs have enquired about El Khannouss after losing out on Eberechi Eze, and Tottenham fans are “all for it” if it spites Crystal Palace.

One Tottenham fan wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “My calm and peaceful 53-year-old self thinks this is a stupid idea but my more spiteful and vengeful 20-year-old self thinks this is great, and he’s winning at the moment.”

Another added: “Sign him out of spite and never play him.”

Sources stress that talks between El Khannouss and Crystal Palace went well – and the Morocco international wants to play under Oliver Glasner – but the deal is not done yet.

A third Tottenham supporter posted: “Just do it even if we only loan him straight back (to Leicester).”

Another simply wrote “well well well” – understanding the irony of the situation for Crystal Palace.

Others added that it is “a level of pettiness we can and should all get behind” as another quipped they are “all for it” after what happened regarding Eze.

Ultimately, this is not the fault of Crystal Palace.

Tottenham knew James Maddison was seriously injured just a week into August, whereas Arsenal reacted almost immediately after Havertz suffered a knee issue on Wednesday, so there was plenty of time for Levy to finalise this deal.

Bilal El Khannouss was responsible for arguably the lowest point of Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Tottenham

El Khannouss – who has been called “one of the finest technicians of his generation” – scored one of his two Premier League goals last season against Tottenham in north London.

It sealed a 2-1 win for Leicester at a time where the Foxes were on a run of just one win in nine games under Ruud van Nistelrooy, even losing seven Premier League matches in a row before travelling to face Spurs.

It also signalled a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, and had Ange Postecoglou been sacked after this particular game, few people would have been surprised.

TBR Football can reveal how Aston Villa are feeling about the potential sale of Morgan Rogers, amid speculation over a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have started to move on to other targets, with Eberechi Eze now expected to join Arsenal in a shocking turn of events.

Eze had agreed to join Tottenham, but an injury to Kai Havertz prompted the Gunners into action, and they swooped in and stole the 27-year-old.

Rogers is now linked with Tottenham, and TBR Football has learned the truth about talk of a potential approach from the North London club.

Sources: Aston Villa close door on Morgan Rogers sale

Aston Villa are insisting that they have not received an approach for Morgan Rogers and that the midfielder will be staying at Villa Park, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The Villans have had issues with PSR, but if they were to start selling players, the 23-year-old would be the last player they would want to let go.

Chelsea wanted Rogers earlier this summer, but have instead moved on to other targets, with Xavi Simons the player they are working on.

Bailey told TBR Football: “They’ve denied any approaches, any knowledge of the situation. I’ve been told by people who know the Villa situation that even if there was a fire sale tomorrow, the last player out the door at Villa would be Morgan Rogers.

“He’s not going anywhere this month. Villa do know of interest from elsewhere, but my understanding is that if and when Rogers does leave Villa, the chances are very high it’s going to be Chelsea.

“We know about the Joel Shields relationship, etc. I’d be very surprised if his next club wasn’t Chelsea purely because of that relationship, and we know they like him.

“Arsenal always had an interest in him, but it was never that strong. And obviously, in terms of a fee, if you’re going to get Morgan Rogers, I think you’re looking at Florian Wirtz territory-type money.”

Rogers would be a hugely ambitious move for any club at this stage of the window, let alone Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham’s Nico Paz interest complicated by Real Madrid

Tottenham’s interest in signing Nico Paz from Como 1907 is complicated by Real Madrid, TBR Football understands.

Madrid are keen to eventually bring the youngster back to the Spanish capital and have the option to match whatever offer is tabled.

The Argentine midfielder is also keen to make a return to Madrid and another season in Serie A is the most likely outcome at this stage.

Last season, the 20-year-old managed six goals and nine assists in 35 games in the Italian top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur are now zero for two in the transfer market as Thomas Frank looks to find a suitable replacement for James Maddison.

The England international’s ACL injury has forced Spurs into a desperate position. The club had wanted to acquire a new attacking-minded midfielder to boost their options, but their desire has now turned into a necessity.

Earlier this summer, Morgan Gibbs-White penned a new deal at Nottingham Forest despite Tottenham activating his existing release clause, and to add further insult to injury, Arsenal have now dealt the Lilywhites their latest blow.

TBR Football confirmed Arsenal have agreed to sign Eberechi Eze, and the player will undergo a medical at the Emirates on Friday after deciding to join Spurs’ North London rivals.

Now, with only 11 days left in the transfer window, time is running out for Frank to move on to alternative targets; however, the Spurs boss may already have the solution to their woes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mohammed Kudus can fill the number 10 void at Tottenham

Mohammed Kudus arrived at Spurs in a £55 million deal from West Ham earlier this summer and stands as the club’s sole marquee addition thus far.

Although there were concerns regarding his form prior to leaving the London Stadium, Kudus made an immediate impact on his debut, playing an integral role in the 3-0 win against Burnley on the opening day.

Kudus assisted both of Richarlison’s goals in a dominant win as the forward turned back the clock and replicated the form shown during his maiden year in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old plays primarily on the right flank but can operate in the number 10 position. Kudus has played over 50 times in the role throughout his career, including during Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup loss against PSG.

Considering Tottenham appeared set to sign Eze and are now dealing with the fact that their two main targets have slipped through their fingers, there isn’t much more embarrassment that Daniel Levy can withstand.

Indeed, there are alternative options Spurs can pursue, but with Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel more than capable of performing on the flanks, Kudus could shine as the number 10.

Tottenham now want to sign Bilal El Khannouss

TBR Football understands Tottenham have enquired about Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City in an attempt to hijack Crystal Palace’s move for the forward.

The Morocco international has agreed terms with Palace, but a deal has not reached the final stages, leaving Spurs with an opportunity to pounce.

Spurs have a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old, particularly after he shone as a standout performer last season as Leicester suffered immediate relegation to the Championship, but the club pivoted their focus towards Eze.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s partnership in defence has become a key part of Tottenham Hotspur’s current team.

Both defenders scored in the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, a game in which they somehow let it slip through their fingers in the closing stages.

Under Thomas Frank, the pair will be hoping that, in a more stable defensive system, they will both be able to show their best form together at Tottenham Hotspur.

Romero has now been speaking about his relationship with the Dutch international and what he hopes will happen during the new campaign.

Cristian Romero on his “great relationship” with Micky van de Ven

Cristian Romero has admitted that he shares a “great relationship” with Micky van de Ven and the pair have become very close since his arrival.

Back in the summer of 2023, Van de Ven signed for Tottenham for £43m in what now looks to be a very strong deal for the North London club.

Last season, both Romero and Van de Ven spent time out injured, missing around half the season, which had an adverse effect on the team.

The Argentine is hoping that this season, things can be different and the defensive duo can play together as much as possible.

Romero told Telemundo Deportes: “We have a great relationship since the day he arrived. We made a good central duo and nothing is perfect; there are always things to improve.

“But we know each other, we know each other’s way of playing, so we complement each other very well.

“As I said, last season, unfortunately, both he and I suffered so many injuries that we missed almost 50 percent of the season and that’s hard for the coach, for the team and everyone.

“So, this season, we hope not to have that bad luck and be able to be well to face this season in the best way possible.”

Frank will be desperate to ensure that both players remain as injury-free as possible this season and continue to form one of the strongest defensive partnerships in the Premier League.

Cristian Romero’s record playing with Micky van de Ven

It’s rather shocking to hear that Romero and Van de Ven played alongside one another on just 18 occasions last season.

The North London club simply cannot afford for both players to miss as many games this season as they did last term.

Spurs might need to add at least one more central defender to their ranks, with Kevin Danso their only current suitable replacement for the pair.

Arsenal look set to complete one of the most shocking hijack transfers in recent times by signing Eberechi Eze ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

TBR Football has exclusively revealed that Eze is ecstatic about joining Arsenal and the Gunners have now agreed terms over the deal with Crystal Palace.

Initially, Eze had agreed to join Tottenham, but a late move from their bitter North London rivals has seen them miss out on one of their top targets.

Thomas Frank requested Eze’s signing earlier this window, and just when he thought he was getting his man, Andrea Berta has snatched him from Spurs’ grasp.

Now, the winger will line up against the Lilywhites this season, following what could be one of the most dramatic transfer stories of the season.

When do Arsenal play Tottenham at home?

Eberechi Eze’s first taste of playing in the North London derby will come on November 22, when the first one of the season is due to be played.

Although this fixture date is almost certainly set to be rearranged for television coverage, this is when the 27-year-old will line up against Spurs.

The winger will likely face a heroic reception during the match at the Emirates Stadium, given the significance of rejecting Spurs for the Gunners.

Tottenham have been called ‘Newcastle of the South’ after being rejected by the England international, but losing him to their bitter rivals will hurt just that little bit more.

Eze, who is already an Arsenal hero, managed two goals and one assist against Spurs in the Premier League last season.

The winger will now be eager to add to his tally against the Lilywhites towards the end of November, when the teams first meet.

When do Arsenal play Tottenham away?

The Crystal Palace forward is due to make the trip across North London on February 21, which again is likely to be subject to change.

Depending on how Frank’s team have fared across the season, the forward is more than likely to receive a rather hostile reaction.

The obvious comparison will be when Sol Campbell returned to White Hart Lane following his switch from Spurs to the Gunners.

Tottenham have been unsuccessful in their bid to sign Adam Wharton’s Crystal Palace teammate Eberechi Eze.

The England international looked set for a £60m move to Spurs, before Arsenal swooped in and hijacked the deal following an injury to Kai Havertz.

TBR Football understand Eze is delighted and feels he has secured the move he always wanted.

Tottenham also hold an interest in the aforementioned Adam Wharton – although the Crystal Palace No.20 has suggested he too would reject Spurs.

Adam Wharton taps the Crystal Palace badge when asked about his future

Due to UEFA regulations, Crystal Palace had no choice but to let Gary Cotterill and his Sky Sports colleagues have access to training on Wednesday, ahead of the Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday evening.

Cotterill was told to “give it a rest” by Eze as he warmed up, before attention turned towards Wharton, who overheard Sky Sports discussing his future.

In response, the England international went straight for his chest and tapped the Crystal Palace badge on his shirt – appearing to confirm he intends to stay in SE25 for this season at least.

TBR Football understand Thomas Frank admires Wharton and would love to have the Crystal Palace playmaker in north London, although his price tag of at least £100m is viewed as prohibitive internally at Tottenham.

Tottenham could cause Crystal Palace a problem after losing out on Eberechi Eze

TBR Football understand Spurs have enquired about Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester after Arsenal hijacked their deal for Eze.

The Leicester No.11 is valued around £30m after an impressive debut campaign with the Foxes last term, even scoring a sumptuous winner against Tottenham in N17.

However, sources informed TBR Football earlier this week that El Khannouss was nearing a move to Crystal Palace as a replacement for Eze, after talks with the Morocco international went well.

It now remains to be seen what happens with the African forward, as Tottenham currently have £60m burning a hole in their pocket after Eze chose Arsenal.