Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for potential defensive departures ahead of the upcoming campaign following a testing period for the North London club.

The Lilywhites have endured two challenging domestic seasons, leading several key figures to evaluate their long-term options.

Central defender Cristian Romero was a standout performer on the international stage this summer, playing a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to the World Cup final.

However, the 28-year-old is now keen to seek a fresh challenge away from Premier League football.

Italian champions Inter Milan have long admired the defender and have subsequently emerged as the clear frontrunners to land his services.

Inter 'agree fee' with Spurs for Cristian Romero

© Iconsport / SUSA

Sport Witness reports that Inter have reached a basic agreement with Tottenham to sign Romero in a permanent deal valued at €40m (£34.2m).

The Serie A giants initially explored a move for the defender during preliminary discussions regarding team-mate Djed Spence.

While negotiations for Spence stalled, dialogue concerning Romero gathered swift momentum as the Argentine actively favoured a return to Italian football.

Despite all but securing the signing of former Manchester City defender John Stones, the Nerazzurri reportedly remain committed to further reinforcing their backline with Romero.

However, negotiations between the club and Romero's representatives over personal terms remain ongoing as salary expectations continue to be ironed out.

Will wage demands scupper Inter move amid Barcelona interest?

© Iconsport / PA Images

The source above suggests that agreeing a suitable financial package could prove to be a stumbling block for Inter after handing high wages to incoming free agent Stones.

Romero is understandably reluctant to accept a lower wage structure, leaving the transfer in a slight state of limbo.

This wage impasse offers hope to Barcelona, who maintain a serious interest in bringing the aggressive centre-back to Spain.

However, the Spanish side must facilitate player sales to balance their books before they can officially meet Spurs' asking price.

Should Inter delay in finalising personal terms, Barcelona may find the necessary window of opportunity to capitalise and hijack the transaction.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been handed an opportunity to make a quick profit on Souza.

Roberto De Zerbi has already embarked on a major spending spree this summer, spending in excess of £230m in transfer fees and six new players arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Italian has also revealed his next priority for the transfer window as he bids to build a squad capable of challenging for the top five in the Premier League table.

However, at some stage, the expectation is that Spurs will have to facilitate sales and generating funds to ensure that they comply with the Premier League's financial regulations.

According to Diario do Peixe, a European giant have given them a chance to give themselves a boost of income.

© Imago / Craig Mercer

Which European club want to sign Spurs' Souza?

The report alleges that Benfica have made an offer of €20m (£17.1m) for the former Santos prospect.

Back in January, Spurs paid approximately £13m for the left-back, and the assumption was that he would spend a number of seasons in North London.

However, the 20-year-old accumulated just 144 minutes across four matches during the second half of the campaign, none of which came under De Zerbi.

Spurs have also since signed Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson, with Djed Spence and Ben Davies other left-back options.

With Souza having not travelled to New Zealand for the next phase of Spurs' pre-season, it does not appear that the starlet has an immediate future under De Zerbi.

© Imago / IMAGO / justpictures.ch

An easy decision for Spurs?

While Spurs could immediately bank a notable fee for Souza, they are also seemingly mindful of his potential.

His performances for Santos put him in the thinking of Brazil, and there is plenty of room for improvement if he earns regular football in 2026-27.

Spurs may take the decision to facilitate a loan exit to see whether Souza can remain on an upward trajectory, rather than be left with regrets if he leaves and significantly enhances his reputation.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the race for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ibrahim Mbaye.

The 18-year-old is supposedly on the radar of Man City as a replacement for Savinho, who is moving towards a switch across Premier League battlelines to Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs in North London.

As well as the elite Premier League teams, Aston Villa are also said to be admirers of PSG's Mbaye, with the Second City club plotting new arrivals after star player Morgan Rogers jumped ship to Stamford Bridge.

Mbaye has played a part in PSG's best-ever campaigns, with Les Parisiens winning back-to-back Ligue 1 and Champions League titles during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 terms under Luis Enrique.

The youngster is understandably behind Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue in the pecking order on the flanks, starting just 10 top-flight matches last season but still managing five goal contributions.

© Iconsport / Powerpics/Alamy

Liverpool, Tottenham join Mbaye race?

According to French publication RMC, two new Premier League powerhouses have joined the race for the highly-rated services of Mbaye, who featured at the 2026 World Cup for Senegal this summer.

The report claims that Andoni Iraola's Liverpool and relegation-battling Tottenham have both made enquiries for the 18-year-old, with a switch away from Parc des Princes a distinct possibility.

As well as the Reds, it is believed that fellow English sides Manchester City and Chelsea are keen on Mbaye, on top of interest from the Bundesliga in the form of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

PSG are supposedly happy with the progress of the youngster in their first team and are not actively pushing for a sale, however, it is understood that the European champions value the winger in excess of £42m.

Liverpool are planning moves for top-class forwards as they gear up for life without legendary attacker Mohamed Salah, whose nine-year stay at Anfield concluded at the end of last season.

© Imago / Sports Press Photo

Mbaye's busy summer

After representing France at five levels of youth football, Mbaye made the decision to commit his senior services to Senegal, making his debut for the AFCON giants during the international break of November 2025.

A key part in the PSG juggernaut, it was no surprise that the promising 18-year-old was called up by Senegal for the World Cup this summer in North America, where the winger started the 5-0 drubbing of Iraq.

Mbaye was on the pitch for his nation's seismic collapse in the last 32 on July 1, when Belgium netted three goals to complete a sensational comeback and advance into the next round.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to field a strong XI for their pre-season clash with Sydney FC on Wednesday.

Spurs commenced their summer tour of New Zealand and Australia with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC last week, when the Lilywhites opted to field a youthful side.

One of the beneficiaries of that Roberto De Zerbi decision, Dane Scarlett found the net at Eden Park, however, Richarlison is likely to lead the line at Allianz Stadium.

After putting in an impressive display in Auckland, 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett could retain his spot in midfield.

Engine-room partner Jamie Donley is set to drop out for Conor Gallagher, with Archie Gray moving to a right-back role.

A number of Spurs' new signings are set to be on show in New South Wales, including Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

Recovering from respective injury setbacks, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Sandro Tonali could feature briefly on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Gray, Van Hecke, Davies, Robertson; Williams-Barnett, Gallagher, Yang, Donley, Moore; Richarlison

Looking to maintain their 100% record in pre-season, Tottenham Hotspur visit Australia to face Sydney FC for the Sydney Super Cup on Wednesday morning.

Spurs secured a comfortable victory over Auckland FC in New Zealand last time out and now clash with the Sky Blues, who narrowly missed out on A-League glory in 2025-26.

Match preview

Taking charge of the New South Wales side in March, former Socceroo star Patrick Kisnorbo enjoyed a seven-match unbeaten run at the start of his reign, guiding Sydney FC to the grand final of the A-League.

However, the Sky Blues were unable to secure their sixth Australian top-flight title after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Go Media Stadium in New Zealand, where a Cameron Howieson effort clinched the trophy for expansion side Auckland.

After that cruel disappointment in late May, Sydney returned to competitive matters in the last 32 of the Australia Cup last Tuesday, when a hat-trick from Tiago Quintal headlined a 5-1 drubbing of Bayswater City.

Kisnorbo's troops are not back in A-League action until a clash with local rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on October 16, but the Sky Blues are relishing the chance to pit their wits against a Premier League giant this week.

Despite possessing the fifth-best home record in the A-League last season, Sydney are in the midst of a six-match winless streak (D4 L2) at Allianz Stadium, with their most recent competitive victory at the venue coming against Brisbane Roar in February.

© Iconsport / SUSA

It has been a case of so far, so good in pre-season for Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham Hotspur, who have enjoyed friendly triumphs over MK Dons and Auckland, scoring three goals and keeping consecutive clean sheets.

Over 40,000 supporters - a record crowd for a football match in New Zealand - packed into the iconic Eden Park on Sunday morning, when strikes from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison sealed a 2-0 Spurs victory over the current A-League champions.

De Zerbi opted to field a young starting XI in Auckland, with 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett continuing to impress this summer as he looks to somehow squeeze his way into the first-team plans in North London.

Spurs made a raft of senior changes at the hour mark, affording the Eden Park crowd the luxury of seeing star names such as Richarlison and Mateus Fernandes in the flesh, with the latter scoring an excellent goal on his debut against MK Dons earlier this month.

The former West Ham United maestro is one of six high-profile arrivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium already this summer, with the Lilywhites keen to distance themselves from the bottom of the Premier League standings in 2026-27.

Sydney FC all competitions form:

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Tottenham Hotspur friendly form:

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Team News

© Iconsport / Harvey Murphy/News Images/Sipa USA

Making his competitive debut for Sydney during the thrashing of Bayswater in the Australia Cup last week, Takahiro Sekine could be in line for his maiden start on Wednesday.

Jordan Courtney-Perkins could join the Japanese defender in the backline of the Sky Blues, with the 23-year-old forcing his way into the starting XI under Kisnorbo last season.

The hosts' attacking ranks are made up almost exclusively of Australians, with Spanish striker Victor Campuzano bringing La Liga experience courtesy of his days at Espanyol.

Tottenham are without a number of long-term absentees, including Xavi Simons (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee).

Travelling with the squad but yet to feature on this pre-season tour, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie are still recovering from fitness setbacks.

Signing from Newcastle United this summer, Sandro Tonali could feature in Sydney after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Expect Spurs' young stars to be given a chance to shine at Allianz Stadium, with Scarlett, Jamie Donley and Mikey Moore pushing for consecutive starts on this tour.

Sydney FC possible starting lineup:

Hoefsloot; Grant, Popovic, Courtney-Perkins, Garuccio; Kamijo, Youlley, De Jesus, Quintal, Akon; Macallister

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Dubravka; Gray, Van Hecke, Davies, Robertson; Williams-Barnett, Gallagher; Yang, Donley, Moore; Richarlison

We say: Sydney FC 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur

With Tottenham expected to field a strong starting XI, Sydney could be in severe defensive trouble on their own patch on Wednesday.

Spurs have a number of new signings that are desperate to impress and record a confidence-boosting victory at Allianz Stadium.

Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live Tottenham Hotspur transfer blog on Monday, July 27!

The Lilywhites have already been making waves in the transfer market with the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, but more cash should be splashed on attacking upgrades between now and the September 1 deadline.

Today's Tottenham transfer headlines

Inter Milan 'set deadline' for Cristian Romero deal

Roberto De Zerbi opens door to Lucas Bergvall exit

Tottenham transfer news today: What's happening on July 27?

The clearest deadline anywhere in London's transfer market arrived on Sunday, with Inter Milan reported to have given themselves 10 days to complete the signing of Cristian Romero before moving on to alternative defensive targets.

Inter want a permanent deal rather than a loan, with their preferred fee of around £34m falling below the £43m Spurs initially sought for the Argentina international, though the consensus is that Tottenham are now willing to reduce their demands.

Romero has not yet returned for pre-season after Argentina's run to the World Cup final, and his relationship with supporters reached a low point last season when he flew to his homeland before Spurs' crucial final-day survival game against Everton, although he did return in time to witness his team stay up.

Arsenal and Chelsea were linked with Romero over the weekend too, though a shock move across London is not expected to materialise, with Inter maintaining their status as clear front-runners for his signature.

On the broader outgoings picture, Roberto De Zerbi made his position explicit at a pre-season press conference in New Zealand, stating: "Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave."

The message was widely read as green-lighting a Lucas Bergvall exit, with the 20-year-old not having started any of Spurs' last six Premier League games last season and affirming that he is looking for consistent minutes throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

De Zerbi confirmed at the same briefing that his transfer priority now is to "complete the attacking positions," with Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup and Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye - both valued at around £42m - seen as viable targets.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was absent from Spurs' 35-man pre-season tour squad with an officially minor injury, though supporters have been sceptical about the legitimacy of his problem given his reported desire to force a move away from the club.

Inter Milan have reportedly set a 10-day deadline to complete a deal for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero.

The Argentina international is yet to return to Spurs for pre-season following his run to the World Cup final, but he may have already played his last match for the Lilywhites.

Romero has been tipped to return to Serie A for a number of months now, and Inter have been leading the race to bring the former Juventus and Atalanta BC man back to Italy's top flight.

In recent days, Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a shock move for Romero, but a switch across London is not expected to materialise in the coming weeks.

Instead, Inter are keen to sign the defender on a permanent deal during the current window - according to FCInterNews - rather than negotiating a loan with a conditional obligation in 2027.

Inter Milan 'set 10-day deadline' for Cristian Romero deal

© Imago / PHOTOxPHOTO

The Nerazzurri are said to be optimistic of closing a deal, as contrary to previous reports, Spurs are not demanding as much as €50m (£42.7m) to sanction his exit.

Instead, Inter's desired fee of €40m (£34.2m) could be enough to twist Tottenham's arm, but the Serie A giants want the saga to end within the next 10 days.

Even if Spurs and Inter cannot reach an agreement inside the next 10 days, the Nerazzurri will move on to other targets, such is their desire to bolster their defence quickly.

Romero is under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2029, but Spurs will not stand in his way of an exit for the right price, given their apparent mutual agreement that a separation is the best move for all parties.

Inter have already signed Manuel Akanji on a permanent deal from Manchester City, but Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij have both departed on free transfers.

What will Cristian Romero's Tottenham legacy be?

© Iconsport / PA Images

Loved and hated in equal measure during his time at Tottenham, Romero has perpetually divided opinion among the Spurs fanbase, although he is in more bad books than good books right now.

The 28-year-old hit the headlines for the wrong reasons when he flew back to Argentina before Tottenham's final-day game against Everton last season; the game that Spurs won to secure Premier League survival.

Romero got back in time to watch the match, but the damage had already been done in the eyes of many Tottenham supporters, who have also witnessed the South American receive six red cards in his Spurs career; more than any other Premier League player since his debut.

At his best, Romero is a tough-tackling, aggressive defender with a penchant for goals and assists, as he came up with crucial efforts in 2-2 draws with Burnley and Newcastle United last season, while also captaining the club to Europa League glory the year before.

However, the Argentine's long-standing disciplinary issues and pre-Everton controversy means that many Tottenham fans would gladly see the back of him.

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly considering a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.

Romero has been heavily linked with a move away from Spurs after they narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season.

It has been widely reported that the Argentina centre-back is expected to leave the club this summer, with Inter Milan and Barcelona among those credited with an interest.

Reports also emerged last month suggesting that Manchester United were interested in Romero, although the Red Devils appear to have distanced themselves from a potential move.

While Man Utd may no longer be in the running, other Premier League heavyweights could yet enter the race, with Arsenal and Chelsea now linked with the Tottenham defender.

Arsenal and Chelsea eye move for Cristian Romero?

© Imago / APL

According to Corriere dello Sport, Romero has emerged as Inter Milan's top defensive target for the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old is reportedly open to returning to Italy four years after leaving Atalanta, although Inter would need to meet an asking price of around €50m (£42m) to secure his signature.

The report claims that the Nerazzurri are likely to face strong competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for Romero, whose contract at Tottenham runs until 2029.

Inter are reportedly exploring a loan deal containing an obligation to buy, similar to the structure they previously used to sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City.

Cristian Romero unlikely to join Arsenal or Chelsea

© Imago / PHOTOxPHOTO

Tottenham have already strengthened their defensive ranks with the additions of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, potentially giving them greater freedom to sanction Romero's departure if their valuation is met.

Arsenal could be in the market for another centre-back, particularly with William Saliba set to miss the start of the season due to a back problem.

However, Tottenham are highly unlikely to entertain the prospect of selling Romero to their bitter north London rivals, while Chelsea are already closing in on a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

As a result, despite interest from two of Spurs' London rivals, a return to Serie A with Inter currently appears a more realistic route for Romero should he leave Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that his next priority for the summer transfer window is to "complete the attacking positions".

Despite Spurs only retaining their Premier League status on the final day of 2025-26, they have embarked on an unprecedented spending spree during the early part of the summer market.

Even with three additions arriving on free transfers, Spurs have still spent over £235m on the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

However, De Zerbi is yet to acquire a fresh face for the final third, despite uncertainty over a number of his squad.

Speaking at a press conference in New Zealand, the Italian has acknowledged that he is now focused on strengthening that area of the pitch.

© Iconsport / Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News

De Zerbi to target new attackers for Spurs

De Zerbi told reporters: "Yes, the target now is to complete the attacking positions.

"We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players.

"But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure."

© Iconsport / Pressinphoto

How do Spurs look in the final third?

Spurs have two centre-forwards - Richarlison and Dane Scarlett - whose contracts have just 12 months left to run.

With the possibility of those players being sold and Randal Kolo Muani having returned to parent club Paris Saint-Germain, it is clear that at least one new striker will arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus and Dominic Solanke are all options down the middle of the attack, yet the former two of that trio could be used elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur will travel to Eden Park to face Auckland FC on Sunday in their second pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Spurs got their preparations underway with a 1-0 win against MK Dons earlier this week, and Roberto De Zerbi's side will now travel to Auckland and Sydney for their next two friendly fixtures.

A 35-man squad has been announced to travel to Auckland for Sunday's friendly, with several summer signings included, while there are also numerous notable absences.

De Zerbi will be without Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Guglielmo Vicario as they continue their respective rehabilitation in England.

Tottenham will also be without several players due to their involvement at the World Cup, with Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence all given extended holiday.

Spurs have been reinforced with several signings already this summer, and Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka could all be involved throughout the 90 minutes.

Numerous players from the 1-0 win against MK Dons earlier this week may also retain their spots in the starting 11, with Antonin Kinsky, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel and Dominic Solanke all in contention to start.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Davies, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Yang, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke