Sports Mole

Chelsea have joined a host of Premier League clubs interested in Blackburn Rovers teenager Tom Atcheson.

The 19-year-old centre-back was the subject of multiple approaches before the transfer deadline, but the Championship side refused to entertain any of them.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also been tracking the Northern Ireland international as his reputation continues to grow.

Chelsea latest team interested in Tom Atcheson

© Imago / Uk Sports Pics Ltd

Chelsea were among the clubs to make an approach for Atcheson before the deadline, according to emerging reports, with BlueCo exploring the possibility of adding the highly-rated defender to their wider group.

Blackburn made it clear they were not prepared to sell, despite significant interest in the teenager.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Sunderland and Crystal Palace also made enquiries, while United and Spurs had already been monitoring Atcheson closely.

Rovers have since tied the defender down to a new contract and are determined to oversee his development rather than cash in immediately.

The youngster is regarded as one of the club's brightest prospects since Adam Wharton emerged from the academy and earned his move to Crystal Palace.

Who is Chelsea and Tottenham target Tom Atcheson?

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Atcheson is a 19-year-old centre-back who has already made his senior debut for Northern Ireland, adding international experience to his rapid development at Blackburn.

He is increasingly viewed as one of the best young defensive prospects outside the Premier League, which explains why so many top-flight clubs have taken an interest.

His rise has been particularly impressive given Blackburn's determination to keep him involved and develop him gradually. The new contract also gives Rovers greater protection should interest intensify again.

Chelsea's interest is significant because of their continued focus on young talent, but Atcheson's development will ultimately depend on finding regular senior football.

At this stage, Blackburn appear to believe remaining at Ewood Park is the best option.

With Premier League clubs now circling, though, it may only be a matter of time before one of them returns with an offer too good to refuse.

In the closing stages of the summer transfer window, Manchester United made enquiries about a forward currently playing in Saudi Arabia. The door, however, did not open.

In February 2026, Al-Hilal beat eight Premier League clubs to sign Stade Rennais wonderkid Kader Meite. The Saudi club secured the 18-year-old forward in a £25.5 million deal, a significant fee for such a young, highly promising player.

While the English clubs were content to simply monitor him, the Saudi Pro League side moved straight into action.

Kader Meite's difficult start at Al-Hilal

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Simone Inzaghi also played a key role in convincing the Ivorian Under-21 international to sanction the move.

A few months on, Kader Meite has not quite lived up to expectations, scoring just two goals in 12 appearances. The 6ft 4in forward faced stiff competition from Karim Benzema last season and has now seen Ollie Watkins arrive at the club this summer.

Despite his difficult start at Al-Hilal, the former Rennes forward still holds significant value on the market. Already interested in his profile last winter, Manchester United made enquiries about the young forward in the closing stages of the summer window, according to TEAMtalk. The same applies to Arsenal.

Al-Hilal reject Manchester United and Arsenal approaches

© Iconsport / Andrew Yates / Sportimage

The Red Devils have maintained contact with the Creteil-born player and remain interested in the centre-forward's potential.

It is worth noting that, according to the British outlet, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham have also been kept informed of Kader Meite's situation. The Premier League, then, has not forgotten him.

However, this summer, Al-Hilal were unwilling to open the door to their forward's departure, just six months after his arrival. The Saudi club remains convinced of the young player's potential.

According to the same source, Meite himself had been considering a return to Europe this summer, but was not given permission to leave. His future is expected to become a talking point again in the coming months, with Manchester United, in particular, still lurking in the background of this saga.

Tottenham Hotspur have spent more than £350m rebuilding Roberto De Zerbi's squad, but three Premier League matches into the season, they are still waiting for their first goal.

Saturday's 0-0 draw away to Nottingham Forest at least delivered Spurs' first point of the campaign.

However, the result also extended a worrying attacking run.

Tottenham failed to register a single shot on target at the City Ground and have now gone three league matches without scoring.

It is the first time in Premier League history that Spurs have failed to find the net in their opening three games of a season, while they had not made such a goalless start to a league campaign since 1974-75.

For a club that invested heavily during the summer, the contrast is difficult to ignore.

Why are Tottenham struggling in the final third?

De Zerbi does not appear to believe that Tottenham's problems are purely structural.

The Italian was encouraged by parts of the performance against Forest, particularly after previously criticising his side for losing too many duels and second balls against Brentford.

His main concern instead centred on decision-making in attacking areas.

Omar Marmoush provided the clearest example.

The former Manchester City forward had three attempts and missed a big opportunity, but De Zerbi was more frustrated by one occasion when he chose to shoot rather than use teammates in better positions.

"I think we played well, but we have to play better in the final third," De Zerbi said.

"We have to make better decisions.

"For example, in the chance with Marmoush, when he shoots, we have Robertson going forward. If we had played Robertson in, Kudus would have been free on the other side."

That sequence sums up one of Tottenham's early-season problems.

The attacking talent is there, but the combinations are not yet functioning consistently enough.

New players are still learning one another's movements, and Spurs have not established the patterns required to turn promising situations into clear chances.

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Is Tottenham's £350m rebuild already a concern?

There is an obvious temptation to judge the summer spending against immediate results.

More than £350m has been committed to strengthening De Zerbi's squad, and the expectation after such an outlay is naturally high.

Yet three matches remain a very small sample size.

Tottenham are still adapting to a new-look squad and a different attacking structure, while De Zerbi is attempting to establish his preferred style.

The Forest performance did at least offer signs of progress in other areas.

Spurs competed better physically and showed more aggression in duels, addressing one of the coach's complaints from the defeat to Brentford.

The issue is that none of those improvements will matter much if the team continues to lack conviction around the penalty area.

Marmoush has already found himself at the centre of that debate, but the responsibility is wider than one player.

Tottenham need sharper movement, quicker decisions and better coordination between their attacking options.

Until that arrives, the numbers will continue to attract attention.

Three games, no goals and more than £350m spent is an uncomfortable combination, even at this early stage of the season.

Tottenham are even already facing decisions over whether further attacking investment will be required, with Mykhaylo Mudryk's long-term future among the questions still to be resolved.

De Zerbi still has time to make the rebuild work, but the pressure to find an attacking solution will only increase if Tottenham draw another blank.

Tottenham Hotspur have officially confirmed their Premier League squad for the current campaign with a notable and high-profile exclusion.

Roberto De Zerbi has completely axed Richarlison from his domestic plans following a turbulent summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old Brazil international arrived in North London from Everton four years ago but has recently struggled to cement a regular starting berth.

Richarlison was heavily linked with a sensational return to the Toffees before Tuesday's deadline, but the proposed transfer ultimately fell through.

The frustrated forward now finds himself completely isolated from the first-team picture as he searches for an immediate career lifeline.

De Zerbi confirms forward's repeated desire to leave

© Imago / IMAGO / News Images

The complete breakdown in relations between the player and the club became increasingly apparent during the opening weeks of the season.

De Zerbi explicitly confirmed the situation after dropping the attacker for their 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United last weekend.

The Italian manager revealed that the striker had "said too many times he wants to leave" during the summer window.

Richarlison responded by releasing an incendiary social media statement where he vehemently insisted that "never again will anyone decide my future for me".

With a lucrative move to Everton collapsing at the 11th hour, Spurs have now shown they intend to move on without him.

Richarlison future: Will Trabzonspor secure a late transfer deal?

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Although the English transfer window has officially closed, Richarlison still has a chance to continue his professional career elsewhere.

Turkish outfit Trabzonspor are actively pushing to secure his signature before their own regional deadline expires on Friday.

Recent reports indicate that the Super Lig outfit have already agreed personal terms with the player and are prepared to significantly increase his current salary.

Tottenham have supposedly rejected opening offers of £15m and £20m but remain keen to strike a permanent financial resolution.

If a suitable agreement can be successfully navigated, the North London side will finally offload an unhappy player while providing him with a fresh start.

The 2026 summer transfer window saw Premier League clubs spend a record-breaking amount as they looked to strengthen ahead of the new campaign.

But while some signings could go on to become instant successes, there are always players who struggle to live up to the hype.

Sports Mole asked AI to predict the potential flops from this summer's biggest moves, looking beyond simply picking the most expensive transfers.

It is worth stressing that these are AI's predictions rather than necessarily our own views, and several of these stars have every chance of proving the predictions wrong.

Morgan Rogers to Chelsea

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Rogers has enjoyed an excellent rise at Aston Villa, but AI believes the £117m move to Chelsea could put him under enormous pressure.

Chelsea have a huge amount of competition in attacking areas and expectations will be sky-high given the fee.

The question is whether Rogers can consistently reproduce his Villa form in a very different environment.

Sandro Tonali to Tottenham

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Tonali has already shown his quality at Newcastle, but a £100m price tag means simply having a good season may not be enough.

AI believes Tottenham will expect the Italy international to become a dominant midfielder immediately, while adapting to a different tactical system could make it difficult to match his previous influence.

Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham

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Another Tottenham signing makes the list, with AI questioning whether Fernandes has done enough to justify an £85m investment at this stage of his career.

The Portuguese midfielder clearly has considerable potential, but if he takes time to settle into his new surroundings, that enormous price tag could quickly become a major talking point.

Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle

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Nico Gonzalez's Manchester City spell did little to suggest that Newcastle's £50m investment is guaranteed to pay off.

AI's concern is that the midfielder could struggle to make himself indispensable at St James' Park and ultimately become an expensive squad player rather than the influential enforcer that Newcastle need.

Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa

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Jackson represents perhaps the biggest classic boom-or-bust signing on the list.

The forward has shown flashes of excellent ability but has also been criticised for inconsistency and his finishing. If those issues follow him from Chelsea to Villa, AI believes the £65m fee could quickly look like poor business.

Mykhailo Mudryk to Tottenham

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Mudryk is the wildcard selection after a surprise move to Tottenham on loan with a £75m option to buy.

The temporary deal gives Spurs some protection, but AI believes committing that amount of money would be a major gamble if Mudryk again fails to turn his enormous potential into consistent Premier League performances.

AI's three biggest 2026 summer transfer flops named

Of the six churned out, AI identified Rogers, Jackson and Fernandes as the three most likely to struggle.

The common thread is the combination of sizeable transfer fees, huge expectations and questions over whether their existing form will translate to their new clubs.

Whether that prediction proves accurate remains to be seen, but with millions of pounds at stake, these are certainly six players worth keeping an eye on this season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is awaiting news on Savio and James Maddison ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The former was absent from last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United due to muscular fatigue, while Maddison missed out after sustaining a shoulder injury in the gameweek one loss to Brentford.

De Zerbi expressed hope that Savio would return for gameweek three, but while there are no guarantees over the Brazilian's fitness, an unchanged attack is not out of the question.

Mohammed Kudus is finally available again after seven months, but having only made his return as a substitute against the Magpies, the Ghana international is unlikely to be considered for a starting role.

As a result, Pedro Porro could be retained as an auxiliary right-winger, joining Mateus Fernandes, Mathys Tel and Omar Marmoush in the final third, although Dominic Solanke has a case to start thanks to his six goal involvements from four Premier League games at the City Ground.

Sandro Tonali's Newcastle reunion was a joyless affair for the Italian, but De Zerbi is expected to keep faith with the midfielder, who joins Rodrigo Bentancur in the double pivot.

An identical back five is also anticipated, as Tosin Adarabioyo is made to wait for his debut after joining from Chelsea; the same goes for Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Bentancur; Porro, Fernandes, Tel; Marmoush

Nottingham Forest summer signing Daniel Munoz could come straight in for his full debut in Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground.

The Colombia international was reunited with ex-Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner on the penultimate day of the transfer window, and the right wing-back spot in Forest's 3-4-2-1 system is calling his name.

Glasner should therefore demote Ola Aina to the bench, as Neco Williams - who won the penalty for Morgan Gibbs-White to convert in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool - is safe on the opposite flank.

Gibbs-White's spot kick at Anfield was his 17th Premier League goal involvement in 2026 - 13 of his own and four assists - the second-most of any player behind Bruno Fernandes's 22.

The playmaker is expected to comprise part of an untouched frontline alongside Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus, the latter of whom has won more duels (21) than any other Premier League player so far this season.

Forest are sweating on the fitness of Ibrahim Sangare after a calf injury kept him out of the draw with Liverpool, so James McAtee and Xaver Schlager could reprise their midfield partnership in gameweek three.

However, Schlager's fellow new signing Ousmane Diomande could be restricted to a watching brief again, as Jair Cunha, Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic shield Matz Sels.

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:

Sels; Milenkovic, Cunha, Murillo; Munoz, Schlager, McAtee, Williams; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has reportedly reached an agreement over personal terms with Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Richarlison was linked with a return to Everton in the closing stages of the English transfer window after Roberto De Zerbi revealed the Brazilian forward had asked to leave the club.

The 29-year-old addressed his uncertain situation on Sunday, insisting that only he would decide the next steps of his career while revealing his willingness to return to Everton before the transfer deadline.

However, a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium ultimately failed to materialise, but Richarlison still appears keen to leave Spurs in the near future.

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Richarlison gives green light to Trabzonspor

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Richarlison has agreed personal terms with Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor.

The Tottenham man has been offered a lucrative salary that is worth more than three times what he currently earns in north London.

Trabzonspor have made Richarlison have priority target for the closing stages of the Turkish transfer window, which will close on Friday, September 4.

Despite receiving the green light from Richarlison, Trabzonspor still have significant work to do to prise him away from Roberto De Zerbi's squad, having already failed with offers worth £15m and £20m.

They are set to return to test Tottenham's resolve with an improved bid for a player who has entered the final year of his contract.

A move to Trabzonspor would see Richarlison play alongside his compatriot Fabinho and another former Liverpool star in Mohamed Salah.

© Imago / Mark Pain

Should Spurs sanction Richarlison's exit?

Richarlison has fallen down the pecking order following Omar Marmoush's arrival from Manchester City.

However, Spurs could be left light in the centre-forward position if they allow Richarlison to join Trabzonspor.

An exit would leave De Zerbi with Marmoush and Dominic Solanke as his main striker options, the latter of whom has struggled with injury issues during his time with Spurs.

With that in mind, Spurs may prefer to keep Richarlison as cover until January, although they must weigh up the benefits of that decision against the cons of having a player who is keen on a departure.

Savio's £85m move to Tottenham Hotspur will be "make or break" for the attacker's career, South American football expert Tim Vickery has exclusively told Sports Mole.

The former Manchester City talent was one of a handful of big-money incomings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, after largely failing to make the grade during his time at the Etihad.

The 22-year-old managed 23 goal involvements in 84 appearances for the Sky Blues - seven of his own and 16 assists - but took little time to make his mark on the North London turf.

Savio bagged a goal and assist on his Tottenham debut in a 5-1 EFL Cup win over Charlton Athletic, although he now faces added attacking competition from the fit-again Mohammed Kudus and new signing Mykhaylo Mudryk.

However, Vickery has backed the Brazil international to reignite his career in the English capital and is confident that Savio can demonstrate that he is worth the £85m Spurs paid for him.

Tim Vickery: 'Tottenham move is make or break for Savio's career'

"Momentum is very important in football, and this move to Tottenham is, I think, make or break for his career," Vickery said. "Two years ago, when he joined City, he was getting a regular game for Brazil.

"Now it is a position where Brazil have more options in wide attacking spaces than they know what to do with. Two years ago, he was getting a game for Brazil, and there was even a question of whether he was going to be the first genuine Brazilian superstar to play in the Premier League.

"He has lost that one already because I think Estevao has probably stolen that one. And it proved perhaps to be a bad time to join City. Now, with the injury to Rodri, the turbulence at the club and losing Guardiola, there is a lot of talent there.

"I know that La Liga is not as strong, but the form he showed there for Girona was really impressive. I have to declare an interest in this. I support this team, and I hope that De Zerbi is the right coach to unlock it.

"He started very well. That is important, with a terrific goal on debut against Charlton in midweek. So a little bit of that momentum is back. I am going to back this move.

"I know Tottenham wanted him last year. They had to wait a year to get their hands on him. But this could be exactly the place for Savio to recover his momentum and show that he is worth every bit of that transfer fee of £85m."

Will Savio return from injury for next Tottenham game?

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Savio's early Tottenham momentum stalled at the weekend, when the attacker was left out of the matchday squad for their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi explained that Savio was struggling with muscular fatigue following his debut against Charlton, although he expressed hope that the player would resume training on Monday or Tuesday.

Savio also commented on an Instagram post from Omar Marmoush stating "next game" followed by winking emojis, suggesting that he will make a rapid recovery for gameweek three.

Tottenham face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon, still searching for their first point and goal of the Premier League season.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they square off against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi enjoyed a productive transfer deadline day, adding Chelsea duo Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhaylo Mudryk to his squad.

However, with Spurs having suffered defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United in the Premier League, the Italian is under pressure to deliver three points at the City Ground against opponents who are also still waiting for their first top-flight success of 2026-27.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of making the trip to the East Midlands.

Xavi Simons

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: February 2027

Xavi Simons remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury sustained towards the end of the 2025-26 season, and the current projection will see him miss the entirety of 2026.

James Maddison

© Imago / Crystal Pix

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Shoulder

Possible return date: September 5 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

James Maddison had only recently returned from the serious ACL injury that wrecked his 2025–26 campaign when he picked up a fresh knock, landing awkwardly on his shoulder after coming off the bench against Brentford.

De Zerbi has been cautious over the playmaker's fitness since, and while the issue is not considered severe, Maddison remains a major doubt for this contest.

Savio

© Iconsport / PA Images

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Fatigue

Possible return date: September 5 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Savio was a surprise absentee from the squad to face Newcastle last week, with De Zerbi suggesting that it was down to muscle fatigue after making his debut versus Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup.

The Brazilian is expected to return for the game at the City Ground.

Dejan Kulusevski

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

In recent days, Dejan Kulusevski has made a return to training for the first time in 15 months.

However, having been sidelined with a knee injury since May 2025, the Swedish playmaker is weeks away from being considered for an appearance in the first team.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert's 2025-26 season was ended prematurely by a serious knee injury, having ruptured his ACL in February.

The winger remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery, with a return likelier around the turn of the year.

TOTTENHAM SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players banned for the game against Forest.