Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another injury blow ahead of their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand, which Guglielmo Vicario will not be a part of.

Roberto De Zerbi's men have boarded their flight for the other side of the world after opening their pre-season with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons at the Hotspur Way Training Centre on Wednesday.

A sensational Mateus Fernandes volley propelled Tottenham over the line against their League One counterparts, and next up is a showdown with Auckland on July 26.

Spurs will also take on Sydney and Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup over the next two weeks, and De Zerbi has selected a 35-man group to work with Down Under, but Vicario is among a few notable absentees.

Tottenham have said that the Italy international sustained a 'minor knock' in training and has been left behind to recover, alongside fellow injury victims Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, Djed Spence, Marcos Senesi, Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero have also been granted extended leave following their World Cup commitments over the summer.

Guglielmo Vicario's Tottenham future update after pre-season decision

© Iconsport / Fred Dides / Icon Sport

News of Vicario's 'minor injury' comes at a time when the Italy international is 'fully expected' to leave the Lilywhites before the summer transfer window slams shut, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The validity of Vicario's supposed knock has therefore been inevitably questioned by supporters, who will wonder whether he has simply been left out to explore a transfer away from the club.

However, in 2023, Tottenham confirmed that Hugo Lloris had been left out of their pre-season tour squad to explore a prospective move elsewhere, but the Lilywhites have issued no such statement over Vicario.

The latter's injury may therefore be genuine, but regardless, he has almost certainly played his final game for Tottenham ahead of an anticipated return to Serie A.

Which players are in Tottenham's pre-season squad?

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Intriguingly, even though Bentancur (group stage) and Sarr (last 32) were eliminated from the World Cup relatively early, both will play no part in Tottenham's pre-season tour.

However, Jan Paul van Hecke - who reached the knockouts with the Netherlands - and Andy Robertson, who exited the group stage with Scotland, have both made the journey.

Lucas Bergvall is also present amid widespread transfer speculation, as are Richarlison and Micky van de Ven, suggesting that their futures also lie in North London - in the short-term at least.

New signings Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are also present, as are youngsters Mikey Moore, Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy to name but a few.

Before jetting off on their customary pre-season tour on the other side of the world, Tottenham Hotspur's preparations for the 2026-27 campaign commenced behind closed doors against MK Dons on Wednesday.

Roberto De Zerbi's XI certainly had an experimental feel to it, as the Lilywhites' starting side comprised new signings, Premier League regulars, up-and-coming talents and wantaway names in equal measure.

Only the one goal could separate Tottenham and their League One counterparts at Hotspur Way, but it went the way of De Zerbi's men, who edged out MK Dons 1-0 to make an ideal - if unspectacular - start to pre-season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up who has impressed for Tottenham in pre-season and what we have learned from their feats so far.

Tottenham pre-season report: Mateus Fernandes sends tongues wagging

© Iconsport / PA Images/Nano Banana

Tottenham's slender success over MK Dons was sealed inside the first three minutes, thanks to a wonder strike from one of De Zerbi's new big-money arrivals, as Mateus Fernandes gave Spurs fans a glimpse of what might be to come.

With just three minutes on the board, the £85m lynchpin crashed home a long-range volley with exquisite execution; the type of finish that would be deemed goal-of-the-season worthy in the Premier League.

Fernandes made no standout contributions other than that and also failed to win any of his three ground duels, but the Portuguese kept things ticking over in the engine room, registering an 89% pass success rate during his 45 minutes on the field.

The former West Ham United man may never score a better goal in his entire career, let alone his Spurs stint, but it is impossible not to feel overwhelming excitement now that he has shown what he is capable of.

Tottenham pre-season report: Malachi Hardy makes his mark

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To say it has been a summer of change in the Tottenham backline would be a gross understatement, but a new teenage talent has sent a strong message to De Zerbi ahead of the new campaign getting underway.

Born just two weeks after Tottenham won their last domestic trophy - the 2008 EFL Cup - Malachi Hardy replaced Archie Gray for the second half at Hotspur Way and produced a near-flawless defensive display to help Spurs see out the victory.

The 18-year-old registered five defensive contributions in total, won three of his four duels and showed a willingness to progress play forward, be it with his brave passing or driving runs.

Hardy is yet to make his competitive senior debut for Tottenham, and he already has eight centre-backs ahead of him in the pecking order, so the time may be nigh for a loan move if he also catches the eye during Tottenham's pre-season tour.

Tottenham pre-season report: Moore to come from Luca

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Hardy was among 11 Tottenham players sent on for the second half against MK Dons, a list that also included Mikey Moore and Luca Jamie Williams-Barnett, two other highly-rated Hotspur Way prospects.

Back from a productive season-long loan spell with Rangers, Moore returned to Tottenham duties with the same hunger and vigour, firing two shots and completing one successful take-on in a proactive performance.

Alongside him, playmaker Williams-Barnett - named as one of the Premier League's top 20 Next Gen talents in 2025 - operated in a less advanced midfield role than expected, but it did not diminish the 17-year-old's impact.

Williams-Barnett registered three key passes on the afternoon - including one big chance created for Yang Min-hyeok - and both he and Moore have staked their claim for first-team roles in the new campaign.

An interesting Premier League return could be on the cards, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly keeping tabs on Christian Pulisic.

According to American outlet Hooligan Soccer, Christian Pulisic could make a return to the Premier League after several years away. Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all said to be interested in the former Chelsea forward, while AC Milan are prepared to discuss a sale if any of the suitors offer around £55m.

Pulisic enjoying a strong spell in Italy

Since joining AC Milan, Christian Pulisic has established himself as one of the club's most eye-catching attacking players.

Last season, he was involved in 14 goals and once again showed he can be a difference-maker in the biggest matches. Alongside his output, he also brings experience at the highest level of European football and the ability to play across several attacking positions.

It is precisely that versatility that has made him an attractive target for a number of Premier League clubs.

Pulisic is under contract with AC Milan until the summer of 2027. However, the Italian club's hierarchy do not want to risk a situation in which he enters the final 12 months of his deal next year and sees his market value fall sharply as a result.

According to foreign media reports, AC Milan are therefore prepared to consider selling him this summer if a suitor meets their £55m asking price.

It remains unclear whether any club will be willing to pay that fee.

Why do Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur want Pulisic?

Arsenal are looking for an attacking player capable of playing in multiple positions and boosting competition out wide. Pulisic's experience and output fit exactly the profile of a player who could help the team straight away.

Manchester United also want to add further attacking options. Following changes to the squad over the summer, the club are looking for creative players capable of deciding matches, and the American international represents a proven option with plenty of Premier League experience.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, need greater quality against sides who defend in a deep block. Pulisic's technique, ability to beat opponents and knack for creating chances could be exactly what Spurs lack in matches of that kind.

Pulisic already knows the Premier League environment very well. He spent several seasons at Chelsea, where in 2021 he was part of the squad that won the Champions League.

Although his time at Stamford Bridge was also hampered by injuries, he repeatedly showed that, when fully fit, he ranks among the competition's most dangerous attacking players.

A return to England could therefore represent an attractive next step in his career.

There is no shortage of clubs interested in Christian Pulisic, but the key question remains whether any of them will meet AC Milan's financial demands.

A fee of £55m is not insignificant, though it does reflect the current market for quality attacking players. If a Premier League club decides the American international is worth that investment, Pulisic could be back on English pitches within two years of leaving the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Benfica attacker Andreas Schjelderup during the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old joined Benfica from Nordsjaelland in January 2023 and has since made 86 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals.

Spurs have been highly active in the transfer market, and the squad is beginning to take shape under Roberto De Zerbi, who guided the club to Premier League safety on the final day of last season.

The North London outfit have already completed six signings, including high-profile arrivals Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

However, De Zerbi is still keen to strengthen his attacking options in the wide areas, with Schjelderup reportedly emerging as one of his leading targets.

Tottenham eye move for Andreas Schjelderup?

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According to a report from Correio da Manha (h/t Sport Witness), Spurs have recently made contact with Benfica to enquire about the conditions of a potential deal.

The Norway international enhanced his reputation at the World Cup, contributing one goal and three assists, and his impressive displays have only increased interest in his services.

Benfica are understood to value the exciting winger at around €50m (£43m), although Schjelderup is reportedly keen to move on this summer.

New Benfica head coach Marco Silva is said to be trying to persuade Schjelderup to stay and has already held personal talks with the left winger.

Benfica looking at potential replacements?

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Benfica reportedly fear that Tottenham, or another interested club, could meet their asking price and lure the winger away this summer.

Spurs could reportedly face competition from Chelsea, who could considering the Norwegian as a potential replacement for Aston Villa-bound Alejandro Garnacho.

Silva is therefore eager to add another left-sided winger despite Benfica's signing of Jakub Kaminski, with Reiss Nelson emerging as a potential target.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Fulham under Silva, and while a reunion could be on the cards, the Cottagers are also keen to bring him back.

Tottenham Hotspur opened their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with a 1-0 victory over League One outfit MK Dons on Wednesday evening.

The only goal of the match came from new signing Mateus Fernandes, with the midfielder scoring a stunning volley in the first half of the contest.

Sandro Tonali also made his debut for Spurs alongside Fernandes in the middle of the midfield, and it proved to be a winning start to pre-season for Roberto De Zerbi's side.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Well, a win is a win. Even in pre-season.

This was not a particularly pretty match for long stages, but rarely is that the case in pre-season, and Fernandes' wonder strike lit up the contest.

It took just three minutes for the midfielder to announce himself as a Tottenham player, scoring a wonderful goal, which proved to be the difference between the two teams.

Fernandes and Tonali both played the opening 45 minutes on their debuts, with the pair impressing, while Mathys Tel also caught the eye down the left.

It was a worthwhile exercise for Tottenham against a MK Dons outfit that provided a challenge, and it will be fascinating to see what Spurs can achieve in the new season given their struggles last term and their summer spending, which will grow in the coming weeks.

TOTTENHAM VS. MK DONS HIGHLIGHTS

Mateus Fernandes goal vs. MK Dons (3rd min, Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons)

Tottenham make the breakthrough in the third minute of the clash, and it is a first Spurs goal for debutant Fernandes, with the midfielder scoring a stunning volley from outside the penalty box.

Fernandes' effort went in off the post, what a start to his Tottenham career!

MAN OF THE MATCH - MATEUS FERNANDES

Fernandes had a very encouraging debut for Tottenham, with his standout moment coming early on when he struck into the back of the net from distance.

The Portuguese's use of the ball was also excellent, and the 22-year-old has the potential to become an incredible signing for the North London club.

TOTTENHAM VS. MK DONS MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 71%-29% MK Dons

Shots: Tottenham 9-5 MK Dons

Shots on target: Tottenham 4-3 MK Dons

Corners: Tottenham 5-6 MK Dons

Fouls: Tottenham 10-9 MK Dons

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham's preparations for their 2026-27 Premier League campaign will continue on July 25 when they take on Auckland FC as part of their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

MK Dons, meanwhile, have three more friendlies before the start of their new season, with Paul Warne's side next in action against Wealdstone on July 25.

Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of cashing in on one of their most improved players have suffered an unexpected setback this summer.

Djed Spence had emerged as a leading target for Inter Milan, but the Italian giants have now cooled their interest.

And the reason appears to be down to one key demand.

Inter Milan back out of Djed Spence deal

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According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), il Nerazzurri have decided not to pursue a move for Djed Spence after being put off by Tottenham's £40 million asking price.

The Serie A champions had identified the England international as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries following his move to Real Madrid, with claims earlier this week suggesting talks were progressing.

However, Inter were hoping to negotiate a lower fee and have now opted to explore alternative targets instead.

The report adds that Spurs remain firm in their valuation, believing Spence's stock has risen significantly following his performances at the 2026 World Cup.

While Inter have 'walked away at this time', the door has not been closed completely, with the possibility of negotiations resuming later in the transfer window if the north Londoners soften their stance or other targets fail to materialise.

Does Djed Spence have a future at Spurs?

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It certainly feels like he should.

Spence arrived in north London with plenty of promise but has had to be patient for consistent opportunities. His displays at the World Cup this summer, however, reminded everyone why Tottenham invested in him in the first place.

The 25-year-old quietly became one of England's unsung heroes during the tournament, combining defensive discipline with the pace and attacking intent that modern full-backs require.

Those performances inevitably increased his value, but they also strengthened his case to remain at Spurs.

Tottenham may need to balance the books after a significant summer of spending, yet selling a homegrown England international who has just enjoyed the best spell of his career would be a difficult decision to justify unless a truly exceptional offer arrives.

At £40 million, Spurs are certainly making it clear they are under no pressure to sell.

If no club is willing to meet that valuation, then Roberto De Zerbi could instead benefit from having a confident, in-form Spence competing for a starting role throughout the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among three Premier League clubs who are interested in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

The attacker has not played for Man United since December 2024, having spent time out on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona.

Rashford scored 14 goals and contributed 11 assists in 49 competitive appearances in last season's loan spell with Barcelona, where he won the league title and Spanish Super Cup.

However, the Catalan giants opted against activating the £26m buy option in Rashford's loan clause, leaving him in an uncertain position ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

As it stands, Man United are set to reintegrate Rashford into the first-team fold once he returns from his post-World Cup break.

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Spurs among clubs monitoring Rashford situation

That said, there is still a possibility that he could depart before the transfer window shuts at the start of September.

According to the i, Tottenham are among three Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the 28-year-old.

Spurs' London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea have also been keeping a close eye on his situation at Old Trafford.

The report claims that Spurs were plotting a £40m bid earlier in the summer, but Man United are reluctant to sell to another Premier League side.

The Man United hierarchy are concerned that they would receive criticism if Rashford hit his best form while at another English club.

The Red Devils are also wary that they would need to add a new winger to Michael Carrick's squad if Rashford were to depart.

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Rashford's priority revealed

The same report states that Rashford wants to play for a top Champions League club in the 2026-27 campaign.

Man United can offer the England international Champions League football after finishing in third place last season.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old centre-back Elijah Upson following his exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 2008-born defender - who is the son of former Arsenal Premier League-winning centre-back Matthew Upson - will join up with the Gunners' academy squad but has penned a professional contract.

Elijah Upson rejected the chance to sign pro terms at Tottenham in favour of joining their arch-rivals, where he will be in contention to train with the first team and make sporadic appearances in cup competitions.

The former Spurs protege played 34 times for the Lilywhites' Under-18 side, while also making six UEFA Youth League appearances and earning two outings for the Under-21s.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website after his arrival was confirmed, Upson reflected on following in the footsteps of his father, who was also just 18 when he moved to Highbury in 1997.

Arsenal confirm Elijah Upson signing following Tottenham rejection

"It's a great feeling, really proud to be here," Upson said. "Really nice to have all my family and everyone around it, it's been a great experience.

"My dad signed here around the same time as me, it's great to have someone with a good experience of the place. But at the same time, I'm definitely looking forward to building my own reputation and getting started.

"When I met the guys here recently and met all the team and staff, it just seemed like a really nice environment. That was probably the biggest factor, an environment where you feel you can hopefully learn and get better as a person.

Asked about his standout attributes and what Arsenal fans can expect to see from him, Upson added: "Aerially, I'm quite good, it's definitely a strength of mine.

"Obviously, I'm a defender, but if I can take that into an attacking side of things, then that's also really good and an area I can use that quality as well.

"I'd [also] say I've definitely worked hard in terms of my passing range and having a good, longer passing range. I'd say that could be a good strength of mine; I'm looking forward to making those qualities better."

Upson - who has won two caps for England at Under-18 level - follows Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie to the Emirates as Arsenal's next permanent signing this summer.

The teenager has been allocated the number 57 shirt, which was once worn by Cesc Fabregas during his first Arsenal season in 2003-04.

Arsenal sign Elijah Upson: Who's next for Mikel Arteta?

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Upson is one for the future, Meslier is a backup goalkeeper and Hincapie already played a crucial role in 2025-26; Arsenal fans are yet to witness a new marquee signing at the Emirates this summer.

That may soon change, however, as the Gunners are reportedly in direct talks to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, having stepped up their interest in the Brazil international.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed to sell Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough.

Having already signed six players for a combined £237m, Spurs have been proactive during the summer transfer window.

However, as a club without European football on their schedule for 2026-27, it is clear that sales must be made to comply with the Premier League's financial regulations.

Approximately £68m has already been recouped, but there is an inevitability that more exits will follow if De Zerbi wants to continue to strengthen his squad.

According to Sky Sports News, the decision has been made to generate a substantial sum for Lankshear.

© Imago / PPAUK

Spurs make Lankshear transfer decision.

The report alleges that a total package worth £20m has been agreed with last season's Championship playoff final runners-up.

Middlesbrough are said to be ready to pay an initial fee of £10m, with the rest coming in add-ons and bonuses.

Nevertheless, Spurs also possess a sell-on clause and will hold a matching rights clause, which means that must be given a chance to equal any future bid for the 21-year-old.

Lankshear contributed 11 goals and four assists from 44 Championship appearances for Oxford United in 2025-26.

He also made two starts for Spurs across six outings, his solitary goal coming in a Europa League fixture away at Galatasaray.

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Spurs still see value in Lankshear

Facilitating such a deal for a homegrown talent should be viewed as a shrewd piece of business by Spurs' hierarchy.

Complying with the relevant financial regulations is their immediate concern, and they are raking in pure profit.

At the same time, Spurs lack homegrown talent in their senior ranks, and Lankshear had the potential to become a valuable option under De Zerbi.

If Lankshear fires Middlesbrough to promotion and Spurs return to the Champions League, it would not come as a surprise if they tried to secure a reunion with Lankshear, someone who scored over 30 goals in the academy ranks, in order to comply with registration rules.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence is reportedly keen to complete a move to Inter Milan.

Spence recently wrapped up an eventful World Cup, which saw him become a cult hero among England fans after bouncing back from his struggles in the group stage with a series of impressive performances in the knockout rounds.

After helping England earn a third-place finish, the full-back's focus will now turn to his uncertain club future, despite being under contract with Spurs until at least 2029.

Inter have emerged as a strong candidate to secure Spence's signature if Spurs open the door to a sale.

© Iconsport / DeFodi Images / Icon Sport

Spence keen on Inter move

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sky Sports News, Spence wants to leave Spurs for the reigning Italian champions.

Inter view Spence as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who completed a move to Real Madrid earlier this summer.

While they may see Spence as a right wing-back, the Nerazzurri will be fully aware that he also possesses the ability to operate on the left side.

Inter are believed to be lining up a €35m (£29.75m) offer, although it remains to be seen whether Spurs will sanction a sale at that price, especially as Spence boosted his reputation at the World Cup.

The Italian giants have to be wary of possible competition from Everton, who have held internal discussions over a move for Spence.

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Why is Spence targeting Spurs exit?

The report does not state why Spurs is looking to pursue a move to Inter, but he may have fears over his playing time if he stays put in north London.

Pedro Porro is regarded as Tottenham's first-choice right-back, while the arrival of Andy Robertson on a free transfer has dented Spence's chances of being the starting left-back in Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Spence has also previously shown a willingness to play abroad, having spent time on loan at Rennes and Genoa.