Sports Mole

In his first game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, Igor Tudor can immediately endear himself to the Spurs faithful by putting another dent in Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations.

The Gunners have won just two of their last six Premier League games after Wednesday's calamitous 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, although their hosts are the only team without an English top-flight victory since the turn of the year.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the referee and VAR appointments for Sunday's North London derby.

Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Peter Bankes to referee North London derby

Lancashire-born Peter Bankes has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday's blockbuster showdown between Tottenham and Arsenal.

A FIFA-listed referee since 2021, Bankes has taken charge of 18 Premier League games already this season and has brandished 73 yellow cards - an average of just over four per match.

Bankes has also dished out three red cards - including one for two bookable offences - and awarded five penalty kicks in the current top-flight campaign.

Peter Bankes's record and past controversies in Arsenal matches

Arsenal fans had little reason to fret when Bankes was confirmed as the referee for Sunday's blockbuster, as their record with the 1982-born official in charge makes for pleasant reading.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta's men have won nine, drawn one and lost three of their 13 games with Bankes in the middle, and two of those losses came against Southampton - one in the FA Cup and one in the league.

Bankes's most recent Gunners game was their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, prior to which he also took charge of their 2-1 reverse to Aston Villa in December and 5-1 battering of Manchester City in February 2025.

Furthermore, Bankes has also only given out 12 yellow cards to Arsenal players, and no Gunner has been ejected from the field of play under Sunday's referee.

However, Bankes was the on-field official for Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brentford in February 2023, when the infamous Lee Mason offside incident took place.

Peter Bankes's record and past controversies in Tottenham matches

Tottenham's record with Bankes in charge will not trigger such optimism in Spurs fans' minds, as they have won just seven of their 16 games with the Englishman as referee.

Tottenham have also been held to four draws and suffered five losses with Bankes, who most recently officiated their 2-2 draw with Burnley in January.

The Lancashire native has also dished out a whopping 32 bookings to Spurs players in that time - including six in one game against Sheffield United in 2023 - but Tottenham are still yet to receive a red card under his wing.

However, ex-Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho was left apoplectic by Banks in September 2020, when the official awarded Newcastle United a last-minute penalty for an Eric Dier handball, allowing Callum Wilson to nick a point.

A couple of years later, Bankes overturned a Tottenham spot kick against West Ham United following a check of the monitor, which led to a similar earful from then-boss Antonio Conte.

Darren England appointed VAR for Tottenham vs. Arsenal

Returning to the scene of the crime, Darren England will be on VAR duty for Tottenham vs. Arsenal this weekend.

One incident always springs to mind with England and Tottenham - the 'significant human error' that denied Liverpool a perfectly good goal in their 2-1 loss to the Lilywhites in 2023.

The 40-year-old has managed to steer clear of such high-profile controversies since, although he was the VAR for Manchester City's home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in January, where he recommended an on-field review for a potential penalty before referee Farai Hallam stuck with his original decision.

Bayern Munich’s board member for sport Max Eberl has refused to rule out the possibility of the Bundesliga giants making a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic this summer.

The 18-year-old joined Spurs from boyhood club Hajduk Split for a reported £12m in the summer of 2025, but he is yet to make a single competitive appearance for the North Londoners.

Instead, Vuskovic has impressed on loan at German side Hamburger SV where he has established himself as a first-team regular in the Bundesliga, chipping in with four goals in 19 appearances this season.

One of those goals came in a 2-2 draw for Hamburger against Bayern Munich, who have been credited with an interest in the 6ft 4in teenager ahead of the summer transfer window.

Former Croatia star Ivan Rakitic recently suggested that Bayern must “do everything” to sign Vuskovic and has questioned whether Spurs will be able to keep hold of the in-demand defender.

“All of Europe is talking about him right now,” Rakitic told Sky Sports. “FC Bayern needs to do everything [to sign him]. I believe the boy has to go to Bayern.

“He has everything it takes to become one of the best centre-backs. I’m curious to see if Tottenham will manage to keep him beyond the summer, because in my opinion he’s already ready for the next step to one of the absolute top clubs. For me, there are only four or five of those clubs in Europe.”

Bayern have “clear plan” ahead of summer transfer window amid Vuskovic interest

Spurs are under no pressure to sell Vuskovic, who is under contract until June 2030, but it remains to be seen whether he will be integrated into their first-team plans for next season under a new head coach.

As speculation over Vuskovic’s future mounts, and in the wake of fellow centre-back Dayot Upamecano agreeing a new contract at the Allianz Arena, Bayern chief Eberl has refused to rule out a move for the Croatian.

"We’ve reached the point where we’re not under pressure regarding squad planning," Eberl told German news outlet Sport1.

"We can calmly decide what happens next. Of course, we’re still keeping an eye on the market. We certainly won’t rule out any option that would benefit Bayern.

Eberl added: "I’m someone who finalises his squad planning early. I managed to do that in Monchengladbach, in Leipzig, and, incidentally, here at Bayern as well. Everything was done by mid-July, before the start of pre-season training.

"When Kingsley Coman then asked for his release, which we ultimately granted, we had to fight for Nicolas Jackson until the very last day. That wasn’t ideal, but these things can happen. With the contract extension with [Upamecano], we can now go into the summer transfer window with a clear plan."

All roads lead to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Sunday's Premier League headline act, in which Igor Tudor's Lilywhites host Mikel Arteta's vulnerable Arsenal in a mouthwatering North London derby.

A staggering 15 places and 29 points separate the two rivals in the Premier League table at present, although the relegation-threatened hosts may come into the clash with more hope than fans of their title-chasing adversaries.

Indeed, Arsenal dropped another two points in calamitous circumstances on Wednesday, letting a 2-0 lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, while the Spurs faithful are extremely optimistic of the famed new manager bounce under Tudor.

Here, Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to tune into the contest.

What time does Tottenham vs. Arsenal kick off?

Tottenham's clash with Arsenal kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday, February 22.

The North London derby brings the curtain down on a four-game programme for the day, which also features Crystal Palace vs. Wolves, Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool and Sunderland vs. Fulham at 2pm.

Where is Tottenham vs. Arsenal being played?

Tottenham are welcoming the Gunners to their state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium home for Sunday's contest.

Arteta's men have won each of their last three league games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, prevailing 1-0 last term thanks to a Gabriel Magalhaes header.

How to watch Tottenham vs. Arsenal in the UK

TV channels

The North London derby will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League for fans in the UK.

Sky Main Event can be found on channel 401 for Sky customers, 511 for Virgin Media subscribers and 419 for EE TV viewers.

Online streaming

The Sky Sports and Sky Go app will also offer live-streaming of the event for supporters with a Sky Sports TV package.

Alternatively, if you do not have a Sky Sports TV bundle, you can watch the game on NOW TV, which costs £14.99 for a day pass or £34.99 a month for a sports subscription.

Highlights

Highlights of the match will be made available on the Sky Sports app and website, as well as on the YouTube channels of Sky Sports Premier League and both clubs.

Match of the Day will also show the best of the action - the programme begins at 10.30pm on BBC One on Sunday night.

What is at stake for Tottenham and Arsenal?

After Wednesday's horror show, the Premier League title race is in both Arsenal and Manchester City's hands, as the two behemoths will collide at the Etihad on April 18.

However, as the Gunners are only five points clear having played a game more, failure to win the derby will open the door for Man City to reclaim top spot this month - if they can also overturn a marginally inferior goal difference.

While Arsenal are fearing for their title prospects, Tottenham fans are fearing for their ever-present Premier League status, as the 16th-placed hosts are just five points clear of the relegation zone after a disastrous start to 2026.

The Lilywhites are the only Premier League team without a win in the current calendar year, but this statistic will give the home crowd some comfort - Tudor has won his first game in charge of each of his last five clubs in Juventus, Lazio, Marseille, Hellas Verona and Hajduk Split.

The Igor Tudor Tottenham Hotspur era - however brief it may be - begins with a bang on Sunday, when the Lilywhites host faltering North London derby rivals Arsenal in a Premier League main event.

The capital clash will mark Spurs' first match under new leadership following the sacking of Thomas Frank, who was handed his P45 in the wake of the Lilywhites' 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.

However, with no FA Cup and no midweek action, Tottenham will be incredibly well-rested before the visit of the league leaders, whose title credentials are once again being called into question after their catastrophic 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the North London derby.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

The latest addition to a packed Tottenham infirmary, Wilson Odobert ruptured his ACL in the defeat to Newcastle and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison sustained a devastating ACL injury in pre-season with Son Heung-min watching on, and the playmaker is highly unlikely to return to the field before the summer.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a severe hamstring injury at the beginning of the year, and the Uruguayan will not return to action for another couple of months at least.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Likewise, Mohammed Kudus is on the mend from his own serious thigh problem and is not expected to be passed fit for competitive games again until Easter time.

Ben Davies

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Experienced defender Ben Davies was stretchered off with a severe ankle injury against West Ham United in January, and he will spend another couple of months recovering from an operation.

Lucas Bergvall

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

In the exact same boat, Lucas Bergvall is nursing a serious ankle problem of his own and is not scheduled to return for another couple of months.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Destiny Udogie hurt his hamstring in Spurs' loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the left-back has been ruled out for the next four to five weeks.

Richarlison

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Arsenal)

Richarlison has been pictured in training as he steps up his recovery from a thigh problem, and he seemingly has an outside chance of making the cut for the North London derby.

Pedro Porro

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Arsenal)

Similarly, Pedro Porro's calf injury might settle down in time for the visit of Arsenal, but there are no guarantees with the right-back at present.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Dejan Kulusevski has not made a single appearance this season as a result of the severe knee problem he sustained towards the end of 2024-25, and before bidding farewell, Frank admitted that he did not know whether the Swede would feature once in 2025-26.

Kevin Danso

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Kevin Danso has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a foot injury, laying waste to Tudor's plans to field his favoured back three straight away.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST

Cristian Romero

Return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Cristian Romero will serve the second of a four-match ban following his red card against Man Utd, but Spurs have no other players suspended for this game.

As the bottlers allegations rear their ugly heads again, Arsenal face a must-win Premier League North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's men deservedly dropped two points against basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, blowing a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with the Old Gold courtesy of Tom Edozie's last-gasp equaliser.

While the Gunners do remain in control of their title destiny at the top of the Premier League table, they could find themselves just two points clear of closest challengers Manchester City if the Sky Blues win their match in hand.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Spurs, whose fans could hardly have wished for a more fitting introduction for new head coach Igor Tudor.

Bukayo Saka

© Imago / Visionhaus

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Goalscorer Bukayo Saka was withdrawn in the second half of Wednesday's draw with Wolves due to an unspecified issue, but he was able to complete his post-match media duties, and there was no update from Arteta at full time.

As a result, Gooners can feel optimistic of his chances of featuring in the derby.

Leandro Trossard

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Head

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Leandro Trossard was the second casualty of Arsenal's miserable midweek result, coming off in injury time after taking a blow to the face from Santiago Bueno.

It is not clear if the Belgian will have to follow concussion protocols, but he has now emerged as a major doubt for the derby.

Martin Odegaard

© Imago / Mark Pain

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Martin Odegaard has missed Arsenal's last two games with the knee injury he suffered against Brentford, but Arteta is "very hopeful" of having his captain back for the trip to Tottenham.

Kai Havertz

© Imago / Action Plus

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Kai Havertz was initially expected to be sidelined until March with a fresh muscular injury, but Arteta has not ruled him out of the North London derby in a major boost to the league leaders.

Mikel Merino

© Imago / Marco Canoniero

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

Arsenal's only confirmed absentee for the weekend at present, Mikel Merino is on the long road to recovery from foot surgery and is at risk of missing the rest of the season, as well as the World Cup.

Max Dowman

© Imago / Action Plus

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Max Dowman has returned to team training following an ankle injury, but having not made the squad against Wolves, it remains to be seen if the youngster is considered for derby selection.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Arsenal have no players suspended for this game.

Richarlison was spotted in training in one of Tottenham Hotspur's social media posts ahead of the North London derby.

Sitting 16th in the Premier League table, interim boss Igor Tudor's immediate priority is to help Spurs escape the relegation battle that they are at risk of being drawn into.

The Croatian's first game as boss could hardly be more difficult given he must try to get the better of first-placed Arsenal on Sunday.

Tottenham have a number of injuries to contend with, including to attackers such as James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski.

However, Tudor's first session in charge of the club was on Monday, and footage appeared to show striker Richarlison in training, though it is not known whether he took part in a significant section of the session.

How should Tottenham line up against Arsenal?

Arsenal have at times struggled to break down stubborn defences, but while Spurs could experience some success if they defend deep, the must ensure they have an outlet up front.

Dominic Solanke is a likely candidate to lead the line, while either Randal Kolo Muani or Richarlison could support the English striker.

Xavi Simons has at times proven he can carry the ball past opponents when pressed, but he has not shown his ability in possession on a consistent basis.

It would not be surprising if the attacker was left out in favour of a more robust athlete such as Conor Gallagher, who could disrupt the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

Can Spurs beat Arsenal in the Premier League?

Spurs could look to take advantage of the pressure that Arsenal have faced after recent results have seen the gap to second-placed Manchester City reduced to four points.

Mikel Arteta will know that even a draw could open the door for Pep Guardiola's side as they will have to travel to the Etihad in April for a crunch showdown.

If Spurs can keep the score level for a prolonged period in the North London derby, then the Gunners may grow increasingly desperate, increasing the risk of exploitable errors.

Tottenham Hotspur have ‘quietly added’ Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe to their list of potential managerial targets, according to a report.

The North Londoners decided to relieve head coach Thomas Frank of his duties last week following a miserable run of just two wins in 17 Premier League games (D6 L9), leaving the club in danger of relegation.

Languishing in 16th place in the table and just five points above the bottom three with 12 league games remaining, Spurs have turned to Igor Tudor who has been appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season.

Tudor has already overseen a reshuffle of his coaching staff which has seen first-team coach John Heitinga depart after just 33 days in North London, while Frank’s assistant Justin Cochrane has also left the club.

The 47-year-old is tasked with steering Spurs away from the relegation picture and progressing further in the Champions League knockout rounds, while the club begins its search for a permanent managerial appointment.

Howe ‘raised and discussed’ by Spurs as manager search ramps up

The possibility of Tudor extending his stay at Tottenham and taking the job on a permanent basis cannot be ruled out if the Croatian works wonders in the dugout, but a number of other names are expected to feature on the club’s shortlist.

While no discussions are believed to have taken place between Spurs chiefs and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, an emotional return for Mauricio Pochettino has been mooted, while the likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Marco Rose and Robbie Keane have also been linked with the vacant post.

However, according to TEAMtalk, senior figures at Tottenham are ‘increasingly intrigued’ by Howe’s body of work at Newcastle and his long-term Premier League pedigree.

Howe’s name is said to have been ‘raised and discussed’ at board level, as CEO Vinai Venkatesham and his colleagues maps out their plans for a new permanent manager, with Tudor only viewed as a ‘short-term stabiliser’.

The 48-year-old is regarded by Spurs as a coach who fits the club’s long-term blueprint, blending progressive football with player development and a track record of handling high-pressure projects.

Howe remains committed to Newcastle despite speculation

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham make a concrete move for Howe, but it is claimed that the club's ‘admiration is genuine’.

Manchester United - another club on the hunt for a permanent manager after sacking Ruben Amorim in January - have also been linked with Howe, but prising him away from Newcastle would ‘not be easy or inexpensive’.

Howe stated earlier this year that he was “100% here” at Newcastle, brushing aside speculation over the Man United job, and has continued to stress his loyalty to the club during a difficult period.

The Magpies endured a run of just one win in eight games across all tournaments (D2 L5) prior to Howe’s comments, but they have since won back-to-back away matches against Spurs (2-1 in the Premier League) and Aston Villa (3-1 in the FA Cup).

Howe, who has won 49.5% of is 214 games in charge of Newcastle since November 2021, signed a ‘multi-year’ contract extension at St James’ Park in the summer of 2024.

Liverpool are in discussions with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers over a big-money summer transfer to Anfield, according to a report.

The 23-year-old has elevated his game to new heights since moving to Villa Park in February 2024 and has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League.

Rogers contributed to 30 goals (14 goals, 16 assists) in 54 matches for Unai Emery’s side across all competitions last season and has since recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances so far this term, netting more goals and playing more minutes (2,993) than any of his Villa teammates.

The versatile playmaker’s form has caught the attention of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who used the Villa star in all eight of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup qualification matches, selecting him five times in his starting lineup.

Rogers’s impressive rise and importance at club and international level has not gone unnoticed, with a number of top clubs believed to be keeping tabs on his development.

Liverpool ‘begin to lay the groundwork’ for big-money Rogers deal

A recent report claims that Tottenham Hotspur have identified Rogers as a ‘dream’ transfer target for the summer, though their chances of prising him away from Villa will likely depend on how they conclude what has been a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City - where Rogers was on the books between 2019 and 2023 - have also been credited with an interest in the attacker, but it appears that Liverpool may have moved a step ahead of their rivals in their pursuit of the Villa star.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have held initial talks with Rogers’s representatives, as they ‘begin to lay the groundwork’ for yet another major summer transfer.

Arne Slot's side forked out a whopping £450m on new players last summer, breaking their club transfer record twice to bring in Florian Wirtz (£116m) and then Alexander Isak (£125m).

Is £100m Rogers ready to seek pastures new?

The report refers to a prominent transfer insider who claims that Liverpool’s feedback from the player’s camp has been ‘encouraging’ after making contact over a proposed transfer.

Although Rogers is regarded as a cornerstone of Emery’s project at Villa Park, it is understood that he may soon be ready to test himself at a club that are seriously challenging for major trophies.

Villa have been surprise outsiders in the Premier League title race this season - and some will argue that they still are - although they currently sit seven points behind leaders Arsenal with 12 games left to play.

Rogers remains under contract at Villa Park until June 2031, with the Midlands club allegedly valuing their No.27 at around £100m - the same fee they received when Jack Grealish joined Man City in a club-record deal.

Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager John Heitinga has reportedly left the club after just 33 days as part of a raft of internal changes.

Ex-Liverpool assistant and Netherlands international Heitinga was appointed in January to be Thomas Frank's right-hand man, following the exit of former lieutenant Matt Wells to MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.

Heitinga was only in the Tottenham dugout for seven games, during which Frank's side achieved two wins - both of which came in the Champions League - and failed to win any of their five Premier League matches.

Frank's sacking last week and the appointment of Igor Tudor until the end of the season raised speculation about the future of Heitinga and other members of the Dane's coaching team, most of whom have apparently now left the club.

According to journalist Alasdair Gold, Heitinga is one of four coaches to have departed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in another false start to the Dutchman's coaching career following his struggles as Ajax manager.

Tottenham coaching changes: Who has left and arrived with Igor Tudor?

Gold adds that fellow assistant Justin Cochrane - Frank's trusted deputy from his Brentford days - has also cleared out his locker at Hotspur Way, but the 44-year-old will be in Thomas Tuchel's England ranks at the 2026 World Cup

In addition, Chris Haslam and analyst Joe Newton will not be staying under Tudor, but three existing members of staff will stay put, including set-piece coach Andreas Georgson.

In terms of incoming coaches, Tudor will reportedly be supported by trusted assistant Ivan Javorcic, the Croatian's 47-year-old compatriot who was part of his team at both Lazio and Juventus.

Physical coach Riccardo Raganacci and goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic have also arrived, but existing individual development coach Cameron Campbell and goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte will supposedly remain on the payroll too, according to The Athletic.

Striking set-piece stats explain Tottenham coach decision

Amid Tottenham's perpetual troubles in build-up and generating chances from open play, they have scored the joint second-most set-piece goals in the 2025-26 Premier League with 13, only behind Arsenal's 16.

Furthermore, the Lilywhites have only shipped seven goals from dead-ball situations in the current top-flight campaign; only five teams have let in fewer goals from corners or free kicks in the 2025-26 Premier League.

Set pieces have been Spurs' salvation for a good chunk of the current season, so keeping hold of Georgson - formerly of both Arsenal and Manchester United - was a logical decision for Tudor to make.

In contrast, the Europa League holders rank joint-10th for open-play goals in the 2025-26 Premier League, highlighting the offensive area that needs the most work if they are to avoid a catastrophic relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring a surprise move to bring Antonio Rudiger back to the Premier League this summer, as they consider potential defensive reinforcements.

What is the latest on Tottenham's interest in Antonio Rudiger?

It is thought that Spurs are monitoring the German's situation at Real Madrid, with the former Chelsea defender approaching the latter stages of his current contract, as per TEAMtalk.

The north London side are believed to be 'gathering momentum' at the front of the queue to sign Rudiger, who is said to be keen on a return to the English top-flight - and he would even be willing to take a pay cut.

West Ham United and Crystal Palace are two other clubs mooted with interest as the 32-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the season.

Spurs' interest comes amid uncertainty over the future of club captain Cristian Romero, who is reportedly open to leaving in the summer.

Antonio Rudiger would be a risky transfer gamble for Spurs

While Rudiger's CV is mightily impressive on paper, including multiple Champions League successes at both Chelsea and Real Madrid, this potential move feels like a bit of a gamble rather than a solution.

At 32, the Germany international is clearly entering the twilight of his career, and recent seasons have raised question marks over his durability and consistency - he has managed only 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

For a Tottenham side that vastly needs to improve defensively, a signing like this risks slowing down what will be a period of transition should Romero leave the club. It feels like a signing driven by name value rather than long-term stability.

A lot of Spurs' issues have stemmed from defensive instability and tactical imbalance, where the Argentine himself has often failed to deliver, so a veteran nearing his decline is hardly the answer.