Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly moving swiftly to execute a comprehensive squad overhaul under head coach Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Lilywhites endured a highly challenging domestic season in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic relegation to the Championship.

De Zerbi has already secured high-profile defensive additions to fortify his backline, completing deals for full-back Andrew Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Attention is now believed to have firmly shifted toward completely rebuilding the team's engine room to elevate the technical capabilities of the North London outfit.

Spurs 'enter race' for Arsenal and Man City target

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have officially joined the race to capture Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

De Zerbi has identified his fellow countryman as the primary target to become the defining star of his newly constructed midfield.

However, securing the 26-year-old maestro will require Spurs to fend off intense competition from reigning league champions Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Magpies hold significant leverage in ongoing discussions as the highly-rated midfielder remains under a lucrative contract at St James' Park until June 2028, though there is the option of an additional year.

Notably, Newcastle have reportedly placed a staggering £100m asking price on the international star following their failure to qualify for European competition.

How Sandro Tonali would transform the Spurs midfield

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The prospective arrival of the tactical playmaker would provide immediate defensive security and energy to the Spurs engine room.

Newcastle remain reluctant sellers, but their financial position has been significantly aided by the recent high-profile sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

Arsenal previously launched an unsuccessful enquiry for the Italian maestro during the January window and remain deeply attentive to his current situation.

Meanwhile, Man City view the former AC Milan asset as an elite alternative if their primary pursuit of Elliot Anderson collapses.

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly made a decision over whether to continue their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic after failing with an opening offer.

The Seagulls are preparing for life back in Europe next season after Fabian Hurzeler’s side finished eighth in the Premier League to qualify for the Conference League.

Hurzeler is keen to bolster his defensive options after seeing Adam Webster leave upon the expiration of his contract, and Vuskovic appears to have been identified as one of the club's top targets.

Last week, it was reported that Brighton submitted a bid worth €35m (£30m) for Vuskovic, who has also attracted strong interest from other ‘leading clubs’ across Europe.

Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that Spurs immediately rejected Brighton’s offer, but the Seagulls are ‘very likely’ to return with an improved proposal.

Vuskovic is said to have already reached a verbal agreement with Brighton over a move to the Amex Stadium, and the South Coast club are currently the ‘most concrete’ team in the race for his signature.

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Vuskovic keen to join Brighton despite rejected bid from Spurs

Brighton’s interest in Vuskovic comes after Spurs attempted to sign their centre-back Jan Paul Van Hecke, but saw two bids for the Dutchman turned down, as confirmed by CEO Paul Barber last week.

It is thought that Brighton are keen to sign Vuskovic regardless as to whether they agree to sell Van Hecke, but Hurzeler’s ideal scenario is to have both defenders at his disposal.

Vuskovic joined Spurs from Croatian club Hajduk Split for around £12m in July last year, and he featured for the North Londoners during last summer’s pre-season.

However, the 19-year-old was loaned out to Bundesliga side Hamburger SV for the 2025-26 campaign and made a notable impression for the German club, scoring six goals in 28 league appearances.

Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Vuskovic is regarded as one of Croatia’s brightest talents and could start for the national team against England in their opening Group L fixture at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday.

Luka Vuskovic has barely arrived at Tottenham and is already the subject of intense speculation over his future. Several clubs are closely monitoring the young Croatian defender following his impressive season on loan at Hamburg, with some reports suggesting a sale could fetch close to £25 million for Spurs.

That prospect has drawn a sharp response from Tim Sherwood. The former Tottenham manager believes the North London club would be taking a considerable risk by parting ways so quickly with a player they signed specifically for his immense potential.

Investing in talent only to sell before reaping the rewards

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For Sherwood, the logic is straightforward. Tottenham invested in Vuskovic when he was regarded as one of the most promising defenders of his generation. His loan to Hamburg was designed to continue his development before gradually integrating him into the Spurs project.

With 28 appearances and 27 starts, Vuskovic was one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season, to the point of being named in the league's official Team of the Season.

For the club to now consider a sale appears baffling. "I do not understand why you would want to sell a player like him. They signed him for a reason, he is a prospect," the former Spurs boss explained.

Sherwood believes the deal would hold little economic value for a club of Tottenham's stature. "It should not be about the money. What does 30 million pounds get you today? You get average players, pub players, for that kind of money!"

Spurs stand to gain far more by retaining a defender with elite potential than by recouping a sum that would not meaningfully transform their financial position in the transfer market.

A Premier League loan as the smarter alternative

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Sherwood is not opposed to another loan, however. The former manager believes a spell at a Premier League club could represent the ideal next step, allowing Tottenham to properly assess Vuskovic's true level before making any permanent decision.

Brighton have emerged as a particularly credible destination. "If Luka Vuskovic is not going to play regularly at Tottenham, then loan him to Brighton," Sherwood said. "You can watch him every week against Premier League opposition and make a proper judgment on his level."

Rather than selling a talent still in the midst of his development, Tottenham would retain control over his future while gaining clearer answers on his ability to establish himself in English football.

Roberto De Zerbi vowed to stick with Tottenham Hotspur for the 2026-27 season even if the Lilywhites dropped down to the Championship, but thankfully for the Italian, his loyalties were not put to the test.

One of Spurs' 2025 summer signings - Joao Palhinha - ensured that Tottenham would stay up on the final day with his goal against Everton, one that will also prove priceless in terms of player recruitment.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's confirmed transfer activity for the 2026 summer window.

Tottenham confirmed transfers in: Summer 2026

Andrew Robertson (LB | Free from Liverpool)

Marcos Senesi (CB | Free from Bournemouth)

Tottenham confirmed transfers out: Summer 2026

Yves Bissouma (DM | Released)

Tottenham net spend: Summer 2026

Tottenham total spend summer 2026: £0m

Tottenham total income summer 2026: £0m

Tottenham net spend summer 2026: £0m

Latest Tottenham transfer rumours for summer 2026

In

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Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Savinho (Manchester City)

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)

Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan)

Djylian N'Guessan (Saint-Etienne)

Out

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Cristian Romero (Manchester United)

Luka Vuskovic (Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayern Munich)

Destiny Udogie (Juventus)

Guglielmo Vicario (Inter Milan/Juventus)

You can find a complete list of the latest Tottenham transfer rumours by clicking here

When does the 2026 summer transfer window open and close?

The summer transfer window opened on Monday, June 15 for all English and Scottish clubs, and will run through to the first day of September.

This means that deadline day for the 2026 summer transfer window falls on Tuesday, September 1, with the window closing at 11pm GMT.

Roberto De Zerbi has lauded the technical skill of Pedro Porro, who has signed a new contract at Tottenham Hotspur.

Now that the 2025-26 Premier League season is behind the club, many Spurs fans are looking forward to the transfer window with hope that 2026-27 will be a far more enjoyable campaign.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi will be keen to make a number of changes, but he also expressed his delight at Pedro Porro's decision to extend his stay at Tottenham.

The 26-year-old has signed fresh terms that last until 2031, putting an end to fears he would leave when his previous deal expired in 2028.

In quotes that appeared on the club's website, De Zerbi made a concerted effort to highlight the defender's technical qualities, saying "Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations.

"As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.

"He understands football in a very intelligent way, and brings energy, intensity and personality to the team. This new contract is good news for everyone at the club. We believe in Pedro, and I am excited to continue working with him and helping him achieve even more in the coming years."

The focus on what Porro is capable of with the ball perhaps hints at the shift in style that De Zerbi intends to make this summer.

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Roberto De Zerbi and Pedro Porro: The perfect right-back?

Tottenham's style of play has drastically changed over the years, as while many grew fond of the intensity seen under Mauricio Pochettino and the flowing football of Ange Postecoglou, the likes of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo and Thomas Frank at times riled fans with their perceived negativity.

Frank in particular struggled to adapt to life at Tottenham, and supporters felt that he was the wrong fit for players like Porro, but De Zerbi's approach will likely see the Spanish international thrive.

The right-back is a strong passer and crosser, and he is an expert when attempting to play out from the back, something that his current manager is known to place great value in.

Porro has contributed to 27 goals and assists during his time in the Premier League, and if De Zerbi can harness his influence in the final third, forwards like Dominic Solanke and Mohammed Kudus may benefit from his presence close to the box.

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Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke: Tottenham's defensive revolution

It would be surprising if centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both stayed at Tottenham this summer, especially as Marcos Senesi has been signed, as well as the fact the club are attempting to bring Jan Paul van Hecke to London from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Senesi and Van Hecke are exceptional on the ball, and that could indicate De Zerbi's desire to significantly improve Spurs' ability to retain possession and play through teams.

Left-back Andrew Robertson has also been signed, and though he is not as strong when in possession, his leadership could be vital in ensuring that defensive standards are consistently high.

Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro has put pen to paper on his new contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former Manchester City and Sporting Lisbon defender has blossomed into a key performer for the Lilywhites since joining in the January 2023 window, coming up with 13 goals and 26 assists in 152 appearances in all tournaments.

Porro scored two goals and set up six more in 47 matches last term as Tottenham secured Premier League survival on the final day, boosting their chances of retaining top talent such as the Spaniard.

Porro's previous Spurs contract was due to expire in 2028, and the 26-year-old was linked with a return to Man City, whom he failed to make a single appearance for during his first spell.

However, reports last week claimed that Tottenham and Porro were close to finalising a new deal, and the club announced his new terms on Sunday evening.

Pedro Porro Tottenham contract details revealed

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Fabrizio Romano reports that Porro's new terms will run for at least the next five years until 2031, and Tottenham will also have the option to trigger a one-year extension until 2032.

The defender can also expect a raise on his £85,000-a-week salary, a wage which currently makes him only Spurs' 11th-highest earner, behind the likes of Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha.

It is unclear how big a financial increase Porro can anticipate, but his new deal will reflect his status as one of Tottenham's most dependable performers over the last three-and-a-half years.

The 26-year-old has become the second Spurs player to extend his terms this month, after fellow defender Ben Davies signed a new one-year contract last week.

Porro was crucial to Tottenham's Europa League triumph last term, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 13 matches and playing the full 90 in the 1-0 final win over Manchester United.

Porro is currently away with the Spain squad preparing for Monday's World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde, but he is expected to lose out to Marcos Llorente for a start at right-back.

Pedro Porro signs new Tottenham deal: Who next for Roberto De Zerbi?

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The Lilywhites now have four players due to leave as free agents in 2028, including creative duo Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Talks over an extension with Kulusevski are unlikely to gather pace while he continues his recovery from a serious knee problem, but fresh terms for Maddison ought to be a priority for sporting director Johan Lange.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defender Ashley Phillips are also out of contract in two years' time, but the former is being targeted by Juventus, and the latter is yet to break into the first team.

In the more immediate future, Richarlison and Dane Scarlett could both leave for nothing in 2027, although neither man has done enough to warrant a fresh deal yet.

Fulham are reportedly on the verge of appointing former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager after speaking to multiple candidates.

The Cottagers are currently without a manager after Marco Silva decided against signing a new contract.

The 48-year-old called time on his five-year tenure at Craven Cottage to take over the reins at Portuguese giants Benfica.

The Benfica vacancy became available after Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for a second spell as manager following Arbeloa's exit.

Arbeloa, who is keen to get straight back into management, has since emerged as a frontrunner to take the top job at Craven Cottage.

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Fulham on verge of Arbeloa appointment

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Fulham are now on the verge of confirming Arbeloa's appointment following positive talks.

While the deal is 'almost done', Arbeloa has been far from the only candidate considered for the vacant position.

The update claims that the Cottagers have spoken to a number of alternative options, including former Tottenham Hotspur managers Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank.

Postecoglou is searching for his first managerial job since being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October 2025, while Frank is not ready to return to management following his dismissal as Spurs boss in February.

The west London club also made contact with Coventry City boss Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna, who recently left his position as Ipswich Town head coach.

Fulham have also been linked with ex-Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira, the latter of whom is reluctant to leave his position midway through the Brazilian season.

Amorim has ruled himself out of the running amid significant speculation linking him with AC Milan.

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Is Arbeloa the right man to lead Fulham?

There will be some scepticism over Arbeloa's imminent appointment following his tough stint as Real Madrid boss.

In January, Arbeloa stepped up from his role as Castilla boss to take over the reins of the senior side following Xabi Alonso's departure.

Under Arbeloa's watch, Real Madrid suffered a surprise Copa del Rey defeat to second-tier Albacete, fell at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League and finished a distant second to Barcelona in the title race.

Arbeloa's time in charge was also shrouded by disharmony in the dressing room, including a well-publicised altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.

That said, Arbeloa only takes a relatively small portion of the blame for the poor dressing-room culture and Real Madrid's failure to win silverware.

The 43-year-old would have learnt from that difficult experience and will benefit from managing a club that does not generate as much media attention as Real Madrid.

Arbeloa will also get a better chance to implement his ideas at Fulham, where he will likely give youth a chance after showing a willingness to trust emerging talents in his time as Real Madrid boss, something that comes from working as a coach in the Spanish giants' youth system.

The Spaniard may have big shoes to fill at Craven Cottage, but the challenge will not daunt him, and it could be a risky appointment that ultimately pays off for the Cottagers.

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke has suggested that a decision on his club future is unlikely to be made until after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

The Netherlands international joined the Seagulls in 2020 and has since developed into one of the Premier League's most reliable centre-backs, making over 130 appearances for the club.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race for Van Hecke's signature and have already seen two bids rejected by Brighton, who are believed to value the defender at around £70m despite him entering the final year of his contract.

The 26-year-old is thought to favour a reunion with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi in North London, and reports suggest that Spurs are preparing a fresh approach.

Jan Paul van Hecke breaks silence on future plans

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For now, however, Van Hecke's focus remains firmly on the World Cup.

The centre-back acknowledged that discussions regarding his future are ongoing, but insisted that representing the Netherlands on the biggest stage is his sole priority at this moment.

"First of all, I just want to focus on the Dutch national team on Sunday,” said Van Hecke, as quoted by Evening Standard.

“That is a very important match for us, for me. So that’s my focus until now. Of course, things are also playing, and I know that myself too. But that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup. I will then see where I play.

“I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And I have that too. But then for now for myself it’s just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible.

“That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone."

Could Luka Vuskovic be a solution for Tottenham?

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Brighton, meanwhile, have reportedly submitted a £30m offer for Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg after joining Tottenham.

The Croatian teenager is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting defensive prospects and has earned a place in his country's World Cup squad despite his age.

While Tottenham continue to rate Vuskovic highly and have shown little indication that they are prepared to sell, his name has inevitably surfaced amid ongoing discussions surrounding Van Hecke.

Spurs remain keen to strengthen their defence under De Zerbi, particularly with Cristian Romero frequently linked with a move away and uncertainty continuing to surround Radu Dragusin's future.

Liverpool are reportedly showing serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as they look to strengthen their backline following Ibrahima Konate's departure.

While adding firepower in attack remains a priority, new head coach Andoni Iraola is also expected to reinforce his defensive options after losing one of the club's most important centre-backs.

Konate left Anfield upon the expiry of his contract and is set to join Real Madrid, where he will reunite with former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Despite the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, the Reds are believed to be in the market for another central defender, and Ordonez has re-emerged as a leading candidate.

Liverpool eye move for Joel Ordonez?

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Since joining Club Brugge in 2023, Ordonez has developed into one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Belgian football, attracting attention from several European heavyweights.

Chelsea have been linked with the Ecuador international in recent weeks, while Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be monitoring his situation.

Liverpool's interest appeared to have cooled at one stage, but according to Caughtoffside, the Merseyside club are once again giving serious consideration to a move.

Club Brugge would ideally like to keep hold of the 22-year-old, although the report claims that an offer in the region of €45m (£38.8m) could persuade the Belgian outfit to negotiate.

Liverpool face strong competition from Tottenham?

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Ordonez's availability has also caught the attention of Chelsea, Newcastle United and Juventus, but Tottenham Hotspur may emerge as Liverpool's most significant rivals.

Spurs have reportedly prioritised a move for Jan Paul van Hecke, yet Brighton & Hove Albion's firm stance over the Dutchman's valuation has forced the North London club to consider alternative options.

A new centre-back is high on Tottenham's agenda amid uncertainty surrounding Cristian Romero's future, and Ordonez is understood to be among the names under consideration.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been offered the chance to sign AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez.

Recently-appointed Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is currently in the process of making changes to his first-team squad.

Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi are leaving Liverpool and Bournemouth to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on free transfers.

A Liverpool forward has also allegedly emerged as a possible target for De Zerbi as he deliberates over how to strengthen his attack.

Meanwhile, according to Calciomercato, Spurs have been given the opportunity to add Gimenez to their final-third options.

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Spurs to consider Gimenez signing?

Despite retaining his place in Mexico's squad for the World Cup, Gimenez's high-profile transfer from Feyenoord to AC Milan has not worked out.

Just seven goals and six assists have come from 37 appearances since February 2025. Furthermore, Gimenez did not score in Serie A last season.

With AC Milan having not qualified for the Champions League, it is claimed that his representatives have offered Spurs the chance to move for the 25-year-old this summer.

That is despite the player allegedly holding the opinion that he would like to prove himself at San Siro.

Lazio are also reported to be a potential destination for Gimenez, who has three years remaining on his contract.

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Do Spurs need a player like Gimenez?

Spurs have regularly conducted business with Serie A clubs in recent years, some of their signings proving more successful than others.

Acquiring Gimenez directly from Feyenoord early in 2025 would have been deemed a huge coup courtesy of his 65 goals from 105 appearances for the Dutch club.

However, it is a different story now, and Gimenez would find himself behind both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison - providing that the Brazilian stays in North London - in the pecking order if he were to join Spurs.

Not only do Spurs not require a player of Gimenez's profile and current form, he should only leave AC Milan for a club that are going to provide him with regular starts.