Sports Mole

Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of highly-rated defender Elijah Upson from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, The Mirror reports.

The 18-year-old prodigy is the son of former Premier League and England centre-back Matthew Upson, who also represented the Gunners during his playing career.

The versatile starlet reportedly attracted concrete interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco before choosing a move to the Emirates.

Upson made 31 appearances for Spurs in the Under-18 Premier League last term, catching the eye with his front-footed approach and maturity in possession.

The teenager primarily operates as a central defender but possesses the tactical flexibility to comfortably slot in at right-back or wing-back when required.

Forest face 'intense competition' for Brazilian full-back

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Nottingham Forest have officially entered the race from the Premier League after making initial enquiries for a wide defender of Dodo's specific profile.

New head coach Oliver Glasner is determined to build a highly competitive squad and can uniquely offer the Brazilian lucrative top-flight football in England.

However, Firenzeviola reports that Serie A outfit Como currently look the closest to launching a concrete opening offer to test Fiorentina's resolve.

Reigning Italian champions Inter Milan and domestic rivals Roma also carried out initial surveys earlier this month, though their interest has since faded.

Ultimately, the intense multi-club scramble ensures that the former Shakhtar Donetsk man will almost certainly secure his anticipated summer departure.

Hull City 'close' to sealing permanent Zambrano return

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According to Hull Live, the Tigers have struck a permanent agreement with Slovenian outfit Maribor to sign defensive midfielder Oscar Zambrano.

The 22-year-old Ecuadorian is expected to put pen to paper on a three-year contract that includes an optional 12-month extension in East Yorkshire.

Zambrano originally moved to the Humberside club on loan from LDU Quito in the summer of 2024, but his stint was severely disrupted by a high-profile drug suspension.

The South American Football Confederation initially issued a 16-month ban for using anti-allergy medication, which was subsequently reduced to a year by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Having served the suspension, the midfield enforcer joined Maribor last November and managed seven appearances in the Prva Liga while netting two goals during the second half of the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush during the summer transfer window.

Marmoush represented Egypt at the 2026 World Cup but was unable to make a major impact as the Pharaohs suffered a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the last 16.

The 27-year-old joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 in a deal worth close to £60m and made an immediate impression under Pep Guardiola.

However, Marmoush started just eight Premier League matches last season, dropping down the pecking order and fuelling speculation over his future.

Tottenham and Newcastle eye move for Omar Marmoush?

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Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City winger Savinho, who is valued at around £60m.

However, the North London club now appear to have cooled their interest in Savinho and have instead turned their attention to his teammate, Marmoush.

According to TeamTalk, both Spurs and Newcastle United have made enquiries about the versatile forward, while several Bundesliga clubs are also monitoring his situation.

The report adds that Marmoush is not rushing to leave Manchester City and instead wants clarity from Enzo Maresca before making a decision on his future.

Omar Marmoush would be a terrific signing for Tottenham

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Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham are assembling an exciting squad as they look to avoid a repeat of last season, when they narrowly escaped relegation.

Having already signed Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined £185m, Spurs are now targeting another high-quality attacker.

Marmoush has scored 16 goals in 61 appearances for Manchester City and netted 37 times in 67 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, highlighting the goalscoring threat he could bring to Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs chasing Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who is available for a bargain £30m this summer, though they face a race against time to beat PSG, who have already agreed personal terms with the Spain international.

Torres has been one of Spain's key figures at the 2026 World Cup. He assisted Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the round of 16 and helped La Roja reach the semi-finals, where they will face France on Tuesday.

Last season for Barcelona, he contributed 21 goals and three assists from 49 appearances, earning praise from former boss Xavi Hernandez: 'Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He's a player on another level. How he understands the space, links play, doesn't lose the ball, his defensive work, he's world-class.'

Spurs eye Torres as part of a wider attacking rebuild

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Tottenham have firm admirers of Torres and have explored a move for him in previous windows. They will likely be in the mix again as they look to add to their attacking department this summer.

Tottenham's interest makes sense under Roberto De Zerbi, whose positional system requires forwards capable of interchanging roles and combining quickly in central areas.

Spurs are expected to target Torres alongside Kroupi rather than instead of him, given both players are versatile enough to operate out wide or through the middle.

Torres also arrives with Premier League pedigree, having spent two seasons at Manchester City earlier in his career, meaning the adjustment to English football would be far smoother than for most continental imports.

He has picked up 18 goals and six assists in 50 Champions League appearances, providing the kind of European experience Tottenham will require as they prepare for a return to continental competition.

PSG lead the race despite Premier League interest

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The competition for Torres is considerable. Atletico Madrid are currently showing the strongest interest according to CaughtOffside's sources, with Napoli and Juventus also monitoring the situation.

However, it is PSG who appear to hold the decisive advantage. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Torres has already agreed personal terms with the Parisian club, and Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has gone further, stating the Spain international has 'chosen' Paris despite the interest from two Premier League clubs.

With Torres' contract expiring in June 2027 and Karim Adeyemi arriving from Borussia Dortmund, the writing appears to be on the wall for the Spain international at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona are looking for around €35m, approximately £30m, to sanction a departure this summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly learned that Liverpool are not opening the door to a Cody Gakpo sale just yet.

Spurs are believed to have a strong interest in Gakpo, whose Liverpool future is being called into question after a portion of fans turned on him during the 2025-26 season.

The Dutchman's season was far from terrible, as he managed nine goals and six assists from 52 matches in all tournaments, and he is soon to return from a standout World Cup with the Netherlands.

Gakpo scored three goals and set up one more as Oranje lost to Morocco in the last 32, and he remains under contract at Liverpool until the summer of 2030.

However, with Rio Ngumoha bursting onto the scene and Liverpool also in pursuit of Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande, some supporters would only be too happy to see Gakpo depart.

Liverpool 'yet to open door' to Cody Gakpo sale amid Tottenham interest

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Fabrizio Romano has now poured cold water on those suggestions, though, stating that Liverpool are not minded to lose Gakpo and Tottenham are aware of their stance.

The former PSV Eindhoven man is understood to be a 'desire' of Spurs', but as Liverpool are holding firm on their stance, Tottenham are prioritising other targets.

Gakpo was a favourite of Arne Slot in the 2025-26 season, starting 32 of Liverpool's 38 Premier League matches, although he only made five Champions League appearances from the first whistle.

However, the 27-year-old is now under pressure to prove himself to new manager Andoni Iraola in pre-season, which for Liverpool begins with a friendly match against Sunderland in Nashville on July 25.

Gakpo has registered a total of 50 goals and 23 assists in 180 appearances for Liverpool since his £35.8m arrival from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.

Who could Tottenham sign instead of Cody Gakpo?

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With the Gakpo door closed for the time being, Tottenham's other prime wide target is understood to be Manchester City and Brazil starlet Savinho.

The 22-year-old fell behind Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku in the Etihad pecking order last season, and Romano adds that he is target "one, two and three" for Tottenham due to their long-standing interest.

Reports last month claimed that Tottenham were ready to make a £60m move for Savinho, who is open to leaving Man City due to frustrations over a lack of opportunities.

However, as Spurs have focused on reinforcing their midfield and defence so far this summer, the Savinho trail went cold, but the Lilywhites could soon reignite their pursuit.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set their sights on Francisco Trincao, who could leave Sporting Lisbon during the summer transfer window.

Spurs have been busy this summer and, after strengthening their defence and midfield, are now looking to reinforce their attack.

Roberto De Zerbi is keen to add more quality in the final third, particularly given the injury problems suffered by Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons.

Trincao spent a season on loan in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers from Barcelona, but he has rediscovered his best form since joining Sporting.

The 26-year-old has scored 47 goals in 208 appearances for Sporting, while contributing 11 goals and 15 assists in 50 matches across all competitions last season.

Tottenham eye move for Francisco Trincao?

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According to Record, Spurs are considering a move for the Sporting attacker, who could be on the move this summer.

The Portugal international has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract, although Sporting could reportedly be willing to sell him for less.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Trincao after identifying him as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

Al-Ahli are said to be preparing an offer worth around €50m (£42.6m), meaning Spurs may need to act quickly if they are serious about signing the attacker.

Francisco Trincao: Spurs face challenge from Liverpool?

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The report adds that Tottenham could face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who are also looking to strengthen their attack following Mohamed Salah's departure.

The Reds have already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but they are reportedly keen to add further reinforcements in the wide attacking areas.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly open to welcoming Randal Kolo Muani back to North London this summer.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker was loaned to the Lilywhites for the 2025-26 campaign but failed to win over the fanbase owing to a string of underwhelming performances.

Kolo Muani managed just one Premier League goal in 30 appearances, as well as one assist, although his output was better in the Champions League.

The 27-year-old came up with six goal involvements from nine European games - four of his own and two assists - including two strikes and one helper in a 5-3 loss to parent club PSG.

However, Kolo Muani's terms did not include an option or obligation to buy, and he is due to return to Paris for the 2026-27 season, but the most likely outcome is a departure from the Parc des Princes.

Roberto De Zerbi 'open' to Randal Kolo Muani Tottenham reunion

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Kolo Muani's meagre return of nine goal involvements from 41 Spurs games would seemingly rule out any chance of a permanent move to North London, but that is not the case, according to Tuttosport.

The Italian outlet claims that Roberto De Zerbi was not "displeased" with Kolo Muani's efforts last year, and he is interested in re-signing the France international on a permanent basis.

Kolo Muani started six straight Premier League games for Spurs following De Zerbi's arrival, but he failed to score or set up a teammate in that time and was benched for the final-day win over Everton.

PSG are reportedly open to letting Kolo Muani leave on another loan deal with an obligation to buy, but Juventus are currently leading the race, having already agreed personal terms with the player.

However, the Bianconeri are currently not willing to go above €37m (£31.5m) for a transfer fee, so Spurs could assume control of the race if they come forward with a bigger offer.

Why Tottenham should not go back in for Randal Kolo Muani

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Kolo Muani quickly won the trust of De Zerbi in North London, but the Frenchman failed to repay the faith the manager showed in him with any Premier League goal contributions.

Kolo Muani never found his best role in the team either, operating both on the right-hand side and as a central striker with limited success, and his chances of starting in the former position will take a hit when Mohammed Kudus returns to full fitness.

Tottenham have already spent north of £200m on Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke, but the Lilywhites still have money to spend and can afford to go big on at least one attacker this summer.

Manchester United have reportedly fended off interest from four Premier League clubs, including rivals Manchester City, to win the race for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.

The Red Devils have prioritised midfield reinforcements this summer following the departure of Casemiro upon the expiration of his contract last month.

A deal for Casemiro’s Brazil teammate Ederson from Atlanta BC appears to have fallen through, but a move for compatriot Santos has gathered pace over the last week.

Man United have allegedly reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign the 22-year-old for an initial £48m plus £2m in add-ons, while the Blues are set to retain a 10% sell-on clause.

Santos, who has completed his Red Devils medical, is soon set to finalise his move to Old Trafford despite interest from a number of other English clubs.

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Man City, Villa, Newcastle, Spurs all expressed interest in Man Utd-bound Santos

According to TEAMtalk, Man City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all made recent enquiries for Santos before Man United reached an agreement with Chelsea.

Man City are said to have explored a proposed deal for Santos during compensation negotiations with Chelsea before manager Enzo Maresca completed his move to the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens ultimately decided against progressing their interest beyond initial enquiries and have since spent a club-record £116m on Man United target Elliot Anderson.

As for Aston Villa, they identified Santos as a potential target following the news that Amadou Onana is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury picked up with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.

Newcastle also assessed a move for Santos following the £100m sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, with the Brazilian viewed as a player capable of fitting seamlessly into Eddie Howe’s system.

Spurs are another club who enquired about Santos before switching their full attention towards Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, while Saudi Pro League sides also expressed a strong interest before Man United stepped up their pursuit.

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Santos set to become Carrick’s first Man Utd signing

Santos is expected to become Man United’s first signing of the summer transfer window and the club’s first new arrival under new permanent head coach Michael Carrick.

The former Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg loanee has played 47 times for Chelsea in all competitions since moving to Stamford Bridge from Vasco da Gama in 2023.

Santos, who won the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2025 under Maresca, played regularly for the Blues last season, featuring in 27 Premier League games and six matches in the Champions League, chipping in with three goals and four assists.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.

The Frenchman is already being linked with a move away from the Vitality Stadium after impressing in his first season as a Premier League player.

Kroupi netted 13 goals in 33 top-flight appearances, including five goals in the final eight matches of the season, helping Bournemouth achieve European qualification for the first time in the club's history.

The 20-year-old has been linked with several potential suitors, including Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.

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Spurs receive Kroupi transfer boost

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have now been handed a timely boost in their efforts to prise the attacker away from the Vitality Stadium.

That is because PSG appear to be turning their focus away from the Bournemouth man after learning that he would be reluctant to play a backup role at the Parc des Princes.

As a result, Luis Enrique's side are now working on a deal to sign Spain international Ferran Torres from La Liga champions Barcelona.

The report claims that the Spurs are now 'gaining belief' that they can win the race to sign one of their main attacking targets.

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Bournemouth likely to be tough negotiators

While PSG's threat has diminished in Spurs' pursuit of Kroupi, the north London club still have work to do if they are to convince Bournemouth to part ways with an important player.

The Cherries will be particularly keen to retain Kroupi's services ahead of a busy campaign where they will need to balance Europa League football with their domestic obligations.

Bournemouth are certainly under no contractual pressure to sell a player who is under contract until the summer of 2030.

There is a belief that it could take a fee in the region of £85m to persuade the Cherries to sell the France Under-21 international.

Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly one of three Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Sevilla defender Joaquin Oso.

Despite only narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation in 2025-26, Spurs have made a number of statement signings during the summer transfer window.

Roberto De Zerbi has spent well in excess of £200m, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali arriving in North London in big-money additions.

Reports have recently suggested that a new forward or versatile attacker is next on the list of priorities.

Nevertheless, as per Vamos Mi Sevilla FC, Spurs are still looking to acquire another left-back.

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Spurs among those chasing Oso?

The report alleges that Spurs, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are all admirers of Oso.

With his contract due to expire in 2027, Sevilla are seemingly wary of losing the 23-year-old on a free transfer.

He racked up a total of 24 appearances for Sevilla last season, with 21 coming in La Liga.

Sevilla officials are said to have set an asking price of €10m (£8.52m) in an attempt to attract what they deem to be suitable offers.

That is providing that Oso fails to agree to a contract proposal that has been put on the table.

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Oso viewed as market opportunity?

Having acquired Oso on a free transfer, Sevilla are well aware of the benefits of cashing in for what would be pure profit.

From the perspective of the Premier League teams, though, it is questionable whether he would be viewed as a regular starter.

The hope would likely be that his versatility down the left flank would stand them in good stead across the course of the season.

Newcastle may be the most suitable destination of the three, with Oso able to provide cover to Lewis Hall and be used as backup on the left wing.

After staving off Premier League relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, Tottenham Hotspur have already taken drastic measures to ensure that back-to-back 17th-placed finishes do not become a terrible trio in 2026-27.

Spurs have smashed their transfer record twice in one window, bringing in £85m Mateus Fernandes and £100m Sandro Tonali to reinforce their midfield, as well as making significant defensive alterations to boot.

Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka have all bolstered the Spurs backline, and Lilywhites fans should catch a glimpse of at least some of their new arrivals in pre-season.

Here, Sports Mole runs through everything you need to know about Tottenham's friendly fixtures ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Who are Tottenham playing in pre-season?

Tottenham have already confirmed seven pre-season fixtures, and their schedule begins behind closed doors on July 22, when League One returnees MK Dons visit the Hotspur Way Training Centre.

Roberto De Zerbi's troops then embark on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, where Auckland await at Eden Park on July 22 before a brief stopover in Sydney for the Sydney Super Cup.

There, Tottenham clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on July 29, three days before a headline battle with London rivals Chelsea at Accor Stadium on August 1.

The Lilywhites have lost each of their last six competitive games against the Blues, who won 1-0 in North London last season before a 2-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge in May.

Upon returning home, Tottenham play their penultimate friendly against Getafe on August 8, but that will also be held behind closed doors at their training base.

The only confirmed friendly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for August 15, when Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim pay a visit to the English capital; the two teams will then face off in a BCD friendly the next day.

How to watch Tottenham's pre-season fixtures

Tottenham have already confirmed that their behind-closed-doors friendly with Getafe will be shown live on their subscription streaming platform, SPURSPLAY.

The club have now officially announced any other live-streamed pre-season matches, but fans should also be able to watch tour matches and the Hoffenheim friendly on SPURSPLAY.

Who will play for Tottenham in pre-season?

As neither Tonali nor Fernandes competed at the World Cup - the former due to Italy's failure to qualify and the latter being snubbed from the Portugal squad - both players should be raring to go for the start of pre-season.

The £185m duo are expected to be present on the tour barring unforeseen injury, illness or personal setbacks, and the same goes for veteran goalkeeper Dubravka.

However, it remains to be seen if Robertson returns from his well-earned break in time to join up with the tour squad, following Scotland's group-stage elimination from the World Cup in late June.

Van Hecke may also be given more time to recover from the Netherlands' run to the last 32, while Cristian Romero and Senesi's Argentina are still fighting for glory and will take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Nevertheless, the two centre-backs could be seen in the Hoffenheim friendly even if Argentina progress to the July 19 final, although Romero's future is still up in the air.

Djed Spence and Pedro Porro are in the same boat, but Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are still recovering from severe knee injuries.