Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set the asking price of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario at €25m (£21.85m).

Spurs are currently preparing for their first game with interim head coach Igor Tudor in charge, a North London derby against Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tudor is tasked with ensuring that Spurs say outside of the Premier League relegation zone, as well as looking to progress as far as possible in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, reports are already emerging as to which players may stay or leave during the summer transfer window.

According to L'Interista, Spurs can expect interest in Vicario from at least one Serie A giant.

Spurs set Vicario asking price

The report suggests that Vicario has been identified as Inter Milan's top target to replace Yann Sommer.

With the Switzerland international having recently turned 37 years of age, there is seemingly an acknowledgement that a successor will soon need to be found.

That is despite the veteran keeping 16 clean sheets from 32 appearances in Italy's top flight and the Champions League this season.

At this point in time, there is no intention to extend Sommer's contract past the end of the current campaign.

As such, interest could soon be rammed up in the younger Vicario, who is said to be valued at just under £22m.

Right time for Spurs to cash in on Vicario?

While there have been times where Vicario has impressed for Spurs, just 18 shutouts have been kept in 88 Premier League appearances.

If Spurs are to progress in the short and long term, such statistics need to improve, and it is understandable if they are assessing alternatives to the five-cap Italy international.

With Vicario now 29 years of age and holding a contract until 2028, the summer may represent Spurs' biggest chance to make a profit on the £17.2m that they shelled out in 2023.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has confirmed one injury boost ahead of the North London derby, as Richarlison is in with a chance of making the cut.

The former Juventus and Marseille boss has inherited Thomas Frank's fitness crisis since replacing his Danish counterpart and revealed that he only had 13 senior players to work with in training on Friday.

The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are all sidelined, as is Cristian Romero, who will serve the second of a four-match ban against Arsenal this weekend.

There was little in the way of team news during Tudor's first press conference, during which the Croatian outlined his number one priority for the club ahead of his baptism of fire.

Tudor did reveal that Dominic Solanke should be fine to face Arsenal following a throat problem, but he also admitted that he was not expecting any players back, a slight surprise given that Richarlison was spotted in training during the week.

Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Richarlison back fit for North London derby

However, Tudor's embargoed quotes from Friday's press conference have now been released, and the Lilywhites will be able to count on Richarlison, conflicting the manager's earlier claims.

The game will come too soon for Pedro Porro, though; the Spanish right-back is instead targeting a return for the London derby with Fulham at Craven Cottage next Sunday.

"Richy is back. Tel was there. Others you already know. [Porro] no. Next week," football.london quotes Tudor as saying, as Richarlison gears up for a potential first appearance since January 10, when he sustained his hamstring problem against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

The Brazilian has missed seven games in all competitions with the problem, although he had stayed injury-free in 2025-26 beforehand, registering eight goals and three assists in 31 matches for the Lilywhites.

Richarlison's presence and Solanke's recovery mean that Tudor has four out-and-out strikers available for the North London derby, as Tel and Randal Kolo Muani - who worked with the Croat at Juventus - can also function in the number nine role.

Comparing Richarlison and Dominic Solanke's records against Arsenal

With Odobert, Kulusevski and Kudus all sidelined, one of Spurs' strikers will likely have to act as an emergency winger on Sunday; Tel and Kolo Muani are the best-positioned for such a job.

As a result, Richarlison and Solanke should engage in a straight shootout to lead the line against Mikel Arteta's side, but the latter's record makes for extremely disappointing reading.

Indeed, Solanke has faced Arsenal seven times during his career, has ended up on the losing side all seven times, and has failed to register a single goal or assist against the Gunners.

During Solanke's time at Bournemouth, the Cherries lost eight of their nine Premier League games against Arsenal; the one exception - a 1-1 draw in 2019-20 - came when the striker was an unused substitute.

Richarlison has hardly been prolific against the Gunners either, but the Brazilian has provided three goals and one assist in 15 games vs. Arsenal, including a phenomenal long-range consolation in November's 4-1 defeat at the Emirates.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz have 'big possibilities' to be available for Sunday's Premier League North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.

Neither attacker was able to take part in Wednesday's 2-2 stalemate with Wolverhampton Wanderers due to injury - Odegaard nursing a knee concern and Havertz managing his muscular problem.

The latter was initially expected to miss the derby with his issue as well, although Arteta affirmed before Wolves that he would be in with a chance of featuring against Igor Tudor's men.

Speaking to journalists in his pre-game press conference, Arteta did not directly state that the pair would be fit, but he expressed optimism about their chances of being available for the trip.

"Well, we have to wait until tomorrow but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game," Arteta stated, while also confirming that there were no new issues in the camp.

Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Mikel Arteta has two obvious calls to make

Never one to be committal either way when it comes to team news - unless there is irrefutable proof that a player will not make it - Arteta has at least strongly hinted that Havertz and Odegaard will make the cut for this crucial fixture.

While Havertz may need careful management following his spate of issues, if the Germany international is given the green light to make the squad, his inclusion in the first XI should be in no doubt.

Neither Viktor Gyokeres nor Gabriel Jesus cut the mustard against Wolves in midweek, and it is easy to see both men being marshalled effectively by the rapid Micky van de Ven.

Havertz can certainly not outpace the Dutchman, but his movement and intelligence can cause havoc in the Tottenham penalty area, starting as either a centre-forward or playmaker.

However, Odegaard's presence also means that Arteta can field Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side again, and having the combo of Saka-Odegaard-Havertz back again is very promising indeed.

Arsenal receive additional double boost for North London derby

In addition to delivering the latest on Havertz and Odegaard, Arteta also confirmed that Leandro Trossard would be fine despite a blow to the face against Wolves.

The Belgian was substituted in the dying embers of that encounter - when Arsenal were still 2-1 up - in what was seen as a time-wasting ploy by the home side, but he has not had to follow concussion protocols.

In addition, there was no mention of any concern for Saka, who was unable to complete the full 90 at Molineux as a result of a knock but will ostensibly be OK for the trip to Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the surprise appointment of former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea man Bruno Saltor to Igor Tudor's coaching team.

Following his arrival as Thomas Frank's successor, Tudor has been busy formulating his backroom staff, and those appointments have now been confirmed.

Earlier this week, it was reported that John Heitinga - who had only been part of Tottenham's ranks for a little over a month - was among the coaches to leave, alongside Justin Cochrane and Chris Haslam.

Tottenham announced on Friday morning that those reported changes had been made, but at the same time, Tudor has welcomed Bruno to Hotspur Way as his right-hand man.

The former Lazio and Juventus manager was expected to bring his trusted lieutenant Igor Javorcic to North London with him, but the 47-year-old has not yet been confirmed as part of Tottenham's new setup.

Who is new Tottenham coach Bruno Saltor?

A legendary figure in the history of Brighton, former right-back Bruno spent seven years on the South Coast from 2012 to 2019, before hanging up his boots and taking on the role of development coach with the Seagulls.

Bruno spent three years in a coaching capacity with Brighton from 2019 to 2022, before following Graham Potter to Chelsea, where he also served under Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino as assistant manager.

In between Potter's departure and Lampard's temporary appointment in 2022-23, Bruno was placed in temporary charge of Chelsea for one match, overseeing a goalless draw with Liverpool as caretaker manager.

Following nearly two years out of the game, Bruno returned to the English capital with Potter at West Ham United, serving as Irons assistant manager from January to September last year.

Which other coaches will join Igor Tudor at Tottenham?

Bruno is one of three new appointments to the Tottenham coaching team - excluding Tudor - as the Croatian's trusted goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic has also signed a deal with the Lilywhites.

However, existing goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte will stay on to work with Rogic, as well as the shot-stopping team of Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin.

Riccardo Raganacci is the third and final new man to be confirmed as part of Tudor's team - the 49-year-old will serve as a physical coach having worked in tandem with Tudor at Juventus.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is optimistic of having skipper Martin Odegaard available for Sunday's Premier League North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gunners captain has sat out their last two matches owing to a blow to the knee, including the disastrous 2-2 stalemate with basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.

However, Arteta stressed before the game that he was "very hopeful" of having Odegaard available for Sunday's encounter, where the ex-Real Madrid starlet will be expected to lead the team out if given the green light.

Arteta has unearthed a new gem during Odegaard's absence - Bukayo Saka in the 10 - but the Englishman could now return to the right-hand side after Noni Madueke's ineffective midweek display.

Kai Havertz is more of a doubt with his muscle problem, though, so it should be a straight shootout between Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus for the striker's spot - a battle the Swede should win after both were as poor as each other in midweek.

Leandro Trossard also came off with a blow to the head at Molineux, and while it is not clear whether he is following concussion protocols or not, Gabriel Martinelli is primed to start on the left-hand side.

Arteta should keep faith with his defensive-minded players, though, as Piero Hincapie keeps Riccardo Calafiori at bay following his first Gunners goal during the week.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Igor Tudor takes charge of his first Tottenham Hotspur game on Sunday afternoon, when the Lilywhites host North London derby rivals Arsenal in a Premier League baptism of fire.

The Croatian's outfit will be the furthest thing from full strength for his maiden match in charge, as at least 10 Tottenham players will miss out through injury or suspension, including the banned Cristian Romero.

Had the latter not taken the walk of shame at Old Trafford, Tudor could have instilled his trademark 3-4-2-1 shape straight away, but a lack of options means that he will surely be forced to field a back four for the derby.

Radu Dragusin and Micky van de Ven will shield Guglielmo Vicario in the hosts' rearguard, which should also feature Archie Gray and Djed Spence in the full-back areas, unless Pedro Porro recovers from a thigh injury in time to displace the former.

Tudor can at least make one unenforced change in midfield, where Joao Palhinha will surely step in for Yves Bissouma, who started the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in Thomas Frank's final game but was withdrawn during the break.

Wilson Odobert has now joined the long-term injury list with the ACL rupture he sustained in that contest, but again, Tudor's attacking situation is not so disastrous thanks to the presence of Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani.

The latter's relationship with Tudor from their time at Juventus could work in his favour, as the Frenchman joins Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons in the final third, but Richarlison is also back in training and could be an alternative option.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

North London derby day is almost upon us once again, and Sunday's blockbuster between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal carries extra significance for both bitter adversaries.

Igor Tudor will experience the true definition of a baptism of fire as Spurs head coach this weekend, while his opposite number Mikel Arteta is facing the dreaded bottle accusation again.

Match preview

It was hitherto inconceivable to imagine a Premier League season without Tottenham and Arsenal locking horns, but if Tudor cannot arrest Spurs' pitiful plight down the top-flight standings, the North London derby may cease to exist for 2026-27.

The now-unemployed Thomas Frank was - belatedly in the eyes of many a home supporter - given the boot after his injury-ravaged side were taken down 2-1 by Newcastle United in their most recent top-flight affair, a result that left the Europa League holders just five points above the relegation zone.

No Tottenham fan is under the illusion that their side is not in a relegation battle, especially as the hosts are the only team without a Premier League victory so far in 2026, taking just four points from 24 on offer.

But this is where Tudor comes in; the former Lazio, Marseille and Juventus head coach - whose time with the latter ended prematurely - has the job of steadying the ship for the remainder of the season, and history suggests that the Croatian could immediately get into the fans' good books.

Indeed, Tudor has won his first game in charge of each of his last five clubs - including a second spell at Hajduk Split - but he inherits a Tottenham squad with the third-worst Premier League home record in the current campaign, featuring a paltry two wins.

Speaking of twos, fearful Arsenal fans up and down the land are now reliving the same silver-medal nightmare, after their side catastrophically dropped two points to a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who could be relegated with the lowest-ever Premier League points total.

A 2-2 draw was arguably the least that the Old Gold deserved too, as Mikel Arteta's men inexplicably gifted possession back to the basement boys time and time again, while trying and failing spectacularly to run down the Molineux clock.

Arsenal remain in control of their title destiny, but their increasingly vulnerable advantage over Manchester City - whose fate is also in their own hands ahead of April's Etihad blockbuster with the Gunners - will be reduced to just two points if the Sky Blues win their game in hand.

Dropped points on the road have become an unhealthy habit for the league leaders, who have now won just three of their nine Premier League games on rival territory, but their North London derby dominance has been unquestioned over the past few years.

Indeed, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games with Spurs, have won their last three at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and made light work of their rivals in a 4-1 Eberechi Eze-inspired Emirates embarrassment back in November.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Arsenal Premier League form:

Arsenal form (all competitions):

Team News

Good news from the medical room has been in limited supply for Spurs all season, but Tudor has at least welcomed Richarlison back into first-team training, while Pedro Porro (thigh) has not been definitively ruled out either.

However, Wilson Odobert is out for the season after rupturing his ACL against Newcastle, joining Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Kevin Danso (ankle), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle) and Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh) in an overcrowded infirmary.

Cristian Romero will also serve the second of a four-match ban on Sunday, putting paid to Tudor's hopes of implementing his favoured back three system straight away, but he can at least call upon ex-Juve favourite Randal Kolo Muani to replace Odobert.

Nowhere near as hard hit on the fitness front, Arsenal may be boosted by no fewer than three returns on Sunday, as Martin Odegaard (knee), Kai Havertz (muscle) and Max Dowman (ankle) are all in with chances of making the squad - the former a particularly good chance.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were both casualties of the draw with Wolves, though; there is not any major concern over the former's knock, but the latter is more of a worry after coming off with a blow to the head.

Saka excelled as a number 10 yet again on Wednesday, but as there is significant hope over Odegaard's availability, the Englishman could revert to right-wing duties as Noni Madueke drops out after an underwhelming midweek performance.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Arsenal

If Wednesday's result has not given Arsenal the kick up the backside they need to get their title bid back on track, nothing will. All the frustration, the rage, the desolation that the Gunners felt in midweek - they must channel that energy into an utterly fascinating North London derby.

In the home corner, Tottenham also have all the motivation they require to prevail; from harming Arsenal's title bid to staving off any increasing demotion fears in Tudor's inaugural game in charge.

However, the hosts' injury crisis and appalling home record is too difficult to ignore, and we still have faith in Arsenal to add a fresh lick of red paint to North London in this weekend's main event.

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.