Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur's summer rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi shows no signs of slowing down as the Italian continues to identify players capable of transforming Spurs after their relegation scare.

Having already been linked with several major additions across the pitch, the north London club are now exploring a move for one of Serie A's most highly-rated midfielders, Manu Kone.

Crucially, recent developments elsewhere could leave Spurs with a clear path to complete the deal.

Roberto De Zerbi wants Manu Kone at Tottenham

© Iconsport / PA Images

Tottenham have emerged as genuine contenders to sign AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer, with De Zerbi understood to be a 'big fan' of the France international.

Kone's future has become a hot topic in Italy due to Roma's ongoing Financial Fair Play situation, which could force the club into a significant sale before the end of June.

The midfielder had initially looked destined for Arsenal after talks were held with his representatives, and personal terms were reportedly discussed. Roma were left waiting for a formal offer to arrive from the Gunners.

However, that approach has yet to materialise, opening the door for rival clubs to make their move.

According to reports in Italy, Tottenham have now made their own enquiries and are assessing the conditions of a potential £40 million deal. The 25-year-old is instead keeping his options open while continuing discussions with interested Premier League clubs.

Most encouragingly for Spurs, Kone is reportedly open to joining Tottenham despite the club not competing in Europe next season.

Manu Kone door open after Arsenal transfer update

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The timing could hardly be better for Tottenham.

Recent comments from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggested Arsenal are playing down reports that Kone is a priority target, with the journalist stating the Roma midfielder is not currently viewed as a key objective at the Emirates Stadium.

That significantly alters the landscape of the race.

For weeks, the Gunners appeared to be leading the chase after establishing contact with Kone's camp, but the lack of progress with Roma has allowed Tottenham to enter the conversation at a critical stage.

From Spurs' perspective, Kone looks like exactly the type of midfielder De Zerbi loves to work with - dynamic, athletic and comfortable both defensively and in possession, he has developed into one of Serie A's most complete box-to-box operators during his time in Rome.

At around £40 million, he would also represent a far more affordable option than some of the other midfielders currently being linked with Premier League clubs.

If Arsenal truly have cooled their interest, then Tottenham may suddenly find themselves with a clear run at a player who could become a cornerstone of De Zerbi's new-look midfield.

Given the manager's admiration for Kone and the player's apparent openness to the move, this is one transfer saga that could gather momentum very quickly.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to hold fresh contract talks with Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven.

Van de Ven joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £34.5m and has since established himself as one of the Premier League's leading defenders.

The 25-year-old made 45 appearances last season, scoring seven goals, and is currently representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

Roberto De Zerbi has prioritised strengthening his defence, with Spurs already snapping up Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while also agreeing a £52m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Micky van de Ven future: new contract for the Dutchman?

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Van de Ven's future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, but Spurs appear determined to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.

According to Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are planning to hold fresh contract talks with the defender, although discussions are expected to take place after the World Cup.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Van de Ven, but Jacobs has suggested that the Reds currently have no plans to pursue the Dutch international.

While retaining their key players remains a priority, De Zerbi could be more open to sanctioning the departures of the likes of Radu Dragusin and Cristian Romero this summer.

Should Liverpool reconsider decision to move for Micky van de Ven?

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Following Ibrahima Konate's departure on a free transfer, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool move for an established centre-back during the summer window.

Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive from Rennes, while Giovanni Leoni is expected to play a much bigger role next season after missing almost the entire 2025-26 campaign with an ACL injury.

With Virgil van Dijk still at the club and Joe Gomez also available, Liverpool may feel they possess sufficient depth in central defence, although that could prove a risky approach.

Van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract, and the Reds must begin planning for life after their long-serving captain.

At the same time, Gomez has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, and relying on him to remain available throughout an entire campaign would represent a considerable gamble.

Given Liverpool's need to plan for life after Van Dijk, passing up the opportunity to sign Van de Ven could prove short-sighted.

The Dutch international combines elite-level experience with his best years still ahead of him, making him one of the few defenders capable of strengthening the present while safeguarding the future.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly expected to lodge a second bid for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window.

Spurs have been active in the market after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, and bolstering the midfield engine room remains one of Roberto De Zerbi's priorities.

Since arriving from AC Milan three years ago in a £55m deal, Tonali has established himself as one of Newcastle's key players, and he remains under contract at St James' Park until 2029, with the club holding the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Despite Newcastle's financial difficulties, which forced them to sell Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, the Magpies remain under no pressure to part ways with Tonali and are likely to demand a substantial fee for the Italy international.

Spurs reportedly submitted an opening offer in the region of £80m for Tonali, but Newcastle quickly rejected the bid.

Tottenham desperate to sign Sandro Tonali?

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

Despite seeing a sizeable offer turned down, Spurs do not appear to be backing away from the race.

According to Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are expected to return with a fresh bid for the former AC Milan midfielder, although the details of the proposed offer remain unclear.

Spurs are not alone in their pursuit and could face strong competition from Manchester City, who are finding it difficult to reach an agreement for their first-choice target, Elliot Anderson.

The North London club are reportedly looking to make a statement signing, and it remains to be seen whether they can persuade Tonali to leave Tyneside without the lure of European football.

Roberto De Zerbi stamping his authority at Tottenham

© Iconsport / Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News

The North Londoners have wasted little time strengthening their squad after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign and have already secured agreements for several new arrivals.

Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi are set to arrive on free transfers, while Spurs have agreed a £52m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

In midfield, De Zerbi is also keen to keep Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis, with Tottenham reportedly in negotiations with Bayern Munich over a fresh agreement.

A new goalkeeper could also be a priority, particularly if Guglielmo Vicario returns to Serie A, while a new winger may arrive to complete the club's summer rebuild.

Manchester United have reached an agreement on personal terms with West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, the newest report has claimed.

The Red Devils look like they will be one of the busier teams in the summer transfer window, with a number of additions needed if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.

Midfield is the biggest area of concern this summer, especially as the departure of Casemiro has left the club with just two senior options for the middle of the pitch.

Boss Michael Carrick will know that he cannot ask Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to start every game next season, with the return of Champions League football sure to add strain onto his squad.

Football Insider has claimed that Man United have agreed personal terms with West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, though Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be close to an agreement with the midfielder as well.

© Imago / Craig Mercer

Mateus Fernandes to Man United: Positive signs for Michael Carrick's side?

West Ham are said to be demanding a fee of £80m for Fernandes, but Football Insider also revealed that the Red Devils are hoping to conclude a deal worth £65m plus add ons.

Their reluctance to meet the Hammers price could be seen in a positive light given United have historically overpaid for star players, and refusing to match their demands could stop the Red Devils from being overcharged on future deals.

Another benefit of not overpaying is that the club's budget will likely stretch further, and that could be important this summer considering at least two midfielders are needed alongside other signings.

Agreeing personal terms so early with Fernandes may force West Ham to lower their price if they are to avoid the 21-year-old becoming disillusioned with the club ahead of their season in the Championship, but there are other options on the market if the Irons do not budge.

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Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur: A concern for Manchester United?

If Tottenham manage to beat Man United to the signing of Fernandes, that should be a major concern to Carrick as it may hint at the power of Old Trafford waning.

Spurs finished 17th for a second consecutive season and have no European football, so it should logically be easier to beat them to key targets than the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

It is not yet clear if Fernandes has a preference, but perhaps one of the major factors could be the managers in the dugout.

Roberto De Zerbi is known for playing an attractive brand of football, whereas Carrick is a relatively unknown commodity at the top level, and it would therefore be understandable if the West Ham star was keen to play under the Spurs boss.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly seen an opening bid of around £80m for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali rejected.

The Italy international has emerged as a leading target for Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is seeking a new conductor in the engine room after steering the North Londoners away from relegation danger last term.

Tonali arrived at St James' Park from AC Milan three years ago and is under contract until 2029, with Newcastle also holding an option for a further 12 months.

As a result, the Magpies are said to be under no pressure to cash in this summer and would only consider a departure for a huge fee.

Newcastle have already sanctioned the high-profile sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, banking £69m from the winger's switch to Camp Nou.

Newcastle 'stand firm' as Spurs and Man City circle Tonali

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

Spurs' offer is understood to have landed earlier this week, but Sky Sports News reports that Newcastle wasted little time in turning down the proposal for one of their most prized assets.

De Zerbi is understood to have identified Tonali as an ideal fit for his possession-heavy approach, targeting the 26-year-old as a midfielder who can dictate tempo and improve the technical level of his squad.

Manchester City are also believed to hold an interest in the former Milan man, while simultaneously pursuing Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Tonali has three years remaining on his current deal at St James' Park, plus that club option for an extra season, further strengthening Newcastle's position at the negotiating table.

The Italy international cost the Magpies £55m in 2023 and has since become a key component of their midfield structure.

What Tonali pursuit tells us about De Zerbi's Spurs rebuild

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Spurs' pursuit of Tonali comes amid a broader overhaul of the squad as De Zerbi attempts to imprint his philosophy on the club.

The North Londoners have already snapped up Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while agreeing a £52m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

The above source reveals that teenage defender Luka Vuskovic could yet depart, with Brighton tabling an improved £45m bid and the highly rated 19-year-old keen on a move after impressing on loan at Hamburg.

In midfield, a permanent deal for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha remains on the table after a set option expired, although Sporting Lisbon are also monitoring the situation.

Spurs are additionally in the market for a new winger to eventually succeed Heung-min Son, another striker capable of operating across the front line and, potentially, a goalkeeper if Guglielmo Vicario returns to Serie A, underlining the scale of De Zerbi's summer rebuild at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich this summer.

The Portuguese midfielder spent last season on loan in North London and enjoyed an impressive campaign, contributing seven goals and assists in the Premier League.

Spurs hold an option to make the move permanent for £25.93m, although reports suggest they are attempting to negotiate a lower fee with Bayern.

Sporting Lisbon have also been strongly linked with a move for their former player and remain keen to bring him back to Portugal.

Joao Palhinha future: Tottenham hold advantage in the race

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According to Portuguese media outlet O Jogo, Palhinha is currently closer to remaining at Tottenham than securing a return to Sporting this summer.

The Lisbon giants have identified the midfielder as a leading target as they prepare for the possible departure of Morten Hjulmand, who continues to attract interest from several European heavyweights.

Recent reports suggested that Palhinha was willing to lower his wage demands in order to facilitate a return to Sporting, but Tottenham are now believed to be in a stronger position to secure his signature.

While the 30-year-old has yet to make a final decision on his future, Sporting's hopes remain alive.

Palhinha is also thought to have developed a strong working relationship with Roberto De Zerbi, who has publicly expressed his desire to keep the midfielder at the club.

Joao Palhinha: No chance of going back to Bayern Munich

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Bayern paid a substantial fee to sign Palhinha from Fulham, but it quickly became apparent that his profile was not an ideal fit for Vincent Kompany's tactical system.

The Bundesliga champions are actively looking to move on several fringe players, including Palhinha, and have reportedly informed him that he does not feature in their long-term plans.

Those circumstances could strengthen Tottenham's negotiating position, particularly if Bayern become increasingly willing to lower their demands in order to facilitate a permanent transfer.

Palhinha has also been unable to use the World Cup as a platform to boost his market value, potentially leaving Bayern with less leverage as talks continue.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a £45m bid from Brighton & Hove Albion for Luka Vuskovic, the latest report has revealed.

Roberto De Zerbi appears determined to transform the makeup of his Spurs squad ahead of the new Premier League season, especially in defence.

Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi have already been signed, while the club are said to have agreed a deal with Brighton for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

That transfer is reported to total £52m, though Tottenham may receive a significant sum from the Seagulls for central defender Vuskovic.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Brighton have bid £45m for the 19-year-old, adding that the Lononders will soon decide whether to accept the offer.

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Luka Vuskovic transfer latest: Mistake by Roberto De Zerbi?

Tottenham have strengthened considerably in defence, so allowing Vuskovic to leave would not necessarily leave the club short at the back.

In fact, there is an argument that Senesi and Van Hecke perfectly suit De Zerbi's style of play, though there are question marks about both from a defensive perspective.

Vuskovic is young enough to develop considerably, and he demonstrated during his time on loan at Hamburger SV in 2025-26 that he is an excellent duellist, both on the ground and in the air.

The physical nature of the Premier League means teams can be caught out at the back if their defence is not able to deal with long balls, and Vuskovic would likely be very comfortable in the top flight due to his skillset.

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Luka Vuskovic to Brighton: The best place for his development?

If Spurs cannot guarantee Vuskovic minutes, then the teenager may not find a better destination this summer than the Amex.

Brighton have a long history of allowing youngsters to iron out their mistakes, and the Tottenham centre-back would not have the added pressure that playing for a team like Spurs would encompass.

It should be noted that Brighton will play Conference League football next term, and it may benefit the 19-year-old to become accustomed to playing two games a week.

The Seagulls are also not opposed to selling their star players, so the Croatian would almost certainly still have the opportunity to move to a team competing at the top level in the coming years.

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Marseille forward Mason Greenwood amid suggestions the French club could sanction a big-money sale this summer.

The former Manchester United attacker has been regularly linked with a return to the Premier League after rebuilding his career in Ligue 1.

Mikel Arteta is believed to be exploring attacking reinforcements ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League title defence, with Greenwood now said to be on the radar.

French outlet L’Equipe - via Mirror Football - claims Arsenal are among several clubs monitoring the 24-year-old.

Marseille, however, are thought to value the striker at around €80m (£69.3m) as they seek to remain within financial regulations.

Arsenal 'named' among Greenwood suitors as Marseille weigh sale

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Arsenal have long been credited with an interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but Greenwood is being mooted as an alternative target if a move for the Argentine does not materialise.

The forward remains under contract at Marseille until 2029, yet the Ligue 1 side are reportedly open to cashing in, given his prolific return of 48 goals in 81 appearances since arriving in 2024.

Roma are also said to be in the frame, while previous reports had suggested that Tottenham Hotspur could enter the conversation.

Greenwood, who scored 35 times in 129 matches for Man United before leaving Old Trafford, has significantly rebuilt his on-field reputation in France.

Any transfer is likely to involve complex negotiations, not least due to his fee and the wider context surrounding his career.

Spurs 'distance themselves' as De Zerbi clarifies Greenwood stance

© Iconsport / Sylvain Thomas / FEP

Despite earlier speculation, Spurs are understood to have no intention of moving for Greenwood, even after appointing Roberto De Zerbi as head coach.

The Italian previously worked with the forward at Marseille and faced a backlash from some Spurs supporters over past comments in which he spoke sympathetically about Greenwood’s situation.

De Zerbi has since reiterated that he is firmly against any form of violence, particularly against women, stressing that he is sensitive to the issue as a father and condemns sexist behaviour in all forms.

Greenwood was charged with attempted rape and controlling and coercive behaviour before those charges were later dropped, and his future continues to be the subject of scrutiny on and off the pitch.

While Arsenal’s reported interest adds a new twist to the forward's future, Tottenham’s stance appears clear, leaving the Gunners and overseas clubs as the more likely potential destinations if Marseille decide to sell.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer.

The 22-year-old is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the Premier League ahead of the summer trading point, with 20-time English champions Liverpool known to be admirers of the Eagles star.

Surprisingly to some, Wharton failed to make Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, losing out to Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson.

The decisions of the German head coach were criticised massively pre-tournament, however, the Three Lions' 4-2 success over Croatia in their opening match of Group L went a long way to silence the naysayers.

England and the Chequered Ones were all square at 2-2 after 45 minutes, before an improved second-half display from Tuchel's side led to victory courtesy of strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.

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Tottenham join Liverpool in Wharton race

According to TEAMtalk, a new Premier League suitor has entered the race for the in-demand services of Wharton, who was unlucky to miss out on a place at the World Cup in North America this summer.

The report claims that Tottenham Hotspur are targeting potentially three midfield signings ahead of the new season, addressing the shortcomings of a troubled 2025-26 term and the recent departure of Yves Bissouma.

Spurs and head coach Roberto De Zerbi are supposedly huge admirers of Wharton, who Crystal Palace have repeatedly insisted is not for sale as they look to retain their star men following the departure of manager Oliver Glasner.

Liverpool are understood to be ahead of Spurs in the hunt for the midfielder in the sense that they have spoken to the player's camp over a potential switch, however, North London remains a possible destination.

The Lilywhites are also interested in a number of other engine-room options, including West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle United sweetheart Sandro Tonali, who has endured a troubled time in English football.

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Wharton loses out to standard-driving elder

On pure ability, Wharton should be in Tuchel's camp for the World Cup this summer, however, the Champions League-winning coach opted for a different metric to measure his backup midfielder options by.

Part of the senior leadership team with the Three Lions, Jordan Henderson is the ultimate driver of standards on the international scene, providing a pathway of conversation between the younger players and the coaching staff.

After a passable campaign at Brentford following his return to the Premier League, the 36-year-old was a popular selection for the World Cup by his peers, as displayed recently by Morgan Rogers and Bellingham during an interview.

Manchester United will be aiming to build on what was an excellent 2025-26 Premier League campaign when they take to the field in the new season.

The Red Devils finished third last term to secure a return to the Champions League, but there will be a completely different set of challenges for Michael Carrick in 2026-27.

A successful summer of recruitment could potentially put the 20-time English champions in the picture for a title challenge in the new campaign.

Here, Sports Mole brings you Man United’s full list of fixtures from the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Man United 2026-27 Premier League fixtures key dates

Liverpool, January 23, H

Matches against Liverpool are always special, and the Red Devils will welcome their bitter rivals to Old Trafford on January 23.

Man United won both Premier League matches against Liverpool during the 2025-26 campaign, including a 3-2 success at Old Trafford in what was a blockbuster affair.

Liverpool are now under the management of Andoni Iraola, and it will be fascinating to see how the ex-Bournemouth head coach sets the Reds up next season.

Man City, September 12, H

Liverpool and Man City are Man United's biggest rivals, and the match between the Red Devils and the Citizens at Old Trafford on September 12 should be another special game.

Carrick was able to guide Man United to a 2-0 win over Man City in the corresponding fixture during the 2025-26 campaign, and it was a dominant performance from the Red Devils.

Man United will be looking to send out another statement when they host a team now without legendary head coach Pep Guardiola in the dugout.

Arsenal, February 27, H

Man United lost 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford in their first match of last season, but it was an encouraging performance from the Red Devils.

The two teams will meet at Old Trafford on February 27, and if Man United are serious about being in the title conversation next term, then they will surely need to overcome Mikel Arteta's side.

Man United's last home Premier League win over Arsenal was in September 2022, but they famously won 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium back in January.