FourFourTwo

Tottenham are in talks to land a midfielder that Arsenal failed to agree a deal for a matter of months ago.

The Gunners already have a headline signing in that department, in the shape of Martin Zubimendi, but they had spied another opportunity to bolster Mikel Arteta’s ranks.

They never managed to get it off the ground, however, and may now suffer the ignominy of watching their former target pitch up round the corner with their close rivals.

Tottenham to snatch Joao Palhinha from Arsenal’s hands

Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha’s first season in Germany has not entirely gone to plan, unable to climb beyond Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer, among others, in the pecking order under Vincent Kompany.

It prompted Arsenal, according to a Bild report, to explore the former Fulham man’s availability, diving deep into the financial side of a potential agreement, but it never came to fruition.

Fast forward to now, and The Athletic are reporting that rivals Tottenham are in talks with the German giants to loan Palhinha, favouring that over a permanent deal.

It could mirror a similar deal Spurs have just concluded with Die Roten, which saw them loan Mathys Tel before finalising a permanent switch this summer.

Palhinha has three years left to run on his current Bayern contract, but having made just 25 appearances in all competitions last term, his long-term viability at the Allianz Arena is in doubt.

The 30-year-old signed for Kompany’s side just 12 months ago, in a substantial deal worth around €51m, according to The Athletic.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, Palhinha is not the sort of signing that will knock Spurs fans off their feet, but he could be the player they need.

They have plenty of talent going forward, with more added in their acquisition of Mohammed Kudus, but could do with some more grit in midfield, lost since the departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Marseille last year.

They will hope teenager Archie Gray is one day capable of taking on that task by himself, but while he adjusts and grows into England’s top tier, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Spurs to bring in a wily Premier League operator like Palhinha.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a mixed summer so far when it comes to landing creative attacking players.

Even Fabrizio Romano believed that they had their Morgan Gibbs-White deal over the line at one stage, before Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis muscled in and called the move off, handing him a new contract, despite the midfielder’s release clause being met.

Spurs fared better in their pursuit of former West Ham man Mohammed Kudus, who Thomas Frank will be able to call upon next season following the forward’s £55m move.

Tottenham to war with Arsenal, Newcastle and more for no.10

Chairman Daniel Levy isn’t done there, having spied what may be a cheaper deal for a player currently with one of last season’s relegated sides.

But he will need to battle old rivals Arsenal first, with boss Mikel Arteta having already given his go-ahead for his superiors to go and land the same player over two months ago.

According to TBR Football, Spurs have entered the race for Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss, with Newcastle United also keen.

The Morocco international registered five Premier League goal involvements last term as part of a struggling Foxes outfit, and while he couldn’t save the club from relegation, the 21-year-old is still tipped for big things. He expects to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, according to the same report.

The trio of Premier League clubs are joined by Leeds United and West Ham in their interest, with RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Monaco, Atalanta and Valencia watching on from the continent.

Journalist Graeme Bailey, who broke news of Spurs’ interest, said: “El Khannouss is a fascinating player – very similar to Rayan Cherki in terms of talent. Many clubs rate him as one of the finest technicians of his generation.”

In FourFourTwo’s view, with the suitors mentioned and the talent El Khannouss has shown at such a young age in the top tier, it’s clear he cannot remain at Leicester for another season.

Their relegation reduces their bargaining power, which could lead to a cut-price offering and makes El Khannouss a market opportunity for a Premier League side, even if they’re not desperate for a player in that position.

If Spurs have the chance to make a cheap move for the Moroccan, they’d be wise to go for it.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to break their transfer record to sign a Real Madrid star fancied by rivals Arsenal.

It was less than 12 months ago that Spurs last broke their transfer record to sign former Bournemouth man Dominic Solanke, in a deal worth up to £65m.

They dipped their toe in the water again this summer, forking out £55m for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, and are now reportedly setting their sights even higher.

Tottenham to 'break transfer record' for Real Madrid forward

Spurs even had a £60m deal seemingly signed and sealed for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, before owner Evangelos Marinakis circumvented that release-clause process to hand the attacker a new contract, in a rather odd announcement video.

Not typically regarded as a big spender, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy already has his eyes on the next prize, and this one’s even bigger.

Following reports from the same outlet last week, AS have revealed that Tottenham’s position in the race to sign winger Rodrygo has strengthened, following fellow suitors Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea focusing their attention elsewhere.

However, the cost of the deal could become the sticking point, with Real Madrid reportedly demanding €90m and the winger looking for a €10m-per-year salary.

The Spurs hierarchy, according to the Spanish newspaper, are willing to accept one of those demands if they can negotiate on the other.

The Brazil international’s place in Xabi Alonso’s side is uncertain after he played just 92 minutes over six games at the FIFA Club World Cup, which were the new head coach’s first in charge.

In FourFourTwo’s view, after the deflating Gibbs-White news this would be some way to make up for it.

Not every year do Spurs entering the summer window hot on the heels of European success, which they must build on with strong signings, similar to Liverpool's aggressive approach with the additions of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike among others.

Landing one of Madrid’s attackers is not a very Tottenham-like move, so if the deal is there to be done, they must find a way. It would be an incredibly strong signal of intent.

Tottenham Hotspur teenager Moore is reportedly a loan target for Scottish Premiership side Rangers after the youngster was absent from Tottenham's pre-season tour.

Moore has been allowed to remain in England to help facilitate a loan move this coming season, following a breakout campaign under Ange Postecoglou last term.

The academy star made 12 Premier League appearances during 2024-25, and a further five outings in the UEFA Europa League, which Spurs clinched with victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.

Moore could join Rangers' title bid

Tottenham announced their pre-season tour group on Sunday evening, which did not include the likes of Moore, Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett, all of whom reportedly granted permission to pursue loan opportunities.

Manor Solomon, Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Bryan Gil have also not travelled whilst they undergo treatment for injuries.

Fresh from their takeover by 49ers Enterprises, Glasgow side Rangers have emerged as a potential destination for 17-year-old Moore.

The 'Gers are in the market for a wide attacker having already expressed an interest in Crystal Palace's Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Under new head coach Russell Martin, Rangers are keen to topple Celtic's hegemony of Scottish football over the last decade or so.

The 55-time champions have already added Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, Oscar Cortes, Emmanuel Fernandez, Thelo Aasgaard, Nasser Djiga and Djeidi Gassama during the summer window and could make Moore their latest arrival, per national reports.

Ibrox - which was ranked number four in FourFourTwo's best stadiums in the world - last saw a title lift in 2020-21, however, with supporters in stadiums, 'Gers fans have waited since 2010-11 for a Scottish Premiership to celebrate on home turf.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, Rangers' new-look ownership structure, coupled with a new manager, way of playing and signings could make Scotland's top flight a more entertaining and competitive division in 2025-26.

South Korean international Son Heung-min is a transfer target for Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC.

Spurs captain Son could be ready to call time on his 10-year stay in North London after it was revealed the 33-year-old's reps are in contact with the LAFC hierarchy over a potential move.

The former Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen forward has been a mainstay for Spurs since arriving in 2015, making over 450 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Son could leave the Premier League for bumper MLS salary

In recent seasons, injuries and squad churn has dulled Son's effectiveness with the Korean's output in front of goal beginning to wane.

Last year, Son managed just seven Premier League goals in 30 appearances, his lowest tally of goals and appearances since his debut Spurs campaign in 2015-16.

FourFourTwo understands Son is in talks with LAFC but at present the attacker's salary expectations exceed what LAFC are prepared to pay.

MLS teams are subject to a league-wide salary cap, however, each side is allowed to name up to three Designated Players per season. This permits clubs to sign blue-chip players and more high-profile names on higher wages, some of which is covered by the league itself. Any deal for Son would likely see the Korean rival the MLS's current highest-paid player, with the compensation package sought estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi presently earns a $20.5 million, according to the latest MLS figures.

Few clubs in world football are capable of affording such a player, therefore there are complications to LAFC's interest. Theoretically, third parties such as big-name sports and technology brands could contribute to Son's prospective pay packet, however, without state backing, as has been observed in the Saudi Pro League, clubs will find it difficult to meet the player's demands.

LAFC's current highest-paid player is Denis Bouanga on a reported $3.7 million per season. The 30-year-old former AS Saint-Etienne forward has hit 87 goals in 136 appearances for The Black and Gold. LAFC's other recent Designated Players included former Premier League pair Olivier Giroud and Cengiz Ünder.

Los Angeles has the world's largest diaspora of South Koreans, excluding the country itself, and there is a belief LAFC could recoup a significant portion of their expenditure on Son through merchandising and other commercial ventures.

Major League Baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers recently acquired Son's countryman Hyeseong Kim on a three-year contract, while the Dodgers also have Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani on their roster, having joined from the Los Angeles Angels. Both are fan favourites at Dodger Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur have begun the process of a move for Manchester United star, Kobbie Mainoo.

Spurs are steadily building under new manager, Thomas Frank, having brought brought in the likes of Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus, while securing loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel on permanent contracts.

With Tottenham having beaten Manchester United in the Europa League final – and secured a Champions League place at the Red Devils' expense – the Lilywhites could twist the knife by taking one of the most promising young players at Old Trafford in Mainoo.

Kobbie Mainoo to Tottenham Hotspur gathers pace, with Manchester United struggling to tie him down

Earlier this year, it was reported that no Man United player would be safe from the axe, with new owners INEOS wanting to cut costs – and even the formerly untouchable duo of Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are considered available for a reasonable price.

Spurs have been looking to upgrade in midfield, triggering Morgan Gibbs-White's release clause at Nottingham Forest, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a post on X (formerly Twitter), while deals for Douglas Luiz and Joao Palhinha have been mooted, too.

In the no.8 role, Frank has turned to Mainoo to strengthen his side, TBR Football reporting via transfer expert Graeme Bailey that Spurs have enquired about the England international.

Mainoo started just 24 times last season due to a combination of injuries and Ruben Amorim omitting him from his double-pivot for Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, and with the 20-year-old still yet to commit his long-term future to Old Trafford, there's a question mark over his place under the INEOS administration.

As a homegrown talent, Mainoo would count as pure profit to satisfy the club's position in passing Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), as would Garnacho and a potential sale of Barcelona-bound Marcus Rashford next summer.

FourFourTwo understands, however, that there are a number of players that United would want to offload before Mainoo, who the club views as a crown jewel.

It could take as much as £75m for United to part with the player, who is a fan favourite, which Tottenham are unlikely to want to offer after heavy spending so far this term.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Alli has been linked with a shock move as he attempts to reignite his career.

The 29-year-old was once a key figure for Spurs, registering an incredible 27 Premier League goal involvements at his peak in 2016/17.

He also racked up 37 caps for the Three Lions before beginning to fade prematurely amid personal issues.

Dele Alli set for shock move away from Europe

Dele opened up about his struggles in a moving, in-depth interview with Gary Neville for The Overlap, where he described how a difficult upbringing created issues that carried through into his adult life.

Spells at Everton, Besiktas and Como have yet to push him back to where he once was in the game, but the midfielder is not for giving up.

According to pundit Cesar Cidade Dias, in a piece for GZH, Dele has been offered to Brazilian club Gremio.

It follows two other former Premier League stars, Fabian Balbuena and Carlos Vinicius, being linked with the Porto Alegre side in recent weeks.

Dele made just one appearance last term for Como, a nine-minute cameo which saw him pick up a straight red card, and is seeking a new challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, having previously stated that he aims to regain his England spot for the tournament.

However, GZH goes on to state that Dele’s wage demands could be too high for Gremio, and in any case, the club are looking to limit risk-taking in the market following a string of unsuccessful signings.

In FourFourTwo’s view, while this move would make for a really intriguing story, it doesn’t feel like the best move for Dele.

Brazil is a long way from home, in a league that won’t have the same eyes on it as a European division.

If he wants to make a final play to regain his England spot, after a few seasons with limited football, he needs to make sure he’s firmly in Thomas Tuchel’s eyeline.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a shock approach to Real Madrid regarding winger Rodrygo

Spurs have not been shy in spending the windfall their Europa League triumph, and subsequent Champions League entry, has provided them.

They have already brought Thomas Frank into the dugout from Brentford, nabbed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and are working on a slightly complicated deal for Nottingham Forest man Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham Hotspur muscle in on Liverpool and Arsenal target Rodrygo

Rodrygo holds an odd place in the football hierarchy; undoubtedly one of the best attackers in the world, but somewhat in the shadows at the Bernabeu, with stars like Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham taking much of the limelight.

In the likes of Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, Los Blancos have plenty of cover for the Brazilian’s right-wing berth, creating suggestions that he could be available for the right price.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Spurs are looking to make a statement by signing Rodrygo.

Given the money already spent this window, the report reveals that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, ever the negotiator, hopes to get the price for the winger below €90m.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest, but the Gunners have just signed Noni Madueke, while the Blues have brought in Jamie Gittens and Estevao in this window, which will surely reduce their need for a Rodrygo-level signing.

Madrid and the player have agreed to sit down to discuss his position, but “the ball is in Rodrygo’s court”, according to AS.

In FourFourTwo’s view, although Spurs had a disastrous season in the Premier League, they did net their first silverware in 17 years last term, so if they want to be considered among the elite in Europe once again, they need to strike while the iron’s hot.

There is no better time than now, with their Europa League winnings and Champions League money on the way, and signing one of Madrid’s top attackers would be a clear signal of intent.

Levy is a stubborn dealmaker, but if he can find a way to make this one work, he must make every effort to get it over the line.

Tottenham are set to battle four Champions League teams to sign a Premier League defender.

Spurs can also offer a place in Europe’s premier competition thanks to their Europa League final win against Manchester United at the end of last season.

However, aside from that silverware, it was a difficult season for the north London side, who suffered a number of defensive injuries and wound up finishing 17th in the league, leading to the sacking of former boss Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham to battle PSG, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool for Premier League defender

Spurs were already, therefore, in need of cover at the back, but their needs may become even starker if Atletico Madrid follow up on their interest in Cristian Romero.

Thomas Frank’s side have a replacement in mind and are ready to commit, but it still looks a difficult deal to conclude.

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs are interested in Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi and are ready to pay his full €70m asking price.

Transfer journalist Duncan Castles has claimed on the Transfers podcast that the club have already launched a bid of that value, too.

That may not be enough to get the deal done, however, as the player is currently focused on Paris Saint-Germain, who have bid multiple times for the Ukraine international but are yet to see an offer accepted by the Cherries.

That’s added to interest from Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool, all teams who could use the services of a young, Premier League-proven centre-back. But Zabarnyi is believed to have handed in a transfer request to fast-track a move to the French capital, in a deal PSG are confident they can get done.

Dominic Solanke – whose £54.42 million move from Bournemouth in the 2024/25 summer window made him one of the top 100 most expensive players of all time – broke the record for being the Lilywhites' record signing last summer.

The BBC reported Kudus' fee as being £55m earlier this month – and now chairman Daniel Levy may sanction an even bigger move.

In FourFourTwo’s view, Spurs are still behind in the running for the Ukrainian: PSG, following their Champions League win with a stable of young talent, are widely regarded as one of the best teams in Europe and will be fancied to go far in the competition once again this year.

While Tottenham are in the competition too, the outlook is not as promising, with the Lilywhites having snuck in via the Europa League back door after finishing a jaw-dropping 17th in the Premier League.

Not to mention PSG are further along in their interest with multiple bids already submitted. It seems a simple choice for the player.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to disrupt Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of a Premier League defender with an audacious offer.

It follows Spurs’ capture of Mohammed Kudus from fellow London-based side West Ham United, in a deal worth £55m.

He’s one of five permanent signings confirmed for the north London outfit so far this summer, as the club prepares for Thomas Frank’s first season in charge.

Tottenham to rival PSG for Bournemouth star

It’s no secret that injuries affected the Lilywhites last year, particularly in defence, with substantial absences for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero requiring teenager Archie Gray, predominantly a midfielder by trade, to fill in.

Chairman Daniel Levy appears determined for Frank not to encounter the same problems as Ange Postecoglou and so is looking to the market to bolster the squad’s defensive options.

In that search, they have landed on Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who arrived in the Premier League from Dynamo Kyiv two years ago.

The report states that Champions League winners PSG are interested and have tabled offers of around €60m, which have been rejected by the Cherries.

Spurs are willing to go one better in their pursuit of the Ukraine international by preparing to offer the €70m that Bournemouth are thought to be requesting to sanction an exit.

Despite Tottenham appearing to be the top bidders as things stand, the Italian outlet goes on to reveal that PSG is Zabarnyi’s preferred option as things stand.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, while Zabarnyi is no doubt a top player, it feels like a lot of money to spend in a position where Spurs are already well-stocked.

Alongside the main pairing of Van de Ven and Romero, Spurs already the likes of Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies on the books, not to mention young trio Luka Vuskovic, Ashley Phillips and Kota Takai waiting for minutes in the wing.

The Lilywhites no doubt feel burnt by the situation they were left in last season defensively, but they no longer seem to have a problem in that department that requires a €70m solution.