Tottenham transfer round-up: Savinho latest, Rafael Leao boost, surprise Randal Kolo Muani twist
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer business has shown no signs of slowing down, and with several more arrivals and departures still expected, there is plenty for Spurs supporters to keep track of.
Ahead of his first full season in charge, Roberto De Zerbi admitted he wanted to build a new Tottenham team, and the Spurs hierarchy have certainly backed that vision after promising supporters a ‘big summer’.
The Lilywhites have already completed six first-team signings despite the transfer window only opening barely three weeks ago. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all arrived on free transfers, but Spurs have still invested £237m on three marquee additions.
Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton in a £52m deal before Tottenham broke their transfer record twice by signing Mateus Fernandes for £85m and Sandro Tonali for £100m.
There has also been plenty of movement in the opposite direction. Luka Vuskovic’s £50m move to Brighton now only awaits official confirmation, Yves Bissouma departed following the expiry of his contract, Joao Palhinha returned to Bayern Munich after the end of his loan spell, while Radu Dragusin joined Fiorentina on loan for the season.
With the midfield and defence now significantly strengthened, Tottenham’s attention is expected to turn towards attacking reinforcements, while several players in the current squad also face uncertain futures. Here’s a look at the latest developments.
Tottenham transfer round-up: Is Savinho still heading to N17?
Savinho was one of the first names linked with Tottenham this summer, having also featured prominently on Spurs’ shortlist during previous transfer windows.
The Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham and has also dropped several social media hints that supporters have picked up on. However, Manchester City and Spurs are still yet to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.
We previously reported that although new City boss Enzo Maresca has approved Savinho’s departure, he would first like another winger to arrive before allowing the Brazilian to leave. That has been viewed as one of the main reasons why the deal has gone quiet in recent weeks while Tottenham focused on completing other priority transfers.
Supporters need not worry just yet, though, as Fabrizio Romano has recently reassured fans that negotiations remain active, describing Tottenham as ‘close to completing the deal’, before later adding that everything now depends on the transfer fee and Manchester City’s own movements.
Cody Gakpo, Rafael Leao and Eli Kroupi Jr remain on Tottenham’s radar
Regular Spurs Web readers will already be well aware that Tottenham have explored a move for Cody Gakpo over recent weeks.
While the Liverpool forward is yet to ask to leave Anfield and the Reds have not actively put him up for sale, journalists including Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs have both continued to name Spurs as one of the clubs to watch should his situation change.
Elsewhere, Tottenham have also been linked with Rafael Leao, with multiple reports claiming Spurs have already held discussions over a potential move for the AC Milan winger.
Leao is believed to be open to joining Tottenham and could be available for somewhere between €60m and €70m (£51m-£60m). Manchester United have also been offered the Portugal international, although he is not thought to be a priority target at Old Trafford.
Described as ‘one of the leading names under discussion’ inside Hotspur Way, Spurs also remain interested in signing Eli Kroupi Jr, who scored 13 Premier League goals in 21 starts last season. Bournemouth reportedly value the youngster at around £85m, but Spurs are understood to be preparing a bid despite interest from PSG, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The latest on Tottenham’s potential departures
One of the more surprising exit stories involves Djed Spence. The England international has enhanced his reputation with his World Cup performances, with Everton now credited with interest as David Moyes searches for a new right-back.
Paul O’Keefe claims the Toffees would be willing to offer around £25m, although it is difficult to imagine Tottenham entertaining that valuation, having signed him for £20m four years ago
Speaking of surprises, it had long appeared that Tottenham would not pursue a permanent deal following the end of Randal Kolo Muani’s PSG loan, but L’Equipe now claim a surprise return to North London cannot be ruled out despite strong interest from Juventus. Whether that would be on loan or a permanent transfer remains unclear, with PSG reportedly valuing the Frenchman at around £19m.
Finally, Cristian Romero’s future continues to attract attention. Fabrizio Romano has maintained that an exit remains a very ‘strong’ possibility, with Tottenham’s recruitment of several centre-backs suggesting the club have been planning for that scenario.
Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been credited with interest in the Argentine World Cup winner, although Diego Simeone’s side are viewed as the clear frontrunners. However, no formal offer has arrived at Tottenham as things stand.
