Gossip: Spurs could pursue Gakpo dealpublished at 08:14 BST 10 August
08:14 BST 10 August
Tottenham and Arsenal showed an interest in Barcelona's Ferran Torres before the Spain forward, 26, agreed personal terms with Paris St-Germain. (TeamTalk), external
Liverpool could open the door for Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, to join Spurs if they secure one of their attacking targets. (Football Insider), external
Spurs draw against Getafe in training ground friendlypublished at 18:34 BST 8 August
18:34 BST 8 August
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham came from behind to draw 1-1 against La Liga side Getafe, in a pre-season friendly that was shortened to 70 minutes behind closed doors at their Hotspur Way training ground.
Getafe took the lead in the 66th minute when Alberto Risco volleyed past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs responded minutes later with Conor Gallagher's neat finish following a good run.
The home side were close to winning the match late on but Richarlison's header was saved by goalkeeper David Soria.
Romero a long-term target for Simeone as Atletico Madrid hold talkspublished at 12:35 BST 7 August
12:35 BST 7 August
Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella Senior football correspondent and football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Atletico Madrid have held talks with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
The 28-year-old is allowed to leave, but Spurs are still asking for a substantial fee, believed to be about £40m.
Romero is keen on a move to Spain to work with compatriot Diego Simeone, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
However, the clubs must agree a fee, which will determine whether the move goes ahead.
The 28-year-old Argentina international signed a new four-year deal at Spurs last August.
There has also been interest from Inter Milan in signing Romero, who played all seven matches in Argentina's run to the World Cup final last month, where they lost to Spain.
But Romero is a long-term target for Atletico manager Diego Simeone, with the Spanish side believed to be pressing ahead with another attempt to sign the centre-back.
Spurs are aware of Atletico's interest and an agreement on personal terms for the player won't be an issue.
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi recently said he would "respect the will" of players if they wanted to leave.
Romero missed the end of last season with a knee injury as Spurs avoided relegation on the last day.
He was sent off twice last season as the north London club finished 17th.
Gossip: West Ham pause Solomon deal with Tottenhampublished at 08:07 BST 7 August
08:07 BST 7 August
Negotiations between West Ham and Tottenham over 27-year-old Israel winger Manor Solomon are currently off for financial reasons, as the Hammers are not ready to agree to the bonuses Spurs would want should they secure a return to the Premier League. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Liverpool have no intention of pursuing a summer transfer move for Tottenham and England full-back Djed Spence, 25, despite their recent injury woes. (Mirror), external
Is Gakpo better than Spurs' current options?published at 16:33 BST 6 August
16:33 BST 6 August
Image source, Getty Images
Cody Gakpo finished last season with a higher expected-goals total (8.59), more shots (87), more assists (five) and more big chances created (10) than any of Spurs' forward options, despite playing in a Liverpool side whose Premier League title defence ended with a fifth-place finish.
Richarlison scored more league goals, but attempted 26 fewer shots and created only half as many big chances. Dominic Solanke, limited by injury, produced just 20 shots and one big chance created, while Mathys Tel also fell short across several of the key attacking measures. Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Spurs before joining Juventus this summer, likewise trailed Gakpo's output.
The contrast extends beyond goals and shooting. Gakpo recorded 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared with 125 for Richarlison, 68 for Tel and 55 for Solanke. His 4.17 expected assists from open play was also comfortably the highest figure among the four, underlining his ability to create chances as well as find scoring positions himself.
He offers defensive value too. Gakpo regained possession 87 times, including 45 in the middle third, and made 13 interceptions. All three totals were higher than those recorded by Richarlison, Tel and Solanke. Tel completed more dribbles, with 39 to Gakpo's 34, although Gakpo posted the slightly better success rate at 45.95%.
His broader profile reflects that breadth. Gakpo ranks in the 78th percentile for link-up play, the 75th for pass progression and the 67th for creative threat, illustrating his comfort combining in tight spaces and contributing to build-up play.
At 6ft 4in, he also provides a physical presence uncommon among wide forwards. Gakpo ranks in the 96th percentile for aerial volume compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, meaning only about 4% of wingers contest aerial balls at a higher rate. That would give Roberto de Zerbi another route against deep defensive blocks, through diagonal passes, back-post crosses or more direct balls when opponents restrict Spurs' build-up play.
Why Tottenham want Liverpool's Gakpopublished at 08:36 BST 6 August
08:36 BST 6 August
Mohamed Moallim BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham are keen on a move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as Roberto de Zerbi continues reshaping his squad.
Any deal would be far from straightforward. Liverpool are reluctant to weaken their attacking options, particularly after Mohamed Salah's departure and with Hugo Ekitike still recovering from an Achilles injury.
The Reds are themselves pursuing Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola but, even if he arrived, Liverpool would be losing one of their most experienced attackers.
So why are Spurs interested?
On the surface, Gakpo looks like another left winger. In reality, he offers considerably more tactical flexibility.
Although he has played most of his football for Liverpool from the left, the Netherlands international has regularly been used as a central striker, false nine and second forward. De Zerbi reportedly views him as someone capable of operating through the middle, dropping between the lines to link play before releasing runners beyond him.
That profile fits the Italian's football. Instead of relying on a traditional penalty-box striker, De Zerbi often asks his centre forward to vacate central spaces, combine with midfielders and create room for wide players to attack. Gakpo possesses the technical quality, close control and positional intelligence to perform that role while also providing cover on the left.
His versatility would also offer Tottenham valuable insurance across multiple positions. Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel are both natural central forwards, but neither provide the same ability to move seamlessly between the wing and the middle.
What are the new financial rules Premier League clubs must stick to?published at 06:46 BST 6 August
06:46 BST 6 August
Katharine Sharpe and Simon Casson BBC Sport senior journalists
The 2025-26 Premier League and Championship seasons included the introduction of squad-cost ratio rules on a shadow basis, testing to see how a spending cap for squad costs set at a percentage of a club's total revenues might work.
These SCR regulations have now been permanently implemented for the 2026-27 season, replacing previous profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Uefa has a 70% SCR cap for European competitions, so Premier League clubs who qualified for Europe fall in line with this limit.
Clubs who did not qualify for Europe, and so are only taking part in domestic competitions, are capped at 85% of their total revenue.
However, clubs can spend above the 85% limit by using a multi-year rolling allowance of 30%. This allows them to invest ahead of revenue and variance or sporting underperformance.
Every club will start this coming season on 85% + 30% allowance, so effectively 115%.
If a club spends 105% on their squad in 2026-27, it means they have used 20% of their allowance, and for 2027-28 their maximum spend before potential sporting sanction is 95%.
If a club spend less than 85%, they can increase the allowance again to the maximum of 30%.
Spending above 85% but under the allowance results in a financial penalty, whereas going over both the 85% and the allowance will land the club a fixed six-point deduction which increases by one point for every £6.5m spent over the 115%.
'Anchoring' was also trialled in 2025-26, which meant any club's spending could not exceed a multiple of income earned by the bottom-placed club - however this was rejected at a vote of Premier League clubs.
SCR was approved by a vote of 14 clubs to six, and was introduced alongside sustainability and systemic resilience (SSR) regulations.
SSR involves three tests that are applied throughout the season:
Working capital test - assesses short-term cash resources
Liquidity test - assesses medium-term liquidity and resilience
Positive equity test -assesses long-term financial health
The aim of the SCR and SSR regulations is to stop the richest owners providing endless funds to their clubs to sign new players, as any money injected this way does not count as seasonal revenue.
They will also aim to prevent clubs from overspending and accruing unmanageable losses.
'Shark' De Zerbi has a love for transfer businesspublished at 14:09 BST 5 August
14:09 BST 5 August
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham have undergone radical change over the past 12 months amid understandable fan anger, with new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham leading the organisation on behalf of the Lewis Family Trust.
Venkatesham, alongside technical director Johan Lange, is leading negotiations. Lange is the only senior figure from the previous regime to remain in post.
They are supported by director of football operations Rafi Moersen and new performance director Dan Lewindon, both of whom arrived from Manchester City's parent company, City Football Group.
Lewindon has been tasked with improving Spurs' injury record.
But Roberto de Zerbi is hands on in all areas of the club and says: "In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark. There is no chance to say no."
That approach has helped secure record deals for £85m Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and £100m Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.
"I love working in the transfer market. It's not a pressure, it's one of the nicest parts in my work, in my job," De Zerbi explained.
But where does that enjoyment come from?
"I don't know, maybe because when you take the decision, you take the responsibility. If the coach calls the player, you can build a special connection at the beginning.
"With Mateus Fernandes, I spoke with the mum, with the father."
De Zerbi told Fernandes' father that he would be his "second dad" and look after him in England.
Spurs also signed defender Jaan Paul van Hecke despite reported interest from Chelsea, having already beaten Manchester United and Manchester City to the two record-breaking midfielders.
Transfers are a world of game theory. Insiders have told BBC Sport that Spurs knew they had to be both aggressive and quick, with the first quality likely extending to fees, wages and De Zerbi's personal involvement in courting players.
After the 2-2 draw with Brighton in April, in which Georginio Rutter scored a 95th-minute equaliser to dent Spurs' survival hopes, De Zerbi revealed he messaged Van Hecke, who assisted the goal.
"You wanted to push down Tottenham for Brighton when you made the assist to Rutter, now you have to come to me, you have no choice," De Zerbi revealed.
For Tonali, De Zerbi detailed how he texted him the day after Spurs secured their Premier League status with a final-day win over Everton, before meeting him at his home in Brescia in what proved to be a decisive conversation.
Club staff then completed the deal following several further discussions.
Now he is teasing what he calls a final attacking "bomba", with moves for two forwards expected, including one for Manchester City's Savinho.
De Zerbi believes it would be wrong to suggest Spurs are spending irresponsibly.
He said he is under "no pressure" despite the Lewis family injecting £100m into the club in June because it was desperately needed, arguing that Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all done the same in recent years.
Kulusevski 'fit and right' for Spurs - De Zerbipublished at 12:02 BST 5 August
12:02 BST 5 August
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter in Sydney
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Kulusevski was present at Spurs' final home match last season when they survived relegation by beating Everton
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says forward Dejan Kulusevski is "fit and right", but remains cautious over a possible return date.
The Sweden international, 26, was not part of Spurs' pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
However, he has stepped up his recovery programme over the summer in north London.
Speaking as part of a wider interview, De Zerbi explained Kulusevski's situation. The forward has not played for Spurs since May 2025.
"Kulusevski fit and right, he's one of the best players we have in the squad," De Zerbi said during his side's pre-season tour.
"I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him or accelerate the rehabilitation process, but I hope he can be available as early as possible."
Spurs are also looking to sell former first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after signing Martin Dubravka on a free transfer from Burnley.
Antonin Kinsky and Dubravka have both featured under De Zerbi during pre-season, but the Italian said he has already decided on his number one goalkeeper.
"We start with Kinsky because he deserves to be the first-choice goalkeeper," De Zerbi added.
"He is another player with huge potential. He's mature, has personality and I believe in his qualities."
Spurs next face Spanish club Getafe at their training ground on Saturday as their pre-season preparations continue.
Gossip: Spurs interested in Balogun, Savinho and Jacksonpublished at 07:50 BST 5 August
07:50 BST 5 August
United States striker Folarin Balogun, 25, has been offered to Tottenham via intermediaries, with the former Arsenal forward's future at Monaco uncertain. (Sun), external
Spurs are in contact with Manchester City about Brazil winger Savinho, 22, while they are also interested in Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, and Eintracht Frankfurt's French attacking midfielder Jean-Matteo Bahoya, 21. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Tottenham are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson but are yet to make a formal approach for the 25-year-old Senegal international, who is valued at £65m by the Blues. (Mail), external
Newly promoted Hull City are rivalling relegated West Ham for 27-year-old Tottenham and Israel winger Manor Solomon, who is valued at about £20m. (The i Paper), external
A youngster to watch - Luca Williams-Barnettpublished at 07:49 BST 5 August
07:49 BST 5 August
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Attacker Luca Williams-Barnett, 17, has been described by Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi as a "precious diamond" - and it is easy to see why.
Quick, skilful and always looking to get a shot away, the forward is playing as though he wants to break into the first team immediately.
The highlight was arguably his decision to take a Panenka penalty in the 4-2 shootout victory over Sydney FC last week.
He has impressed in all four of Spurs' friendlies so far. Centre-back Malachi Hardy, 18, is another youngster who has earned praise from De Zerbi and excelled in the 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Is building a new stadium a way around spending rules?published at 08:22 BST 4 August
08:22 BST 4 August
Should a club build a new stadium or upgrade its current home in a bid to maintain some history? How significant is a new ground in terms of revenue generated? Will it move the needle?
BBC Sport has worked with football finance expert Kieran Maguire to consider the impact a new home has.
Gossip: Spurs make approach for Osimhenpublished at 08:16 BST 3 August
08:16 BST 3 August
Tottenham have made an initial approach worth up to £55m for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, but the Turkish champions are looking for closer to £65m for the Nigerian. (Caught Offside), external
Spurs have held positive talks with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, but the Reds have no intention of selling the Dutchman. (Teamtalk), external
Image source, Getty Images
