Tottenham Hotspur are targeting up to eight new signings this summer, including Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild the squad after narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington have promised a comprehensive overhaul following a disastrous campaign.
The North London club flirted dangerously with the drop zone last season before top-flight survival was ultimately secured.
“Never again.”
That was the firm promise made by the club’s hierarchy following a deeply disappointing January transfer window and a subsequent injury crisis.
Early business indicates new ambition
The Italian tactician has already begun reshaping his playing staff ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Central defender Jan Paul van Hecke has arrived from Brighton in a deal worth £52m.
The Dutch international previously worked under the 47-year-old on the South Coast and specifically requested the move to the capital.
Securing primary targets early represents a significant shift in strategy for the Lilywhites.
Backing the manager
Previous club regimes often delayed their transfer business until the end of the window to negotiate lower fees.
However, sporting director Johan Lange is now moving decisively to ensure new arrivals have a full pre-season to integrate.
Experienced full-back Andy Robertson and defender Marcos Senesi agreed terms months ago on the strict condition of top-flight survival.
The club’s recruitment focus has now shifted towards midfield reinforcements, with Sandro Tonali emerging as a primary target.
Targeting a return to the upper echelons
The former Shakhtar Donetsk boss is taking an unusually hands-on approach to recruitment this summer.
His personal influence has been cited as a crucial factor in convincing highly-rated talent to commit their futures to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Quick integration of these potential new faces could be the catalyst required to propel the team away from the relegation places and back towards European qualification.
Chelsea captain Reece James has admitted he is devastated following Marc Cucurella’s £52m transfer to Real Madrid ahead of the new season.
The Spain international recently completed a high-profile switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, ending his defensive stint at Stamford Bridge.
James confessed his profound sadness at seeing his former team-mate depart for the Spanish capital.
“I spoke with him a few days ago,” James said.
“He’s obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world.”
“This is his football, you know, players move every few months, and I’m devastated to see him go, but I wish him all the best.”
Looking ahead under Xabi Alonso
Despite the high-profile defensive departure, the commanding full-back remains optimistic about the future under incoming head coach Xabi Alonso.
The former midfield maestro has taken the managerial reins in west London, representing a major coup for the Premier League side.
“We’ve spoken a couple times on the phone,” the England defender told talkSPORT.
“I haven’t met him in person yet, but everyone I’ve spoken to about him says he’s an amazing manager.”
The current situation mirrors James’ early career experiences, having previously been managed by another boyhood idol.
“I had it when I was younger with Frank Lampard,” he explained.
“He was one of my idols growing up, and then when he stepped in as manager, it was a surreal moment.”
Reunited with Tuchel on the global stage
While domestic club matters dominate headlines, the Chelsea academy graduate is currently focused on international duty at the World Cup.
The dynamic right-back recently earned widespread praise for his performance in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia.
This major tournament campaign has reunited him with Thomas Tuchel, a tactician who previously guided him to European glory at club level.
“It’s been a dream come true for me,” James noted.
“I feel the manager trusts me, we worked together previously at Chelsea, we won trophies together, and I love playing under him.”
“If you look across the board of top managers, there are some that are solely football-focused, and then there are some that are very good man-managers.”
“For me, he ticks both the boxes.”
Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted he is playing through a persistent back injury for France at the World Cup following a gruelling domestic campaign.
The centre-back recently helped his club secure the Premier League title but is now feeling the physical toll of a relentless fixture list.
He is currently stationed at the national team’s training base in Boston as they pursue international glory in North America.
Despite dealing with discomfort for several months, the defender insists he is ready to push his body to the absolute limit.
Managing the physical toll
The former Saint-Étienne player featured heavily during a demanding season that included domestic success and regular Champions League football.
I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.
He acknowledged that major international tournaments require significant personal sacrifice.
The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either, you cannot make excuses.
Attacking stars carrying the load
Les Bleus are currently relying on their formidable attacking depth to ease the pressure on a makeshift defensive line.
Captain Kylian Mbappé scored twice to secure a recent victory over Senegal, including a spectacular stoppage-time strike.
Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola also found the net during the group stage fixture in New Jersey.
The 23-year-old is reportedly attracting transfer interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool as he enters the final two years of his current contract.
Praise for Bayern Munich winger
Another standout performer for the French side has been Michael Olise, whose impressive form continues to draw widespread global attention.
Real Madrid recently issued a public statement denying reports they are negotiating personal terms with the Bayern Munich attacker.
Saliba was quick to praise his international team-mate while urging caution over immediate comparisons to French football icons.
He’s a star, but he has a lot to accomplish before he can be compared to Zinedine Zidane or Michel Platini.
However, the defensive stalwart remains firmly convinced of the winger’s elite potential on the global stage.
He can do everything on the pitch. I hope he becomes a player like that. He’s world-class; he can dribble, he shoots, and when he needs to shoot, he shoots. When he dribbles, he dribbles – he’s a joy to watch.
Japan had a goal ruled out by the narrowest of margins through goal-line technology before securing a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium.
The Samurai Blue thought they had extended an early advantage during the landmark 1,000th World Cup match on Sunday.
A powerful header from a corner was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
The ball rolled agonisingly across the goalmouth, prompting immediate checks from the automated tracking system.
Goal-line technology intervenes
Unlike traditional video reviews, the decision was instantaneously relayed via a microchip embedded within the match ball.
Sensors confirmed the whole ball had not crossed the line, saving the North African side from falling further behind.
The microscopic denial ultimately proved inconsequential to the final result.
The Asian powerhouse continued their relentless attacking display to run out convincing four-goal winners.
Echoes of Qatar 2022
Sunday’s incident immediately drew comparisons to a famous moment involving the Japanese national team four years ago.
During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, they found themselves at the centre of a massive goal-line controversy against Spain.
Winger Kaoru Mitoma famously cut the ball back for Ao Tanaka to score the decisive goal in a crucial 2-1 group stage victory.
That pivotal result remarkably saw four-time champions Germany eliminated from the competition.
The fine margins of VAR
On that occasion in Qatar, the initial on-field officials disallowed the goal because they believed the ball had entirely left the pitch.
Video Assistant Referee Fernando Guerrero later overturned the decision, judging that the curvature of the ball overhung the line.
Football’s global governing body faced immense criticism following that match due to a severe lack of communication with watching supporters.
Broadcasters were left without conclusive visual evidence for hours, sparking a global debate regarding the transparency of refereeing technology.
Former players Emmanuel Petit and Frank Leboeuf have urged Chelsea to negotiate a transfer swap deal with Real Madrid involving Enzo Fernandez and Eduardo Camavinga.
The Argentina midfielder has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Spanish capital amid reports he is eager to leave Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old closely as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.
However, uncertainty remains over whether the La Liga giants will meet the £120m valuation set by the Blues.
Exchange arrangement proposed
Fernandez originally arrived in London from Benfica for a then-British record fee of £106.7m in 2023.
If a straight cash deal proves impossible, Petit believes his former club should demand a player in return.
The former France international highlighted Camavinga as an ideal candidate to bolster the Premier League side.
“Eduardo Camavinga in a swap deal with Enzo Fernandez? Why not? Camavinga is still a very young player,” Petit said.
Petit noted that the highly rated prospect has already accumulated vast experience since leaving Rennes as a teenager.
“When you come from Real Madrid to Chelsea, having won many trophies and played there for so many years… you arrive at the club with experience that’s probably missing at Chelsea.”
Experience and pedigree
Leboeuf echoed his compatriot’s sentiments regarding the potential acquisition of the Champions League winner.
The former Blues defender pointed out how effectively the midfielder navigated a demanding environment alongside veterans like Casemiro and Toni Kroos.
“Camavinga did very well and won so many titles that he has the experience, and he’s a great young guy working hard,” said Leboeuf.
Leboeuf suggested that a midfield pairing of the Frenchman and Moises Caicedo would prove to be a formidable partnership.
He also named Aurelien Tchouameni as another appealing option for the London club to target during any potential negotiations.
Declan Rice believes he will provide an assist from every corner he takes as England target set-piece dominance at the World Cup following their opening victory over Croatia.
The Three Lions looked consistently threatening from dead-ball situations during a 4-2 win against the Croatians.
Captain Harry Kane scored a penalty after Noni Madueke was fouled from a dangerous cross, before heading home his second goal directly from a corner.
The 27-year-old midfielder has developed into one of the most reliable dead-ball specialists in the Premier League.
Arsenal success breeds confidence
That transformation began during a mid-season training camp in Dubai back in January 2024.
Arsenal set-piece coach Nico Jover identified a unique crossing technique that convinced the management team to hand over the responsibilities.
The former West Ham captain was instrumental in a historic domestic campaign last season.
His deliveries helped the Gunners score from a record 19 corners on their way to securing a first top-flight title in 22 years.
“I wouldn’t ever take corners or set-pieces, but Nico and the manager at Arsenal saw something in me that others didn’t,” Rice explained.
The combative midfielder admitted that buying into that tactical vision completely changed his mindset on the pitch.
“As time has gone on I feel like now every time I put down a ball for a set-piece – whether it’s a corner or a wide free-kick – I feel like I’m going to get an assist or make something happen that’s dangerous.”
Tuchel targeting Premier League intensity
England manager Thomas Tuchel wants his national side to replicate the high-octane style seen weekly in the English top flight.
The German tactician has heavily emphasised dead-ball routines since taking charge of the national team in January 2025.
Despite limited time on the training pitch in Kansas City, the squad has spent over a year perfecting these specific attacking movements.
“There’s a real gameplan and it’s just on me to deliver and obviously the boys have to free themselves up in the box,” Rice added.
Chelsea defender Reece James provides another elite delivery option for the national team as they progress through the tournament.
However, the vice-captain remains confident that his current form should leave supporters incredibly optimistic about their chances of lifting the trophy.
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has suffered a suspected medial ligament injury during a World Cup group-stage victory over Ivory Coast, potentially jeopardising a summer transfer to Liverpool.
The Borussia Dortmund centre-back was withdrawn at half-time after initially attempting to play through the issue.
He received treatment from medical staff just 15 minutes into the contest before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
Nagelsmann pessimistic over scanner results
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the 26-year-old requires an immediate scan to determine the severity of the damage.
He has something with his medial ligament, he has to have an MRI tomorrow.
It doesn’t look too good, unfortunately.
In the end, it is largely a tactical decision whether he can still perform, and he did very well until half-time.
The national team ultimately secured their place in the tournament’s knockout stages without the imposing defender.
A late brace from Deniz Undav completed a dramatic comeback victory after Franck Kessie had opened the scoring for the African side.
Anfield rebuild continues under Iraola
A prolonged spell on the sidelines could severely impact an anticipated summer move to the Premier League.
The Merseyside club are facing fierce competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid for the highly-rated stopper.
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is actively reshaping his squad following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to the Spanish capital.
Defensive reinforcements remain a priority at Anfield despite the recent acquisition of highly-rated prospect Jeremy Jacquet.
The Reds are also preparing an improved offer for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande after seeing a significant initial bid rejected.
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven represents an alternative defensive target for the Premier League giants.
The 2026 World Cup in North America has reached 100 goals in just 33 matches after Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands, making it the fastest edition to hit the milestone since 1958.
The Liverpool forward brought up the century mark during a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday.
It represents the first time in 68 years that a global finals has taken so few fixtures to reach triple figures.
The only faster tournament in history remains the 1954 edition in Switzerland, which required just 20 matches for the landmark to be achieved.
Avalanche of goals across North America
Co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, the current competition is averaging a remarkable 3.09 goals per game.
If this ferocious scoring rate continues, the tournament is firmly on course to surpass 300 goals in total.
Previous modern editions have been significantly slower, with both the 2014 and 1982 finals taking 36 games to reach 100 strikes.
The scoring spree began on the opening day when Julian Quinones found the net during a 2-0 win for Mexico over South Africa.
Massive scorelines have since become a recurring theme, including Germany’s 7-1 rout of debutants Curacao and Canada’s 6-0 hammering of Qatar.
Former England international Ellen White highlighted the relentless attacking nature of the group stages to BBC Sport.
“Probably the most compact and tactically tight game I’ve seen so far was Netherlands versus Japan – and even that had four goals.”
Is the Adidas ‘Trionda’ ball to blame?
Experts have pointed to the official Adidas ‘Trionda’ match ball as a potential catalyst for the unprecedented scoring rate.
Several goalkeepers appear to have been completely caught out by unpredictable flight paths from long-range efforts.
France captain Kylian Mbappe illustrated this perfectly by beating Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from 30 yards out.
The Real Madrid star’s spectacular strike is currently the longest-range goal of the tournament.
He is not alone, with more than 10 goals already being scored from well outside the penalty area.
Sweden’s Yasin Ayari managed to net twice from over 24 yards against Tunisia, while Australia’s Connor Metcalfe and Morocco’s Ismael Saibari also struck from distance.
Goalkeepers struggling to adapt
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart suggested that shot-stoppers are finding it incredibly difficult to read the Trionda’s movement.
Hart noted that the ball seemed to rush Jordan Pickford much quicker than expected when Martin Baturina equalised for Croatia.
Tap-ins have also increased dramatically following fumbled saves from violently swerving shots.
“There are one or two occasions where this football has not necessarily behaved as you would expect it to. It is something to keep an eye on.”
Paul Robinson, former England goalkeeper
This is not the first time a tournament ball has generated severe criticism from defensive players.
During the 2010 finals in South Africa, the infamous ‘Jabulani’ became globally renowned for its erratic dipping and swerving in the air.