FootballFanCast.com

Tottenham have started the window with a bang, acquiring highly rated talent Archie Gray from Leeds United. But they aren't looking to stop there, with plenty of attacking targets being linked with the club.

Spurs will be looking to clinch Champions League football next season, having missed out by two points, and finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, in Ange Postecoglou's first year in charge.

Having already bolstered the midfield with Gray, it is likely Tottenham will see at least one forward signing come through the door this summer, either in the shape of a striker, or a dynamic and exciting winger.

Tottenham chasing exciting winger

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are continuing to watch Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams closely and could make a move for the Spaniard. Aston Villa are also said to be long-term admirers of Williams.

The reports state Williams has a £49m release clause in his contract, but his wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block, as it seems Barcelona have been "scared off" due to the figures.

Williams is one of the shining stars at Euro 2024 currently, making three appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Spain has won four out of four games so far, and will face Germany on Friday in the quarter-finals.

How Williams would form a deadly duo with Son

Williams made 37 appearances in all competitions last season for Athletic Bilbao, scoring eight goals, and providing 19 assists. Helping Bilbao towards a fifth-place finish in La Liga, bettering their eighth-place finish from the season before.

Bilbao managed to score 14 more goals last season compared to the season prior, and Williams had a massive part to play in that, adding eight G/A to his La Liga numbers in the most recent campaign.

The 14 assists Williams managed last term was the most impressive feat of his game, showing his elite ability to create chances through a variety of skills, such as his ball carrying, 1v1 ability, and his crossing.

Williams excels in the ball-carrying metrics, averaging 5.69 progressive carries per 90, and 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, which both rank in the top 10% for wingers on the continent in this metric.

A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent's goal at least ten yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.

His ability to receive the ball in 1v1 situations, beat his man and find himself in dangerous areas to either deliver the ball or get a shot off, is what makes him so sought after, as he can create chances for himself and others.

But once he gets into these areas, he is also a top-level crosser of the ball, averaging 6.08 crosses per 90, and making 0.87 crosses into the penalty box per 90, which ranks in the top 1% for wingers in this metric.

Son Heung-min could be the beneficiary of this move, getting a deadly striking partner back, just like his past partnership with Harry Kane. Whilst Son used to operate from the left, with Kane in the middle, this could see a similar partnership struck, but with Son in the central zones, and Williams off the left.

The Spanish star's ability to take the creative burden away from Son, would allow him to operate even more in and around the box, getting more shots off, and showcasing that extremely clinical nature of his, producing a goals - xG of +0.15.

Transfer news is starting to heat up at Tottenham now with the recent signing of Archie Gray, as they look to bolster their side ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

One link that keeps cropping up is the Rennes winger Desire Doue, as Spurs are still looking to add that firepower in attack which they lost in the sale of Harry Kane.

Despite scoring four more goals last season than the season prior, Tottenham are still looking for their solution to that deadly Kane and Son Heung-min duo.

Ange Postecoglou will be keen to add one or two attackers to their ranks ahead of the next campaign, as they look to bridge the gap between their fifth place finish this season, and a top four finish next season.

Tottenham targeting new striker

According to reports from football.london, Jonathan David has been linked with a move to Tottenham, with interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze seeming to have cooled.

Journalist Alasdair Gold stated: "Spurs have been looking at a number of attackers, with Jonathan David among them."

However, if Spurs are looking to make this signing before their pre-season begins on Saturday, this would make David an issue as he is currently competing in the Copa America with his national team Canada.

David made 47 appearances for Lille last season, scoring 26 goals, and providing nine assists. Lille finished 4th in Ligue 1, bettering their 5th place finish in the 2022/23 season.

How David and Doue could be the new Kane and Son

Now finding a replacement for a 30-goal-per-season striker like Kane is a tough ask, and in all honesty, the likelihood of finding a 30+ goal striker instantly is close to impossible.

However, the right approach is to look for a striker with great box movement, good instincts and an eye for a goal, all of which David has. The Canadian scores at a clip of 0.58 goals per 90, taking 2.6 shots per 90, and has a conversion rate of 0.22 goals/shot per 90.

Compare this to Kane, who, as we said, is going to be finding the net at a more impressive rate, scoring 1.02 goals per 90, and ranking as a top 1% goalscorer in Europe via Fbref. He also takes 4.01 shots per 90, and has a conversion rate of 0.21 goals/shot per 90 (actually ranking below David).

Now, of course, Kane's sheer volume of shots has an impact on his goals/shot ratio, being 0.01 worse off, but David having that similar top-end conversion rate is a good sign for a strike when trying to add goals to the side.

A big part of Kane's success with Tottenham was his brilliant dynamic with Son, and this leads us to Doue and how he could partner David. The 19-year-old winger would provide the creative spark for David, affording him to increase that shot volume and use that top-tier conversion rate to achieve more goals.

Doue completes 6.71 progressive passes per 90, ranking in the top 6% of wingers in Europe for this metric, and also completes 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, ranking in the top 6% for this metric too. By adding a player like Doue to compliment David, you are adding a clinical finisher, and giving him the creative partner to increase the chances you are giving him and the others on the team.

Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy have made an approach to sign a £15 million defender for Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian looking to add more defensive reinforcements.

Spurs targeting another new centre-back this summer

So far this summer, Spurs have agreed two major signings, with Timo Werner extending his stay in north London until the end of next season and English sensation Archie Gray joining for a reported £40 million from Leeds United.

Gray, who can slot into both midfield and at right-back, is a very astute addition for Postecoglou with both versatility and bags of potential. Werner, who racked up two goals and three assists on loan at Spurs last term, is set to play a role yet again next campaign as the Lilywhites look to evolve further.

Reports have claimed that Tottenham want to finally replace Harry Kane with a prolific new striker, and could add another wide player to their ranks as well. Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze is a transfer target for Postecoglou, while it is also believed Wolves star Pedro Neto is back under consideration at Spurs.

However, while the north Londoners are keen to add more attacking talent, Postecoglou admitted earlier this year that Tottenham are likely to attempt the signing of another centre-back - despite Radu Dragusin's arrival for £25 million in January.

"If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at,” said Postecoglou on signing another centre-back this summer.

“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit into what we’re trying to build here.

“I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”

Tottenham have been looking at signing Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori for months now, as per various reports, but now London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are in talks over the Italian who impressed at Euro 2024 (Fabrizio Romano).

The competition for Calafiori's services could be too intense for Levy and co - potentially motivating them to move for star Championship defender Jacob Greaves.

Tottenham make approach to sign Greaves from Hull City

As per The Boot Room, Tottenham have made an approach to sign Greaves from Hull City, but it is Ipswich Town who are the more advanced.

Kieran McKenna's side have submitted a formal bid for the 23-year-old, who really impressed for the Tigers as their star defender statistically according to WhoScored.

Greaves was a mainstay under former boss Liam Rosenior last term, starting 43 Championship matches whilst making more clearances and winning more aerial duels on average than anyone in their squad.

A £120,000-per-week member of Ange Postecoglou's squad is set to leave Tottenham this summer, with Man United targeting him for Erik ten Hag.

Postecoglou plans Spurs overhaul

Postecoglou has publicly stated that "drastic change" is needed at Spurs, and openly suggested that a number of players could be moved on as "not everyone" can be along for the ride.

Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier and Ivan Perisic all left N17 first, upon the expiry of their contracts with the club, while chairman Daniel Levy also sought to terminate Tanguy Ndombele's deal a year before it was meant to run out.

Wales international defender Joe Rodon soon followed Ndombele out of the door, with technical director Johan Lange and the recruitment team using him as an unofficial makeweight in a move for English sensation Archie Gray.

Rodon joined Leeds United in a £10 million deal, after spending the 2023/2024 season on loan at Elland Road, with Gray heading the opposite direction in a separate £40 million move (Fabrizio Romano).

Attention now turns to who could follow up Rodon and the aforementioned crop. Bryan Gil, Djed Spence, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are all players who could be sold by Tottenham this summer, with reports suggesting Spurs could be open to offers for all of them.

AC Milan are currently trying to sign Emerson Royal from Spurs after getting the Brazilian's green-light, while Hojbjerg is keen to leave Tottenham as Borussia Dortmund consider a deal.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of left-back Sergio Reguilon, who spent 23/24 on two half-season loan spells at Man United and Brentford.

Reguilon set to leave Tottenham as Man United eye move for ten Hag

The Red Devils have just shown their commitment to ten Hag by agreeing a new contract for the Dutchman, and it appears they're keen to support their manager by bringing Reguilon back to Old Trafford.

That is according to Diario AS, who claim Reguilon is set to pack his bags and leave Tottenham this summer. The 27-year-old, who was signed from Sevilla by Jose Mourinho in 2020, apparently has no future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Alongside United, it is believed another big European club in Juventus are interested, as well as London rivals West Ham. On a reported £120,000-per-week (The Mirror), it would be a long way back for Reguilon under Postecoglou, given the stellar form of left-back Destiny Udogie last season.

The best solution for both parties is to amicably part company, and perhaps United could well facilitate that over the coming weeks.

A big-name European side have now reached an agreement in principle with one player over joining them from Tottenham, with club chiefs set to meet Spurs officials in the next few days for further transfer talks.

Players who could be sold by Tottenham this summer

Wales international Joe Rodon became the latest surplus squad member to be shown the door this week, with the Lilywhites and Leeds United shaking hands on a £10 million move which also saw teenage sensation Archie Gray head the other way in a separate deal.

Rodon was out of favour under Ange Postecoglou and enjoyed a terrific loan spell at Elland Road last season, playing a crucial role as Leeds only narrowly missed out on immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

Letting the 26-year-old re-join Leeds permanently for £10 million, which is very nearly equal to the fee Spurs paid to sign him from Swansea in 2020, also helps to make up the £40 million they forked out for Gray - with chairman Daniel Levy down just £30m when taking into account Rodon's sale.

All in all, this is prudent business from Spurs, who also wish to add further upgrades to Postecoglou's squad. In terms of who else could be sold after Rodon, there are many up for the chopping block.

Reliable club insider Paul O'Keefe claimed in May that Tottenham are open to offers for over a dozen members of their team this summer, with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier and Ivan Perisic all leaving Spurs following the expiry of their contracts.

The north Londoners also reached an agreement to terminate Tanguy Ndombele's deal, a year before it was meant to run out. Reports in France claim Ndombele is set to join Nice after leaving Spurs, and it is rumoured that Bryan Gil, Djed Spence, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Richarlison, Sergio Reguilon, Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are all players who could be sold by Tottenham this summer after the aformentioned bunch.

Emerson Royal reaches agreement in principle to join AC Milan

Now, Calciomercato have shared an update on Emerson Royal and his future at N17. The Brazilian right-back fell down Postecoglou's pecking order last season due to the stellar form of Pedro Porro, but did play a key role when mainstay starters were unavailable.

Royal even slotted in at centre-back for a period in mid-season when Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were unavailable, but the 25-year-old may well leave in the coming weeks for more guaranteed minutes.

AC Milan have been attempting to sign the former Barcelona ace from Spurs for quite some time, but Calcio claim terms are no issue. Royal has reached an agreement in principle to join Milan from Tottenham, according to the report, and the two clubs are set for a sit-down this week to find out whether they can shake hands over a fee.

Postecoglou's side want £21 million for Royal, while the Rossoneri only want to pay around £15 million. There is, however, a feeling that the two sides can reach a compromise at £17 million.

Having finished fifth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on Champions League football by two points, Ange Postecoglou will be looking to strengthen his side ready for next season in the hopes of achieving top four.

Despite Tottenham scoring four more goals last season than in the 2022/23 season, since the loss of Harry Kane, they have missed that G/A output at the top of the pitch. Whilst Son Heung-min did provide 17 goals and ten assists last season, Spurs began to miss that one-two-punch combo of Kane and Son.

With Son often playing as the striker now, it leaves a hole at left wing for Spurs to add a direct attacking threat, who can create and score goals as Son did from that left side when partnered with Kane.

Tottenham transfer news

According to Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham are showing a 'firm interest' in Desire Doue, whilst also retaining an interest in Wolves star Pedro Neto.

Doue has received interest from many top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle United, as well as, of course, Tottenham.

The 19-year-old winger broke onto the scene in the 2022/23 season and has continued to impress for Stade Rennais this season in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 31 appearances.

How Doue compares to Lamine Yamal

When looking at Doue's FBref page, the "similar players" feature lists Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal as a similar player to Doue.

Now, whilst these players tend to operate on opposite wings, Yamal - who has lit up Euro 2024 with Spain - often starts on the right for Barcelona, and Doue often starts off the left for Rennes, both players possess that 1v1 quality.

Yamal excels in ball-carrying metrics, averaging 5.02 progressive carries per 90, completing 3.01 successful take-ons per 90, and completing 3.05 carries into the final third per 90.

A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent's goal at least ten yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.

Doue is right there with him, averaging 4.38 progressive carries per 90, completing 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, and completing 4.20 carries into the final third.

The direct nature of these wingers, ability to carry the ball and beat their man often creates chances for their sides. However, where Yamal has the upper hand over Doue is with his final ball and creative decision-making.

The 16-year-old scored seven goals and provided ten assists for Barcelona last season, making 50 appearances for the club. He also produces an xAG (expected assisted goals) of 0.27 per 90, and 4.44 shot-creating actions per 90.

Doue in comparison, had four goals and six assists in all competitions last season. He also only produced 0.19 xAG per 90, but did create 4.49 shots-creating actions per 90. This tells us the Rennes star can often get into these areas, but his numbers are hindered by a mixture of a lower quality of attacking teammates (finishing chances he creates), and a slightly less consistent final ball to Yamal.

Tottenham are now considering a move for one £60 million forward, who is believed to be personally admired by manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs expected to make more attacking signings this summer

The Lilywhites, in their first full season without star striker and club-record goalscorer Harry Kane, managed fairly well without the England legend.

The bulk of Spurs' goals came courtesy of Son Heung-min and Richarlison, who scored a combined 29 goals in all competitions and racked up 14 assists between them - which worked wonders to replace Kane's output.

However, with Son's contract expiring next summer, and Richarlison attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, it is unclear whether they will be at the forefront of Tottenham's attacking plans in future seasons under Postecoglou.

Spurs are also open to offers for over a dozen current squad members, which may well include the likes of Richarlison, Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon, who have been named as players who could be sold by Tottenham in the coming weeks.

Technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the wider recruitment team have already backed Postecoglou with one attacking addition, as Timo Werner extends his loan deal from RB Leipzig until the end of next season.

Tottenham are expected to make more forward signings after Werner, though, and are linked with a few interesting names. Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is a transfer target for Spurs, coming amid claims he has a £60 million release clause in his contract.

He just goes out and plays with a smile on his face, he plays with a lot of freedom and he’s got so much attacking quality," said pundit Alan Hutton to Tottenham News on the prospect of Eze joining Spurs.

He can score goals, he can assist, these are the type of guys you need and he’s been rewarded for his good form by being picked for the England squad.

“I think he could go and be a shining star so £60million is right. You look at some of the prices that are getting banded around now for players that aren’t as good, so I can understand that. If he’s going to be available for that price, I think Levy will spend it.”

That being said, the Euro 2024 star is apparently not the only £60 million Premier League forward on Spurs' agenda - with Wolves winger Pedro Neto also of serious interest.

Tottenham considering bid for Wolves star Pedro Neto

As per reliable club insider Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham are once again considering a move for Neto alongside Rennes starlet Desire Doue.

Standard Sport claimed back in February that the Portugal international will cost more than £60 million, and they added that Postecoglou is personally a real admirer of Neto.

A £100,000-a-week Tottenham player, who featured in 39 games under Ange Postecoglou last season, wants to leave the club this summer.

Tottenham sell Joe Rodon to Leeds United in latest Spurs exit

Postecoglou recently hinted that Spurs are set to axe a few squad members over the coming weeks, saying that the Lilywhites need to implement "drastic change" and not everyone will be along for the ride.

Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier and Ivan Perisic have all left Spurs, following the expiry of their contracts, while chairman Daniel Levy also reached an agreement to terminate Tanguy Ndombele's deal a year before it was meant to run out.

Wales international defender Joe Rodon has now joined the aforementioned group out of the N17 exit door, with Leeds United announcing that they have signed him on a permanent deal following an impressive season on loan at Elland Road.

Rodon has put pen to paper on a £10 million move to Leeds, with English sensation Archie Gray officially moving in the opposite direction to Tottenham for a reported £40 million (Fabrizio Romano).

Postecoglou's suggestion of an overhaul appears to be coming to fruition, slowly but surely, and many other players have been tipped to leave as well. Genoa have been in talks over a permanent deal for Djed Spence, while another Serie A side in AC Milan are maintaining their negotiations over Emerson Royal.

Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Richarlison, Sergio Reguilon, Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have also been linked with north London exits over the past few months, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg sharing an update on the latter.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg keen to quit Tottenham as Dortmund eye move

The reliable Bundesliga journalist says Hojbjerg is keen to leave Tottenham this summer, with just a year remaining on his contract, and he's thought to be attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund - who see the Dane as an alternative to Pascal Gross.

Hojbjerg did actually feature in a seismic 39 appearances in all competitions last season, but the vast majority came off the substitutes bench, with the 28-year-old now looking for more opportunities to start elsewhere.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been forthright in admitting the squad needs an overhaul this summer, with a 27-year-old now swapping N17 for Europe.

Players who could leave Spurs with Joe Rodon

Wales international Joe Rodon has become the latest player to depart Spurs, coming four years after Jose Mourinho signed him from Swansea City for around £11 million.

The 26-year-old was out of favour in north London for quite some time, despite arriving with plenty of potential, and spent the last two seasons on various loan spells at Rennes and Leeds United.

Rodon managed to impress for the latter club, making 46 appearances in the Championship last season under Daniel Farke and playing a crucial role as they narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Premier League.

Leeds were heavily linked with re-signing the centre-back on a permanent deal, which has now become reality, with Rodon making the move back to Elland Road for around £10 million and English sensation Archie Gray going the opposite direction to Spurs.

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy will be happy with the business conducted, as the club make most of the money they paid for Rodon back off his sale, whilst also sealing a deal for one of the country's most exciting talents.

Rodon now officially joins Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic and Tanguy Ndombele in leaving north London for pastures new. The aforementioned crop could also be joined by Bryan Gil, Djed Spence, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Richarlison, Sergio Reguilon, Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon, Emerson Royal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - who have all been named as players who could be sold by Tottenham this summer.

Postecoglou suggested that a number of his squad could leave Spurs, while reliable insider Paul O'Keefe has recently claimed that Levy is open to offers for over a dozen Tottenham stars.

Genoa have been in recent talks to sign Spence on a permanent deal, but things have gone quiet on that front. AC Milan remain locked in negotiations over Royal as well, so we could see more exits in the coming weeks.

Perhaps the most crucial departure was that of Ndombele, who endured a nightmare stint at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after previously signing for a club-record £55 million deal from Lyon. The Frenchman earned a reported £200,000-per-week at the club, so Levy will be glad to vanquish his high salary off the books.

Tanguy Ndombele agrees to join Nice after leaving Tottenham

Ndombele was sent out on various loan spells during the latter stages of his Spurs career, having put pen to paper on a temporary spell back at Lyon, Napoli the season afterwards and Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray last campaign.

The 27-year-old was also criticised for being out of shape over 2023/2024, with the Turkish press claiming Ndombele was 6 kilograms overweight last season.

Now, after leaving Tottenham, Foot Mercato state that he is in much better shape fitness-wise and determined to reignite his career. They add that Ndombele has agreed to join OGC Nice after quitting Spurs, having chosen the Ligue 1 side despite receiving "several exotic offers".

It wasn't the smoothest of debut campaigns for Ange Postecoglou last season, but considering the injuries he had to deal with and the departure of Harry Kane before a ball was kicked, qualifying for the Europa League has to be seen as a success.

However, the Australian will be looking to guide a club the size of Tottenham Hotspur further up the Premier League table than fifth next year, and with the right transfers, he might just be able to.

Daniel Levy and Co have already secured the signature of Leeds United's wonderkid Archie Gray for just £30m, but the latest start touted for a move to N17 plays at the sharp end of the pitch and may well be an upgrade on Dejan Kulusevski.

Spurs looking at Premier League forward

According to a recent report from insider Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham have reignited their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Pedro Neto in the last few days.

O'Keefe does not mention a potential price, but another report from Football Transfers last week revealed that the Old Gold have reduced the winger's asking price to just £43m and that the Lilywhites North London rivals Arsenal were potentially interested in the 24-year-old as well.

While the transfer could prove complicated due to the Gunners' interest, if Levy and Co can land a player as talented as Neto for the reported price, then it's certainly worth pursuing - even at the detriment of Kulusevski.

How Neto compares to Kulusevski

So, if Neto does end up signing on the dotted line and moving to the white side of North London, the fact he favours playing off the right of a front three will inevitably put him up against Kulusevski for a starting role. So how do they compare?

Well, from a pure output perspective, it's a comprehensive win for the Portuguese international. In 24 appearances last season, he scored three goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.74 games.

In comparison, the Swedish international scored eight goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances, which equates to a goal involvement every 3.54 games.

What about what's going on under the hood then? Is it another comfortable victory for the Old Gold's star winger when we compare their underlying numbers?

Unfortunately for the former Juventus ace, it is. For example, while he makes fewer progressive passes, maintains a lower passing accuracy and takes fewer shots on target, the 24-year-old "monster", as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out ahead in most other metrics, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive passes, shots, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, ball recoveries, key passes and aerial duels won, all per 90.

Overall, it starts to look like the Wolves ace is the better option here, but the major concern with the talented winger is his injury record, which has seen him miss 46 games for club and country in the last two campaigns.

However, this could allow Postecoglou to play him and Kulusevski regularly throughout the season, ensuring they get adequate game time and rest time.

Ultimately, it's practically impossible to find the perfect transfer, and while his injuries are undoubtedly a concern, Neto is too good a player to pass up on, especially at this lower price.