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The versatile Serie A full-back is said to have all the attributed needed to develop into a player such as Spurs hero Gareth Bale.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as frontrunners to bring talented Lecce youngster Patrick Dorgu to the Premier League in the near future, but that move won't come cheap for either of the London clubs.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Blues and Spurs are in 'pole position' to sign the Denmark international. The outlet adds that any transfer is now likely to cost €40 million, which is equivalent to approximately £34 million.

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There was talk of the 19-year-old leaving the Serie A club this summer for €30 million but a deal did not emerge and the outfit are now prepared to charge more as the full-back continues to develop. It is thought that Tottenham Hotspur provided more serious transfer interest during the summer but that Chelsea could rekindle old hopes of signing the player come January.

Dorgu enjoyed a breakthrough season at Lecce last term having been brought into the club's youth academy from Nordsjaelland in Denmark in 2022. The teenager made 32 Serie A appearances last season as he impressed in the league.

The defender was handed his first and second senior Denmark caps during the recent international break as his stock continues to rise. The versatile player, who can be deployed on both wings as well as at left-back, came off the bench in wins against Switzerland and Serbia - scoring against the former of the two.

Lecce manager Luca Gotti had previously tipped the full-back to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale thanks to his dynamism and versatility. Gotti said: “He seems to have great adaptability. He enjoys playing on the pitch.

“Important people from the football world are starting to call me to ask me what I see. [Gareth Bale] becomes a forward. He could have played as a full-back. This could happen with Dorgu.”

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The defensive star was reportedly wanted by three of Europe’s top clubs this summer

Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romeo reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United with three of Europe’s biggest football clubs said to have wanted to sign the 26-year-old in the recently ended transfer window.

According to reports from TyC Sports, via the Mail, Ange Postecoglou’s side received enquiries from United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain over the summer but made it clear that their vice-captain was not for sale.

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The centre-back was previously with Juventus and Atalanta before moving to Spurs initially on a loan deal in August 2021. His deal was then made permanent with the overall cost of the transaction reportedly worth £42m. He has since gone on to make over 100 appearances for the north London club and is thought to be rated very highly by his manager.

So far this Premier League season, United have let in five goals. It is thought that had Erik ten Hag been able to sign the Argentinian star, he would have paired him with his compatriot and international teammate Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence. However, the Red Devils instead brought in Leny Yoro from Lille and Bayern Munich stars Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

The report from TyC Sport continues by suggesting that interest in Romero is likely to once again resurface next summer when Spurs could be in a weaker negotiating position. The 26-year-old World Cup winner’s contract will then only have two years left on it - unless a new deal is penned in the meantime - meaning the N17 club could be keen to offload a valuable star for a significant fee rather than risking losing him for free.

The ex-Juve defender is currently on international duty with Argentina and most recently featured in the side’s 3-0 win over Chile. He was also a key member of the squads that won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Fifa World Cup and most recently the 2024 Copa America.

The Gunners will be without their midfield linchpin for the North London derby this weekend.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was right to have seen red in the Premier League meeting with Brighton last month, the Key Match Incidents panel has ruled after Mikel Arteta poured scorn on the decision.

The England international was already on a booking when he flicked the ball away from Seagulls man Joel Veltman, who was about to take a free-kick. The incident in the 49th minute brought about a second yellow card for Rice, who will now serve a one match ban and miss this weekend's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

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That was the first red card that the player, who cost Arsenal £100 million just over a year ago, had ever received by the panel agreed that his actions were 'clear, deliberate and impactful'. The Key Match Incidents group unanimously backed the decision and wrote: "Rice knows what he's doing - it's a gentle touch, but once the referee sees it he has no choice."

The independent panel is made up of three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative and one person from the Professional Game Match Officials Board, the referees' body. The decision comes after Mikel Arteta said he was 'amazed' at the decision reached by Chris Kavanagh.

After the match, the Spaniard said: "I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens.

"Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan [on the back of his leg], he turns around, he doesn't see the player coming and he touches the ball. By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is a red card so we play 10 vs 10. This is what amazed me. At this level it's amazing."

Arteta will have to make do without Rice this weekend as he takes on Ange Postecoglou. That blow is worsened by news this week of an injury to captain Martin Odegaard, as well as summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners make the short trip to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend as the Premier League returns after international action.

Arsenal are set to be without a key trio of first team stars for this weekend's visit to Tottenham Hotspur in what is somewhat of a derby day crisis for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium last time out but a traditionally feisty meeting with Spurs was already a tricky fixture to regain form in. Now, the title challengers will also have to contend with a new look starting XI and squad for the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Arsenal knew that they would be without midfield linchpin Declan Rice for the derby before the international break began. The England man was sent off against the Seagulls last time out for two yellow cards, the second booking coming in a controversial moment as the player nudged the ball away before a Brighton free-kick.

Arteta poured scorn on that decision at the time. The manager said: "I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens.

"Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan [on the back of his leg], he turns around, he doesn't see the player coming and he touches the ball. By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is a red card so we play 10 vs 10. This is what amazed me. At this level it's amazing."

Arteta will now be lamenting the decision to send off his £100 million man even more amid news that club captain Martin Odegaard could be facing a spell on the sidelines with injury. The 25-year-old, who cost the Gunners £30 million to buy from Real Madrid in 2021, has been involved in action for Norway this week but picked up an ankle injury against Austria.

Odegaard was seen on crutches when boarding a plane back to London after the incident with Norway head coach Stale Solbakken admitting the injury 'looked back' - perhaps suggesting time in the treatment room past this weekend's derby too.

A third and expensive blow comes in the availability of £42 million summer signing Riccardo Calafiori. The defender has also had a torrid international break, picking up an injury while on duty for Italy.

Calafiori had to be substituted in a match against France on Friday night. That injury is thought to be less serious but an immediate return against Spurs this weekend seems ambitious for the 22-year-old.

The latest injury news ahead of the first north London derby of the season with Spurs hosting Arsenal.

Tottenham lost to Newcastle before the international break, and having suffered defeat in both north London derbies last season, Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his season finally takes off when Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal visit this Sunday.

There are a few things to look forward to, with Postecoglou confirming before the break that striker Dominic Solanke would be available after the international break. The English forward twisted his ankle on his debut against Leicester and missed the games against Everton and Newcastle.

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When asked about Solanke’s return, the Spurs manager said: "Dom Solanke is close, but we'll err on the side of caution. He won't play this weekend with the international break coming up; we've decided to wait until after that."

His return strengthens the Lilywhites, who are desperate for a win that would land a blow to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is already without midfield maestro Declan Rice, who was sent off in the game against Brighton.

Rice's absence means Arteta will have to readjust his team, with the experienced Jorginho likely to step in. However, there’s more concern for Arteta, who is hoping that his captain Martin Ødegaard’s injury isn’t serious. The Norwegian is flying back to London for medical evaluation.

The Norway team doctor confirmed the injury, though he left the door open for a potential long-term issue. He said: “Martin is doing quite well now. He got a small ankle sprain. We will see throughout the evening and tomorrow what happens next and what we will do about it.”

Adding to Arsenal’s woes, they are also sweating over the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up a knock against France and will be assessed later this week. Then there’s Mikel Merino, who would have been a perfect replacement for Ødegaard after signing from Betis this summer, but he’s also ruled out and won’t be involved at least until October.

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Beyonce is set to return to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next summer, according to reports.

While Oasis will reunite for a whopping seven shows at Wembley Stadium next summer, it seems their comeback could be outshined by Beyonce.

Queen Bee is reportedly planning another residency in the capital across town at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025.

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The potential London shows would see the global megastar return to venue two years after her Renaissance concerts last summer.

Beyonce played a total of five shows at the stadium in 2023 amid the release of her seventh studio album, Renaissance.

Here’s all we know about if Beyonce will perform at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next year.

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Will Beyonce play London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025?

Beyonce is yet to confirm her touring plans for 2025, but it’s likely she will hit the road as she has not toured her latest album Cowboy Carter yet, which was released earlier this year.

If she does end up going on tour for the new record next year and has shows in London, it seems the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be the venue where they’re held.

A source told The Sun Beyonce is planning to unveil a series of stadium shows next summer including around five dates at the north London venue.

Spurs saw off serious Premier League competition to snap up Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur had to beat serious Premier League competition to sign highly-rated midfielder Archie Gray from Leeds United this summer after the 18-year-old's breakthrough season at Elland Road last term.

The teenager made an impressive 52 appearances in all competitions for Daniel Farke's side last season as the Whites came close to clinching promotion to the top flight. It was no surprise to see a flurry of transfer rumours around the player once the summer window opened.

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It was ultimately Spurs who won that race, forking out £40 million to bring the player to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Gray signed a six-year deal in July.

In the days before that deal was announced, it had been widely reported that Brentford had a £35 million bid accepted by Leeds United. Meanwhile, The Express reported that Chelsea 'joined' Spurs in the transfer race at the end of June with The Daily Mail claiming that Liverpool were ready to splurge £40 million on the rising star as early as November 2023.

With such high profile interest, signing Gray was a major coup for Spurs and the player's great uncle Eddie has unveiled how the club clinched the transfer. The former Leeds United star and Scotland international told the Daily Record: "He's going to be working under a terrific manager. He likes the manager, he loves the manager. There were a few teams after him, but I think meeting the manager and how he conducted himself swung it for Archie. I think he'll help Archie and I think he'll do very well at Spurs.”

Gray is eligible to play for Scotland, just like his great uncle, despite being involved in the England youth set-up. Eddie was asked if he might be able to persuade the Spurs man to represent Scotland as a senior and said: "I doubt it now, to be honest. He's captained England school boys and he's in their under-21s already. He's still only 18.

"So, it'll be difficult. We just need to wait and see. When you go to school in England and play in their youth system, it makes it more likely I suppose. Archie has grown up watching all the English boys playing and then playing with a lot of English boys in the youth teams. It's the same with his brother, Harry. He'll be a good player as well.”

The French international is keen to keep playing top level in football rather than accepting an offer from Saudi Arabia.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign French international Adrien Rabiot as a free agent following the player's release from Juventus.

The 29-year-old midfielder is said to be keen to avoid a move to the Saudi Pro League and a top European club is a priority as he looks for a new challenge. Rabiot left Juventus in July after five years, having won the Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana with the side, as well as two Coppa Italia trophies.

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The player is also a former Paris Saint-Germain star, having graduated from the youth academy in the French capital. Rabiot went on to make 227 appearances for PSG, winning five Ligue 1 titles - six of his previous 10 campaigns have ended in league victory.

There is no doubting the midfielder's quality and the star certainly still has plenty to give. Rabiot made 35 appearances in all competitions for Juventus last season, picking up five goals and three assists from central midfield - former Juventus star praised the player’s ‘crazy’ creativity and ‘leader’ qualities last December.

teamTALK now reports that North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs have both been contacted on the player's behalf about a potential free transfer. The outlet claims that Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Saudi clubs have all enquired about the midfielder's future but those moves are not tempting Rabiot.

It is thought that the Frenchman's wage demands had proved problematic in negotiations over the summer but that now, with the season well underway, he could be open to accepting a lower offer in order to be playing again, having been left out of France's Nations League squad this month.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester United had all been touted as potential destinations but the player's mother, who works as his agent, has 'offered' Rabiot to the Gunners and to Spurs. London is said to appeal to the former Juventus man as a new home.

Potential Galatasaray interest in Arsenal man Jorginho could help free up space in the Gunners' squad for Rabiot but the Turkish outfit are also linked with a move for Manchester United man Casemiro ahead of the September 13 deadline in the country.

The transfer window may not quite be over for Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham Hotspur could still complete transfer business this month, despite the close of the Premier League window, with reports of interest in defender Ben Davies from Turkish outfit Galatasaray.

The Istanbul outfit has made headlines in recent weeks for securing the loan signing of Victor Osimhen from Napoli. The prolific Nigeria international had been linked with a sensational £100 million Premier League transfer to sides including Chelsea and Arsenal this summer.

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However, his exit from Italy was only finalised earlier this month with Galatasaray agreeing a season-long loan. The BBC reported that the Blues had been close to a late move for the player, who bagged 17 goals in all competitions last term, but wage demands proved too costly for the London outfit.

Galatasaray are now preparing to make the most out of their season with the highly-regarded bagsman and the club are believed to be preparing to switch to a new system just to get the most out of Osimhen. That's according to Football Insider, with the outlet claiming that manager Okan Buruk will favour five at the back this term.

The outlet adds that the Turkish club will now look to sign a defender to fit that formation and that Tottenham Hotspur man Ben Davies has emerged as the 'ideal candidate'. Galatasaray have until September 13 to complete transfer business.

Davies, who has become somewhat of a fringe player under Ange Postecoglou, had been tipped to make a summer exit with his contract expiring next summer. Spurs paid a reported fee of £10 million to sign the player back in 2014 and the Welsh international has gone on to make 330 appearances for the club - although is yet to feature this season.

With the player’s contract ticking down, Spurs could well accept a bid below the £10 million paid a decade ago. Transfermarkt currently value the player at around £8.5 million.

Despite not featuring regularly under Postecoglou, the Australian was full of praise for Davies last season. Speaking after Wales missed out on Euro 2024 qualification, the Spurs boss said: "Ben's an outstanding character, I sensed that straight away in terms of the way he carries himself, the way he thinks about the game and his position in the game.

"From my perspective, the more of those kinds of guys you can have in a dressing room helps you make sure that the standards you want to create are there.

"Ben's certainly one of those and he's been great for us every time he's played. He's probably wanted to play a bit more but it's testament to his character that he's always ready to play and he trains the house down every day."

Latest Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal team news as they prepare to play next weekend

Arsenal head into the game on the back of their 1-1 draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion last time out. They were frustrated that they didn’t pick up all three points against the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, they were beaten 2-1 away at Newcastle United so will want to bounce back. Here is a look at the early team news regarding the pair…

Arsenal

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Arsenal will be without midfielder Declan Rice after he was sent off against Brighton. The 25-year-old has made 54 appearances since joining the club from West Ham, scoring seven goals.

New signing Mikel Merino, who joined from Real Sociedad last month, is out for two months with a shoulder injury. Defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieron Tierney are also sidelined, whilst striker Gabriel Jesus is pushing to return to the fold following a groin issue.

Jurrien Timber went off against the Seagulls and Mikel Arteta said afterwards: “No, he was I think cramping. He got a kick in the first half and was cramping so we had to take him off.”

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs will be hoping defender Micky van de Ven can return against Arsenal after he sat out of their last fixture against Newcastle. Ange Postecoglu said last week: "Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent. Part of me was keen to give Radu (Dragusin) a run, especially at this venue, so yeah we’re going with Radu today."

Striker Dominic Solanke sustained an ankle injury on his competitive debut against Leicester City. They will now have to assess him but it remains to be seen if he will be ready after the international break.

The London outfit will also have to make checks on attacker Richarlison, who also missed of the squad for Newcastle. In addition, goalkeeper Fraser Forster and youngster Will Lankshear are also in the treatment room.