Tottenham beat Arsenal in race to sign London ‘rising star’

Tottenham have spent heavily this summer, but Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild still needs an attacking finish.

Six senior players have arrived, taking the club’s spending beyond £230 million before the new Premier League season.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka joined on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke cost £52 million from Brighton.

The biggest investment came in midfield, where Spurs paid £85 million for Mateus Fernandes before breaking their transfer record with the £100 million capture of Sandro Tonali.

Those additions have reshaped the spine of the team, while Cristian Romero, Luka Vušković, Djed Spence, Guglielmo Vicario and others have headed towards the exit.

However, Tottenham have not yet signed a senior forward despite making their attack the priority for the final weeks of the window.

Sky Sports have now reported that Spurs want three new forwards, with additions sought across the front line before the deadline, as De Zerbi eyes two wingers and a striker.

Savinho remains the leading option on the right after the Man City winger showed interest in moving to north London, but he could now be joined at N17 by his teammate Omar Marmoush.

David Ornstein sensationally confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Spurs are now attempting a double deal for both wingers, with the Lilywhites ‘advancing’ in City talks as they aim to land both.

Cody Gakpo could be the striker signing, with Paul O’Keefe claiming that De Zerbi sees him as a number nine option.

Liverpool hold a strong negotiating position because the Netherlands international has four years remaining on his contract, and they reportedly want a replacement before even considering a sale.

REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has also played down the chances of that move being completed before the deadline.

While those senior talks continue, Spurs have now made another move with the future in mind.

Tottenham agree deal to sign West Ham ‘rising star’ Isaac Allen

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Football Insider now reports that Tottenham have agreed to sign highly rated ‘rising star’ midfielder Isaac Allen from London rivals West Ham.

Pete O’Rourke says Spurs have now beaten Arsenal, who had apparently pursued the 15-year-old as well, to his signing.

Allen represented England at Under-15 level during matches against Iceland, Spain and Italy last December. He operates mainly as a defensive midfielder, although he can also play left back.

Allen has already shown attacking promise from that deeper role.

He was named the best player at the 2025 Thames Ironworks Cup after scoring five goals for West Ham, including the winner in the final.

His arrival would continue Tottenham’s efforts to recruit leading young players from rival academies before they become established professionals.

Spurs also signed attacker Elisha Sowunmi from West Ham in January and placed the 18-year-old with their Under-21 squad.

Allen will initially enter Tottenham’s academy rather than De Zerbi’s senior plans, while the financial details have not been disclosed.

The move will not fill any of the three immediate attacking vacancies, but beating Arsenal to an England youth international represents another notable piece of Tottenham’s longer-term rebuild.