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Tottenham Hotspur ready to hijack move for La Liga forward
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Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild could be about to take an intriguing turn, with Sport reporting that Spurs have made contact with Real Betis over a potential move for Abde Ezzalzouli.
The Morocco international has already been heavily linked with Newcastle United, who are assessing attacking options after Anthony Gordon’s reported move to Barcelona in a deal worth around £70m. Yet Tottenham’s interest adds a fresh layer of urgency to the situation, especially with Roberto De Zerbi now attempting to reshape a squad that came too close to disaster last season.
Spurs Target Forward Reinforcement
Tottenham’s 2025/26 campaign ended with relief rather than celebration, after a 1-0 win over Everton helped them narrowly avoid relegation on the final day. De Zerbi’s arrival with seven matches remaining did improve the mood and performances, but the scale of the task remains obvious.
A new forward is among the priorities, and Ezzalzouli would bring pace, directness and unpredictability. The 24-year-old has been described as a ‘superstar’, and while that label brings expectation, his profile does fit what Spurs currently lack.
He is comfortable attacking defenders, can operate from wide areas and has the kind of dynamism that could give Tottenham a more dangerous edge in transition and sustained attacking phases.
Photo: IMAGO
Real Betis Pressure Could Open Door
Betis’ financial situation may prove decisive. Sport report that the Spanish club need to raise funds before June 30th, despite qualifying for the Champions League. That creates a difficult balancing act for Manuel Pellegrini, who is understood to be keen to keep Ezzalzouli for next season.
However, an exit now appears increasingly possible. His release clause is set at €60m, around £52m, which is a sizeable figure but not outlandish in the current Premier League market. For Tottenham, the appeal is clear. This is a player approaching his prime, with international pedigree and further growth potential.
Newcastle Battle Adds Transfer Intrigue
Newcastle’s interest should not be underestimated. They have a clear attacking vacancy and Champions League ambitions of their own. Yet Tottenham’s move to make contact suggests they are not merely monitoring the market, they are actively testing whether this deal can be done.
Ezzalzouli is also expected to play a major role for Morocco at the World Cup, and Betis may believe his value could rise further on that stage. That factor may force interested clubs to move quickly rather than wait for the tournament to reshape the market.
De Zerbi Project Needs Energy
For De Zerbi, this is the type of signing that could help define the next phase of Tottenham’s rebuild. Spurs need more than squad depth. They need players who can change the rhythm of matches, unsettle low blocks and make the team more aggressive in wide areas.
Ezzalzouli would not solve everything, but he would represent ambition, upside and tactical fit. After a season of anxiety, Tottenham supporters need evidence that the club are prepared to act decisively. Making contact with Betis is only an early step, but it is a significant one.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Tottenham perspective, this is exactly the kind of rumour that gets the pulse racing. After the stress of last season, Spurs need signings that feel bold, exciting and properly aligned with what De Zerbi wants to build.
Ezzalzouli ticks so many boxes. He is quick, brave on the ball and has that street football spark that can lift a stadium. Tottenham have had too many games where the attack has looked predictable, slow or far too easy to defend against. A player like this gives you chaos, and sometimes chaos is exactly what a team needs.
The Newcastle angle makes it even better. If Spurs can genuinely step in and hijack a deal from a direct Premier League rival, that sends a message. It says Tottenham are not prepared to drift, not prepared to act like last season was acceptable, and not prepared to sit quietly while others strengthen.
Yes, £52m is serious money. But this squad needs serious investment. De Zerbi needs players who can run, press, take risks and hurt opponents. Ezzalzouli feels like one of those signings fans would immediately connect with. After a year of nerves, this would feel like ambition returning.



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Arsenal set to battle Man City in the race to sign Premier League midfielder
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Caught Offside report that Sandro Tonali could become one of the defining midfield stories of the summer, with Arsenal and Manchester City among the clubs monitoring his situation at Newcastle United.
Tonali Future Attracts Premier League Giants
The key line is clear: “Tonali sees his future away from Newcastle United this summer,” with his agent already fielding interest from Arsenal and City.
For Arsenal, that matters. Mikel Arteta’s side have built a technically secure, physically imposing midfield, but Tonali would add something different, Serie A schooling, Premier League experience, and Champions League calibre control.
Caught Offside add that “initial exploratory talks have been held between Arsenal, Man City, and those close to the player,” although nothing is moving quickly yet.
Photo IMAGO
Serie A Return Complicates Transfer Race
One source told Caught Offside: “Tonali is on the list of pretty much every top club. He really wants to go back to Italy, though, so we’ll have to see if any club feel the deal is affordable.”
That preference is significant. Juventus links are mentioned, but Tonali’s wages may be difficult for Italian clubs to manage. That could leave the Premier League, or even Real Madrid, as more realistic destinations.
Newcastle Stance Remains Firm
Newcastle’s position is also important. Caught Offside state that sources insist they “don’t want to sell Tonali and there are no plans to do so.”
Yet football rarely stays still. The report references Alexander Isak’s eventual move to Liverpool, despite Newcastle initially resisting. If a major offer arrives, resolve can be tested.
Arsenal Angle Looks Intriguing
For Arsenal, Tonali would not be a luxury. He could rotate with Declan Rice, complement Martin Zubimendi if Arsenal pursue that profile, or give Arteta a more complete midfield platform in Europe.
His age, 26, also fits the squad build. This is not a short term gamble. It would be a statement signing from a club trying to move from nearly there to trophy certainty.
Still, this deal feels complicated. Player preference, Newcastle’s asking price, wages, and rival interest all matter. Arsenal may admire Tonali, but admiration and execution are very different stages.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From an Arsenal perspective, this is exactly the sort of report that should generate excitement, even if caution is required. Tonali is not just another name thrown into the market. He is a midfielder with bite, rhythm and experience, the kind of player who can raise the floor of a team across a long campaign.
Arsenal have come close in recent years, but the margins at the top are brutal. City have shown that title races are often decided by squad depth, not only starting elevens. If Tonali became available, Arsenal should absolutely be involved.
The Italian’s desire to return home is the obvious concern. No supporter should ignore that. But if Serie A clubs struggle financially, Arsenal must be ready. This is where elite recruitment departments earn their money, by staying close to situations before they fully open.
Tonali would bring control, aggression and maturity. He knows English football, he can operate under pressure, and he would give Arteta another high level option in the biggest matches.
It may not be advanced yet, but Arsenal being in the conversation is encouraging. These are the battles a serious club must enter.



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Manchester City’s Key Defender Faces Tough Decision as Top Clubs Circle
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Manchester City are preparing for a pivotal moment in Josko Gvardiol’s career, with the Croatian defender’s future very much up in the air. According to a report from TEAMtalk, City are taking proactive steps to secure the 24-year-old’s future at the Etihad, offering him a potential long-term contract. Gvardiol’s performances since joining from RB Leipzig in 2023 have made him one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable figures, and it’s clear that both the club and the player have a lot at stake as talks progress.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich Eyeing Gvardiol
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have both shown serious interest in Gvardiol, who has become a standout performer in City’s defensive ranks. The Croatian’s versatility has caught the eye of both European giants, as they look to bolster their left-sided defensive options. As TEAMtalk reports, both clubs are actively exploring what it would take to pry him away from Manchester City, with the player’s representatives having already been approached.
Despite this growing interest, Manchester City remain confident about their chances of keeping Gvardiol. Sources within the club have reported to TEAMtalk that City are relaxed about his future, convinced that his current happiness at the club will lead to successful contract talks. With the defender’s existing deal running until 2028, City hold a strong position, but the interest from elite clubs has put further urgency on securing an improved deal.
Pep Guardiola’s Confidence in Gvardiol
Even as speculation swirls about Gvardiol’s future, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is resolute in his desire to keep the Croatian at the Etihad. “I would love Gvardiol to stay here,” Guardiola said ahead of City’s clash with Brentford. “It is not easy to find a player like him so hopefully he can stay.” Guardiola’s words reflect the importance the defender has at the club, and it’s clear that City’s defensive plans are built around Gvardiol’s contributions.
Photo IMAGO
As the player recovers from a fractured leg injury sustained earlier in the year, he is expected to return in time for the final stretch of the domestic season before joining Croatia for the World Cup finals this summer. His recovery will be pivotal for both his immediate future and for City as they look to navigate the growing transfer speculation surrounding one of their most crucial defenders.
Manchester City’s Strategic Approach
Man City’s sporting director, Hugo Viana, has been conducting a thorough review of the squad and has shifted focus to securing the futures of key players like Phil Foden and now Gvardiol. TEAMtalk reports that City understand they are in a strong position with the defender but are also aware that the growing interest from Madrid and Bayern could make negotiations more challenging. By preparing a fresh contract offer, Manchester City are ensuring they remain in the driver’s seat, offering Gvardiol the financial and professional security to remain a key figure for years to come.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
The way Manchester City are approaching Josko Gvardiol’s contract negotiations is a clear indicator of how seriously they take the Croatian’s importance to the team. City are not just relying on his current contract but actively working to tie him down with a fresh deal, which is a testament to their long-term planning.
If Gvardiol does sign a new deal, it will only reinforce the fact that City, know how to handle such matters without allowing external noise to affect their plans. With Madrid and Bayern circling, it’ll be fascinating to see how this situation unfolds, particularly when considering the inevitable impact it will have on City’s defensive strategies moving forward.



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