Inter Milan Nears Deal for Djed Spence as Spurs Restructure

Inter Milan are closing on Djed Spence after agreeing a deal with Tottenham, as Roberto De Zerbi’s squad overhaul gathers pace and the club push hard for Manchester City winger Savinho.

Spence set for San Siro switch

Inter have reportedly struck an agreement with Spurs worth around £30 million for Spence, with a 10 per cent sell-on clause included in the package. The defender has been given permission to undergo his medical in Italy while the final details are ironed out between the clubs.

ESPN report that Spence has already landed in Milan ahead of the move and is expected to sign a five-year contract as Inter’s replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who left for Real Madrid earlier in the window.

The 26-year-old was a mainstay for Tottenham last season, making 44 appearances and then impressing with England at the World Cup. Since arriving from Middlesbrough in 2022, he has played 85 times for Spurs, but the full-back department in north London has moved on.

Pedro Porro is entrenched as first-choice right-back, while new signing Andy Robertson will compete with Destiny Udogie on the left. Spence, once a key piece, has become a saleable asset in a squad being ruthlessly trimmed.

De Zerbi’s message: pride or the door

Roberto De Zerbi has been blunt about what he expects from his dressing room as he tries to drag Tottenham back into the Premier League’s top tier.

"We can't get ahead of ourselves. We need to create a clear playing style and give a soul to this team. If the results were lacking in previous years, it may well be because those elements were missing," he told Sky Italia.

He wants Tottenham near the top of the table, and he wants to be the man there for years, but he is not dressing it up. The Italian has already been backed heavily in the market, yet insists the job is far from done.

"The Premier League is very competitive, so many talk about 'projects', but very few manage to see them through. We want to be here for many years and take Tottenham back to the top of the table. It’s no guarantee that just having a good transfer campaign will be enough to immediately challenge with the top teams. We’ll see."

That same hard edge came through on the club’s pre-season tour when he laid down a clear rule on departures.

"I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said 'Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave'," De Zerbi said. "I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation."

He pointed to the World Cup as proof that motivation separates contenders from passengers, and he made it equally clear that big clubs cannot be timid in the market.

"I think the top clubs now, they are not worried about selling players. No. Even Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, when they have to sell, they have to sell. Right price, you don't have to be shy. But when you have to spend money, you have to do that. Strong, fast, quickly, the right player, the right investment."

With Cristian Romero also expected to join Atletico Madrid for a relatively modest fee, Tottenham are acting on that philosophy: move players on, even at lower prices, if they no longer fit the project.

Savinho: Tottenham’s big swing

While players head for the exit, Spurs are trying to land one of the most coveted young wide forwards in Europe.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham have not yet agreed a fee with Manchester City for Savinho, despite claims of a bid being lodged. Talks remain active between the clubs.

"Savinho wants to go to Tottenham," Romano said on his YouTube channel. "Savinho has an agreement with Tottenham on personal terms. Savinho is waiting and hoping Manchester City and Tottenham reach an agreement."

The winger’s stance is clear, but City are holding firm.

"We also have to respect Man City, and Man City as of today are still not giving the green light for a Savinho transfer. At the moment, Manchester City are not accepting Tottenham’s bid. The negotiations continue, talks continue, but Savinho has a clear desire: He wants to be a Tottenham player."

In Brazil, Globo report that Spurs have gone as high as £85 million for the 22-year-old, a figure said to match City’s asking price since the start of negotiations. Savinho did not take part in training on Thursday, a detail that will only fuel speculation over his future.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with the Brazilian all summer. Earlier estimates put his price nearer £60 million, but football.london understand that Spurs remain keen, have already held talks with City and are prepared to work around his long-term contract, which runs until 2031.

Attack under construction

De Zerbi’s rebuild is not limited to the flanks. One of the headline names on the rumour mill is Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, with Spurs credited with interest in the former Napoli star as they search for a new focal point in attack.

He is just one of several forwards on their radar as De Zerbi looks to reshape his front line to match the aggressive, high-tempo style he has promised. The club’s “dream line-up” for the coming season is already being drawn up and dissected, but the manager keeps stressing the same point: recruitment alone will not carry Tottenham where he wants them.

Spence to Inter, Romero to Atletico, Savinho in limbo, Osimhen linked and a manager demanding pride and identity. Tottenham are moving pieces at speed.

The question now is simple: when the window closes and the noise dies down, will the squad left standing be strong enough to match De Zerbi’s ambition?