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Arsenal have been handed a boost after learning that one of their key first-team players is set to return from injury after the international break, following a fresh update.

Arsenal injury news

The Gunners have Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber on the sidelines with their own respective problems as it stands, and they recently had another squad member join them in the treatment room.

During the Premier League 5-0 victory over Sheffield United last month, Mikel Arteta’s side secured an emphatic win over the recently promoted team, but they were noticeably without the services of an integral feature and indeed their club captain.

The Emirates Stadium manager confirmed that Martin Odegaard had been playing through injury and was therefore dropped against the Blades, and he later missed the next two top-flight matches vs Newcastle United and Burnley with hip problems.

The Norwegian attacking midfielder has made a total of 120 appearances since making the permanent move to the capital from Real Madrid back in 2021 (Transfermarkt – Odegaard statistics), so following a positive update, supporters will be pleased to hear the latest on the fitness of the 24-year-old skipper.

Mikel Arteta provides update on Martin Odegaard

Speaking during his post-match press conference after Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley, Arteta confirmed that Odegaard will return for Arsenal upon the conclusion of the international break.

As quoted by the club’s official website, he said: “I don’t know. I’m going to have a meeting now with the medical department to understand everybody’s situation and I think he is going to be back after the International break but I don’t know exactly what the decision is and the communication at the moment.”

Odegaard's "phenomenal" impact at Arsenal

Since putting pen to paper at Arsenal, Odegaard has become a real fan favourite and he quickly displayed the leadership qualities required to be named captain by Arteta, therefore, it will be a huge boost for the Spaniard to have his central talisman back at his disposal upon return to action.

Sponsored by Nike, the left-footed ace has clocked up 45 involvements (29 goals and 16 assists) during his time at the club, and even when the end product isn’t there, he is constantly able to cause problems for the opposition’s defence.

Edu’s £240k-per-week earner (Arsenal salaries), currently ranks in the 99th percentile for shots by players in his position (FBRef – Odegaard statistics), highlighting his desire to hit the back of the net, with his ability to orchestrate moves in the final third having seen him described as a “phenomenal” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Additionally, Odegaard is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including three in the midfield and the same number across the frontline, so for such a well-rounded individual, his imminent return will be music to the ears of those at the Emirates.

Ruben Amorim's attempts to put pressure on Liverpool to appoint him as the club's new manager have reportedly backfired spectacularly.

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• Amorim was linked with Liverpool job
• Met with West Ham in bid to put pressure on Reds
• Move backfired as Reds turn to Arne Slot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Sporting boss emerged as a strong contender to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool after Xabi Alonso had confirmed his intention to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Amorim was also linked with a move to West Ham, and even flew to London for talks in a bid to put pressure on Liverpool, but instead saw the Reds lose interest intead, according to . Liverpool have now decided to move for Feyenoord's Arne Slot and are already discussing contract terms with the Dutchman.

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  Amorim has attracted admirers after impressing with Sporting. He's already won the league title with the club and looks set to repeat that feat this season as his team are currently seven points clear with four games left to play. Sporting are also into the final of the Portuguese Cup where they will play Porto. It still remains to be seen whether Amorim will continue with Sporting past the end of the season but what does seem clear is that he may not lack for offers this summer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Amorim won Sporting their first league title in 19 years in his first full campaign with the club in 2020.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM

  Amorim continues to be linked with a move to West Ham but will return to action with Sporting on Sunday with a league clash against rivals Porto.

Everton have been cruelly dragged back down into a Premier League relegation battle in the past week after the club were docked ten points for breaching Financial Fair Play Regulations.

Nevertheless, while the Toffees are more at risk now than ever of dropping down to the Championship for the first time, Sean Dyche has built a defensively resilient side, capable of stopping even the best attacks in the league which can only be beneficial for the rest of the campaign.

This season, only Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace have conceded fewer goals in the bottom half of the table than Everton. However, Dyche's main concern will be his side's goalscoring consistency, having found the net just 14 times in 12 appearances.

Still, there is one player on Everton's books who could become the team's saviour in the box by the end of the campaign.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goalscoring stats at Everton

After Romelu Lukaku moved to Manchester United in 2017, Everton's solution to the gaping hole up top was to sign a declining Wayne Rooney and an unknown Cenk Tosun to replace the Belgian's 26 goals from the season prior. However, Lukaku's real replacement was already at the club, having been signed for £1.5m from then-League One outfit Sheffield United in 2016.

It wasn't until the 2019/20 campaign that the Toffees really began to see the fruits of their investment as Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged 15 goals during that term and followed this up by hitting 21 the season after under the legendary Carlo Ancelotti.

Unfortunately, the 6 foot 2 striker never reached these heights again. In fact, over the past three seasons, Calvert-Lewin has found the net just 11 times in all competitions, although recurring injuries certainly played their part in hampering his chance at getting a run in the team.

Calvert-Lewin is currently Everton's joint-top goalscorer this season alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure with four each. However, the striker's goals have significantly declined in recent seasons, which could leave the number '9' position up for grabs at Goodison Park, and there is one frontman in the academy system who is knocking on Dyche's door at the moment to come take that spot.

Francis Okoronkwo's stats this season

Last week, it was announced that the highly-rated starlet Francis Okoronkwo signed a new deal with Everton, keeping him at the club until 2026. TEAMtalk revealed that the Toffees handed the 19-year-old a new contract in order to ward off interest from suitors who were circling like sharks for Okoronkwo.

The teenager's deal was set to expire at the end of the current campaign, meaning Okoronkwo could have potentially left the club for nothing, having joined from Championship outfit Sunderland for £1m back in 2021.

The dynamic attacker has played in a number of positions in Everton's U21s side and has bagged 16 goals and seven assists in 59 appearances since joining the club's youth system, although he has yet to make his senior debut with the Toffees despite being called up to a number of matchday squads by Dyche during pre-season.

This season, the youngster hasn't been as prolific as in recent seasons but has still found the net twice in eight appearances in the Premier League 2, while recording one assist, although Okoronkwo has bagged more than Everton's £26m summer signing Beto.

Additionally, Calvert-Lewin boasts an xG per 90 of 0.41 but has scored merely 0.19 goals per 90 over the last 365 days, according to FBref, showing that the 26-year-old is underperforming in the final third.

Calvert-Lewin may remain Dyche's first choice for the time being but Okoronkwo will certainly be keen to break into the senior squad and stake his claim for the centre-forward berth by the end of the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters may be forgiven for feeling somewhat aggrieved after the events of recent weeks halted Ange Postecoglou's revolution in London.

While injuries and suspensions are simply part and parcel on the pitch, Spurs had built something special in the early weeks of the 2023/24 campaign and topped the Premier League table after ten matches, but a three-match skid has laid the squad's frailties bare.

Spurs could unleash 18 y/o "big talent" to fill Bentancur void

The stricken Lilywhites have been hit with an alarming number of injuries over recent weeks.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 30, 2023

At this stage, it's not detrimental, with signs that Spurs could yet rekindle their verve over the winter period. That being said, the forthcoming football will need to be contested with absences to key stars: James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are ruled out until the new year, Cristian Romero is still suspended for Sunday's fixture against Manchester City, Rodrigo Bentancur is injured again and not expected back for several months.

As is clear, there's much to contend with for Postecoglou, and while his primary focus will be on navigating through the winter games to come, he will have one eye firmly fixed on the January transfer window, with defensive reinforcements paramount.

Tottenham transfer news – Marc Guehi

According to a report from 90min, Spurs are among the Premier League heavyweights to be tracking Crystal Palace's star centre-back Marc Guehi, with Chelsea Manchester United and Newcastle United all interested.

While it's understood that Chelsea are leading the race right now and keen on a reunion after selling him to the Eagles for £18m in 2020, Spurs' desperation in pursuit of new options could make for a compelling transfer battle.

On their part, Palace are determined to reject any winter proposals for the England international – who would be happy to remain in south London as he fights for a place in Gareth Southgate's 2024 European Championship squad – and have slapped a £60m price tag on his signature.

Marc Guehi's style of play

It's probably fair to say that Spurs supporters won't be overly fussed with who's brought in to bolster the ranks so long as their style aligns and buttresses Postecoglou's lofty ambitions.

But in Guehi, the Lilywhites would land a truly remarkable talent and one who could improve the squad as it looks to return to European competition under Postecoglou's wing, fighting to end the lengthy trophy drought.

A composed and intelligent player, Guehi has started 12 times in the Premier League this season, completing 89% of his passes, averaging 1.2 tackles, one interception, 4.8 clearances and 5.3 ball recoveries per game, also completing 100% of his dribbles and 67% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

He also ranks among the top 14% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref,

The nine-cap England star occupies the left slot in the central defence, which only strengthens the notion that Tottenham would be wise to secure his services, with the left-footed Van de Ven indeed sidelined indefinitely.

How Guehi would fit in at Tottenham

The £50k-per-week titan will have no regrets regarding his transfer to Selhurst Park several years ago, having now chalked up 96 appearances for Palace, scoring five goals.

He's been hailed as an "absolute tank" by former England under-21 teammate Josef Bursik and has earned the vested attention of some of England's top outfits after his sustained showings – with 90min's piece also noting Bayern Munich's interest.

While Palace have endured a mediocre campaign in the Premier League so far, Guehi has kept four clean sheets from 12 matches and there is a sense that he would take an exciting step in his development with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The table portrays Guehi's style with a notable semblance to the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle United's defenders, which is interesting and underscores Guehi's formidable presence in the Premier League, boasting the tough, technical qualities to allow him to thrive in his homeland for many years to come.

When fully fit, Tottenham boast one of the division's meanest partnerships in Van de Ven and Romero, but with the untrusted Eric Dier out of contract at the end of the season, Guehi would be an excellent acquisition.

The 5 foot 11 ace could even surpass Van de Ven, with the Dutchman signing for Spurs from German side Wolfsburg for £43m in the summer and revolutionising the backline, having been described as "out of this world" by pundit Jamie Carragher.

One of Europe's most athletic and energetic centre-halfs, Van de Ven ranks among the top 11% of positional peers for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing such faculties.

But with Guehi performing at such an impressive level with Palace, he could even be eclipsed by the Englishman, who is wanted by all of the league's big guns.

In fairness, Van de Ven has been extraordinary since his summer introduction and has completed 95% of his passes, won 61% of his duels and averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.9 clearances and 5.4 ball recoveries per match.

Described as a “beast" at the back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Palace's goal-stopping specialist really does fit the bill, offering a foil to serve on the left side of the defence in Van de Ven's absence while providing the more traditional style of defending, which would complement Spurs well given Romero's aggressive, tough-tackling proclivities.

Likened to phenom's such as Sven Botman, the sky is the limit for the 23-year-old, and Postecoglou must ensure that Chelsea and Manchester United do not get their mitts on his signature; adding him to the fold, Tottenham's resurgence would only gain steam.

Chelsea are all set to part ways with Armando Broja on a permanent basis in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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• Broja set to be sold permanently
• Failed to impress at Fulham
• Clubs from across Europe want the striker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Albanian striker, who is currently on a short-term loan at Fulham, will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the current season after which the Blues will consider selling him permanently in the upcoming window, according to .

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  The 22-year-old has had an underwhelming loan spell at Craven Cottage as he managed to clock just 58 minutes on the pitch since joining the club in February. However, the striker has reportedly attracted interest from several clubs in Europe and the Premier League.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Along with Broja, the Blues are also planning to offload Romelu Lukaku permanently in the summer after the Belgian star returns from his loan spell at AS Roma. The striker has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Mauricio Pochettino's side will aim to register a third consecutive win on Saturday as they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Mike Dodds looks to have bowed out from his Sunderland interim managerial duties with a 1-0 away defeat to Bristol City, the Black Cats coming unstuck at Ashton Gate in a tight contest versus the Robins.

This defeat opens up the possibility that ex-QPR figure Michael Beale could be confirmed as Tony Mowbray's successor very soon, the hierarchy at the Stadium of Light wanting to keep fans onside with some positive developments after a disappointing away day in Bristol.

Beale is not a figure who will not come with his own controversy, however, as he was sacked by Rangers after a torrid time at Ibrox – a 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen in September deemed the final straw – whilst the ex-Chelsea coach also walked out on QPR after six months into that job post.

Yet, the much-talked-about 43-year-old boss could instantly endear himself to his potential new Sunderland fanbase by ditching Abdoullah Ba from the starting lineup on his arrival.

The young Frenchman – who has started the last two games under Dodds – has failed to make much of an impact when fielded and was particularly below-par against Bristol City.

Abdoullah Ba's numbers versus Bristol City

Dodds hauled Ba off in the second half after a second-rate showing at Ashton Gate, and substituted him off on the 63-minute mark for Jobe Bellingham to come on.

The 20-year-old lightweight was largely ineffective with his 24 touches of the ball, as per Sofascore, only registering a single shot on target in the game.

Moreover, Ba would lose all five of his duels in the contest – the 20-year-old winger was bullied by the Bristol City defenders all match, who shepherded the ex-Le Havre midfielder out of the encounter with ease.

Ba was also unsuccessful with his only dribble attempt up against the Robins, a disastrous afternoon in truth for the Sunderland man.

The Bristol City individual display even saw Andy Tomlinson of the Roker Report give Ba a 4/10 rating in his post-match thoughts article, stating that 5 foot 11 midfielder 'usually made the wrong choice' in crucial moments.

Beale could become an instant fan favourite at the Stadium of Light by showing authority early on from the dug-out and dropping Ba when he officially takes the reins, who had an equally torrid time of it even when the Black Cats beat Leeds United 1-0 before tripping up away from home.

Beale's answer to Ba woes

There's a multitude of possible routes Beale could go down after dropping Ba, the most logical being to switch Jack Clarke back to a left wing spot after Dodds surprisingly started the former Tottenham man up top last game.

Football pundit Adrian Clarke described Clarke's ability as "one of a kind" on the What the EFL?! podcast in October at the height of his impressive form and his comments are justified, Sunderland's star-man hitting double figures for the season already with ten goals.

This would free up a striker spot for Beale to experiment with Sunderland's plethora of misfiring attackers, but the ex-QPR boss managed to get the best out of the forward players during his short stay at Loftus Road who have since gone back to being ineffective.

Lydon Dykes netted six of his eight goals last season under the divisive manager, Beale hoping he can get the likes of Nazariy Rusyn and Mason Burstow up to speed in a similar fashion for the Black Cats if he comes in at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland fans will just want this manager saga to be over and done with now, praying that Beale can be the manager to make the necessary calls and decisions to help the Black Cats win promotion – starting with Ba being ditched from the starting XI after his woeful displays.

Philippe Coutinho’s fall from grace continues, with a man once worth £140 million ($177m) now being linked with a £5m return to where it all began.

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• Moved to Camp Nou in 2018
• Currently on loan in Qatar
• May return to roots in Brazil

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Brazil international was considered to be one of the most exciting talents on the planet when leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in a transfer deal that is still the third biggest of all-time. Things did not play out as planned at Camp Nou, leading to loan spells and an eventual return to England at Aston Villa.

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  Coutinho has played just 24 minutes of Premier League football for them this season, and is currently on loan in Qatar at Al-Duhail. Another move is expected this summer, with the 31-year-old needing to find a spark from somewhere.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  There had been talk of a switch to the United States being taken in, with MLS outfit Inter Miami credited with interest at one stage – with any deal there set to reunite Coutinho with former Barca team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR COUTINHO?

  are, however, reporting that Coutinho could be offered an opportunity to head back to square one. Vasco da Gama – who nurtured the talented playmaker through their youth ranks – are said to be exploring a loan deal that would include a purchase obligation of between £4m ($5m) and £6m ($8m).

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has showered a top Tottenham transfer target with praise and revered his speed.

The centre-backs Spurs could sign in January

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and sporting director Johan Lange have reportedly earmarked the signing of a left-sided central defender as a major priority for January. The north Londoners were left desperately short of cover in defence for a period, with both Cristian Romero and summer signing Micky van de Ven unavailable for selection recently.

Spurs now frontrunners to sign £165k-p/w ace after Sherwood recommendation

Postecoglou wants to strengthen in another position.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 12, 2023

Romero's now back from his suspension, but van de Ven remains out injured with a hamstring problem and won't feature for Tottenham again until after the new year. They both formed an exceptional partnership at the heart of Postecoglou's defence, and their absence was sorely missed after Spurs' 4-1 defeat to Chelsea last month.

The Lilywhites went on a winless run of four defeats in five Premier League games before finally ending that damp pitch with an impressive win over Newcastle last weekend. Postecoglou is very much still contending for Champions League football, but their lack of defensive depth is a real problem which needs to be solved.

Uruguay's Sebastian Caceres, Everton defender Ben Godfrey, Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Benfica starlet Morato and Sporting Lisbon international Goncalo Inacio are some just some of the centre-backs centre-backs linked with moves to Spurs as Lange and chairman Daniel Levy look to bolster Postecoglou's backline.

Sky Sports also say a new central defender is top of Tottenham's agenda heading into January, with another outlet claiming Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is chief among their priority names.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation under Sean Dyche since returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindohoven. Branthwaire is now a mainstay for the Toffees and key defensive cog as they climb out of the relegation zone.

Football Transfers shared this week that Spurs have made Branthwaite a top transfer target for next month, and it's a move which could well be endorsed by former Man City defender Richards.

Richards tips "very top" for Branthwaite

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast (via Liverpool Echo), the Sky pundit says Branthwaite is destined for the "very top" after news Spurs really want him.

“Young Branthwaite at the back was amazing [against Chelsea]," said Richards this week. "He’s going to the very top, his decision-making, he reads the game well, he’s quick enough, makes the right decisions.

“He’s got an experienced head with [James] Tarkowski beside him, and he’s got a manager who loves the defensive side of the game, so marry all of them together they deserve all the credit.”

The Englishman is one to watch out for, and if he keeps up this impressive run of form, a nod by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for the international squad may be beckoning. His potential is so vast in fact, that it's been reported Everton value Branthwaite at a seismic £75 million.

Mikel Arteta's side were not at their best at Old Trafford, but held out under second-half pressure to keep Manchester City honest.

Arsenal ensured that the Premier League title race will go down to the final day of the season as they held out for a battling 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. Manchester City still know that wins in each of their final two games will seal top spot, but Mikel Arteta's side have at least pushed them all the way.

Rasmus Hojlund wasted a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring for United after Scott McTominay robbed Thomas Partey on the edge of the Arsenal box, as the Denmark striker slipped and fired over. Arsenal made him pay soon after, too, as Kai Havertz took advantage of Casemiro's failure to play him offside and squared for Leandro Trossard to steer home.

The Gunners looked comfortable for the remainder of the first half, but as the game wore on after the break, they began to come under pressure from the home side. That said, substitute Gabriel Martinelli was able to force Andre Onana into an excellent save on the counter-attack, while the United 'keeper made a further stop to deny Declan Rice from long-range.

United huffed and puffed into six minutes of stoppage-time as the heavens opened, but Arsenal held out, and now must beat Everton on the final day while hoping for a City slip-up against either Tottenham or West Ham.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Old Trafford…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (7/10):

  Barely stretched but dealt with a number of crosses into his box well. Couple of hairy moments with the ball at his feet, but otherwise a calming presence.

  Ben White (6/10):

  Troubled more and more by Garnacho as the game wore on, but held his own well. Got forward plenty, though his final ball wasn't particularly great.

  William Saliba (8/10):

  Dominant presence at the heart of the defence. Brilliant block challenge on Garnacho as he broke into the box in the second half summed up his strong showing. Threat from set-pieces, too.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Outmuscled Hojlund on more than one occasion. Solid.

  Takehiro Tomiyasu (6/10):

  Amad's pace and trickery threatened to cause him problems, but the Japan international stood up well and made a couple of key tackles.

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  Midfield

  Martin Odegaard (5/10):

  Couldn't influence the game as he would have liked as he was crowded out a lot of the time.

  Thomas Partey (5/10):

  Early lapse almost gifted Hojlund a goal and he took a long time to start influencing the game in a positive manner. Eventually settled down in the second half.

  Declan Rice (6/10):

  Did his best to carry Arsenal forward when they were coming under pressure, has had better performances in recent weeks.

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  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (4/10):

  Nothing he tried came off, and while he chased back admirably, Dalot was too often able to gallop away from him and spark attacks. Perhaps beginning to tire at the end of a tough season, and was forced off with an injury late on.

  Kai Havertz (7/10):

  Took advantage of the space he was allowed to get to the byline and lay on Trossard's goal. Showed some nice bits of close control, but wasn't the out ball Arsenal needed as they struggled through the second half.

  Leandro Trossard (8/10):

  Superb movement allowed him to tap in Havertz's low cross. Movement into central areas caused problems, and he carried the ball well on occasion, too.

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  Subs & Manager

  Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

  Caused problems with his pace on the counter after replacing Trossard, and tested Onana with a rasping drive

  Gabriel Jesus (N/A):

  Replaced the injured Saka in the final 10 minutes.

  Jorginho (N/A):

  On in stoppage-time for Partey.

  Jakub Kiwior (N/A):

  Thrown on to bolster the defence in added-time.

  Mikel Arteta (7/10):

  Stuck with the team that has been winning games during the run-in, and made a smart substitution by bringing Martinelli on to pose a counter-attacking threat.

An exit for a "sensational" Tottenham Hotspur regular may be edging closer as they tell him he's free to leave, with a replacement apparently "lined up".

Spurs making transfer plans for January

As widely reported, and even confirmed by manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are preparing to make possible new additions in the January window.

The Lilywhites boss, speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, suggested his side will be active in the winter market amid their chase for a new centre-back and signings in other positions.

Tottenham open "very ambitious" player talks after Aaron Ramsey praise

He’s performing brilliantly abroad.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 19, 2023

"It's going to be a challenging month for us because you're talking about three players in Pape, Biss and Sonny who have been very important to what we're trying to build," said Postecoglou on Spurs transfers.

"We've got Maddison, Van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur – really significant players who are missing – so fingers crossed the guys we've got at the moment stay healthy through that period.

"It's going to be a challenging period and January is always a difficult transfer window to get things done particularly quickly, so I think we're preparing ourselves for that."

Like many other Premier League clubs, the north Londoners may have to be careful with FFP and not sail too close to the wind.

Spurs invested significantly in their squad over the summer and star players will come at a premium mid-season, making rumoured Spurs transfer targets like defender Jean-Clair Todibo and striker Serhou Guirassy look pretty tempting.

Todibo is valued at around £35 million, while Guirassy's contract contains a £15 million release clause. To fund new signings for Postecoglou, Spurs could also look to move on players like midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Dane has featured in Tottenham's vast majority of league games this season, albeit mostly from the bench. Hojbjerg is reportedly open to leaving Spurs as a result, and they could move him on to sign a midfield upgrade.

Tottenham tell Hojbjerg to leave with successor "lined up"

That is according to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, who claims Spurs have told Hojbjerg he's free to leave with a replacement "lined up".

The Lilywhites will green-light his departure once they do sign his successor, according to the report, and they've set a price tag of around £20 million to interested sides.

Hojbjerg is eager to move to a side where he can earn regular starts, despite being a key member of the squad. Called "sensational" by reporter Seb Stafford-Bloor, Postecoglou has also called him "very important" this season.

"It is obvious someone that has played regularly would have wanted to play more but ultimately our performances have been strong and he has had to bide his time," said Postecoglou on Hojbjerg.

"He has also been very important in a lot of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late. He has been one of the people who has helped us and it is not like he hasn’t contributed at all. He’s been a really important part for us. We wouldn’t be in this position if we were just reliant on our starting XI."