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With the January transfer window now barely two months away, here is a look at some of the biggest Tottenham transfer stories and developments from the past few weeks.
Spurs fans were on top of the world last week when they watched their academy product and all-time top goalscorer, Harry Kane, lift the Ballon d’Or. However, the achievement might also have dented their hopes of seeing the striker back in Lilywhite one day.
The 33-year-old finally put pen to paper on a new deal with Bayern Munich on Thursday, extending his contract until 2031, in a deal that reportedly makes him the highest-paid player in Europe. It also brings an end to the speculation surrounding his future, with multiple top clubs having expressed interest.
Tottenham too had been keeping themselves informed of Kane’s situation over the summer, with his previous contract approaching its expiry date in 2027. Spurs were also in a slightly advantageous position thanks to the right-to-match clause inserted into his agreement when they sold him to Bayern in 2023.
Reports in recent days had suggested that the German champions were looking to remove Tottenham’s matching rights as part of the new contract negotiations. However, their efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful, with Spurs retaining their first-option matching rights on the England captain following his extension.
That will come as a significant boost for supporters who still dream of seeing Kane return to north London.
Tottenham are unlikely to spend big again after their record-breaking summer transfer window, but there is one position they would certainly like to address in January: centre-forward.
The club’s current options, Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush, have both struggled in front of goal this season, with each managing just one Premier League goal so far.
One option Spurs could consider is Donyell Malen, who has been in sensational form for AS Roma. The Dutchman has already scored 12 goals in 13 appearances this season.
Malen initially joined the Italian side on loan from Aston Villa in January before completing a permanent move in the summer. He has since scored 26 goals since the start of 2026, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues during that period.
His form has inevitably attracted interest from the Premier League. According to The Telegraph, Tottenham and Manchester United could both consider making a move for the striker.
There is still no concrete information on Roma’s stance, Malen’s own intentions or the price they would demand. However, the lack of any clear indication that a deal is possible suggests Spurs could face a difficult task if they decide to pursue him.
Another Premier League-proven option is Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman has made no secret of his desire to leave Selhurst Park in recent months, and a move across north London could appeal to him.
Tottenham focused on signing players with Premier League experience during the summer, which could make Mateta a realistic option. However, they are unlikely to have a clear run at the striker, with Manchester United also firmly interested and described as ‘serious contenders.’
Now that we’ve brought up strikers who are unhappy with their current clubs, it is worth turning our attention to Richarlison.
The Brazilian was left out of Roberto De Zerbi’s registered Premier League squad over the summer. He also failed to secure a move away from Tottenham, despite interest from former club Everton and Turkish side Trabzonspor, leaving him to wait until January for another opportunity.
Everton could now return for their former striker, but they may have competition from Fulham. Both Premier League clubs remain interested, while Turkish sides Galatasaray and Trabzonspor are also in the picture after making more financially attractive offers.
Tottenham have reportedly reduced their asking price to just £8.4 million ahead of January. However, Everton and Fulham cannot match the financial terms on offer from Turkey, and Richarlison is understood to be prioritising the financial side of his next move.
Moreover, the forward has parted ways with his previous agents and is currently without an agent, meaning interested clubs must approach him directly.
That has reportedly led to a number of agents attempting to secure his representation. However, Richarlison is being selective, with his priority being to find someone capable of securing him a new club.
Tottenham also face the risk of losing the Brazilian without receiving a transfer fee. His current contract expires in the summer of 2027, meaning he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January.
Tottenham could also find themselves competing with their north London rivals for several attacking targets when the transfer window opens.
One name on both clubs’ radar is Alex Baena. Spurs’ interest first emerged in October after the Spaniard made an excellent start to life at Atletico Madrid, registering five goals and four assists this season.
However, even Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old, dating back to his time at Villarreal, and are now closely monitoring his situation ahead of January. Bayern Munich have also shown ‘serious interest’ in the former Villarreal man.
Atletico, though, are reluctant to sanction a mid-season departure. Baena is currently valued at around €80 million (£67 million), with that figure potentially rising by the end of the season. A summer move therefore appears more realistic.
Another player who could spark a transfer battle between the two north London clubs is Antonio Nusa. Tottenham explored a move for the Norwegian throughout the summer, but he ultimately remained at RB Leipzig.
Spurs have been backed to return for the 21-year-old, who has registered six goals and seven assists this season. However, Arsenal are also keen and are ‘confident’ of securing his signature in the upcoming window.
A January deal could prove difficult, though. With Nusa contracted until 2029, the Bundesliga club are in a strong negotiating position and value him at close to €70 million (£58.5 million).
The third name is Galatasaray attacker Aleksey Batrakov, who has made an impressive start since joining the Turkish club in the summer. The versatile attacking midfielder has already registered five goals and three assists in nine starts, including four goals in the Champions League.
Tottenham are not the only Premier League side keeping tabs on him, either. Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all monitoring the 26-year-old, with scouts from all three clubs reportedly in attendance at Rams Park on Tuesday as Batrakov scored in Galatasaray’s 2-0 win over Stuttgart.