Spurs latest: Inter Milan interested in Spence

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a potential exit for versatile defender Djed Spence, with Inter Milan emerging as the latest club to register interest in the England international. The Serie A champions join Everton in monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation at Spurs, where his future is under scrutiny following a mixed start to life under Roberto De Zerbi. According to Mirror Football’s transfer blog, Inter’s interest follows their failed attempts to sign Marco Palestra and Anan Khalaili, with Chelsea swooping for the former and the latter failing a medical. Their pursuit of Spence adds another layer to Spurs’ defensive reshuffle, where centre-backs like Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie have been prioritised in De Zerbi’s system.

Why Spence’s exit could accelerate

Spence’s role at right-back has been disrupted by De Zerbi’s preference for a back three, leaving the England international—capable of playing across defence and midfield—facing competition for minutes. While his involvement in pre-season training has been limited, the club’s willingness to entertain bids for Spence suggests they are open to recalibrating the squad before the window closes. Tottenham have rejected multiple transfer approaches for young attacking talent this summer, signalling a pragmatic approach to squad reconstruction. The club’s internal transfer strategy has already seen them break records twice in one window, completing the signings of Sandro Tonali and Radu Dragus for a combined £100m, as detailed in this report.

Inter Milan’s interest—reported by Fabrizio Romano—could prompt Spurs to either table a bid for a replacement or accept an offer that meets their valuation. De Zerbi’s system demands adaptability, and Spence’s versatility may not be enough to secure regular game time if the club continue to prioritise specialised roles. The 24-year-old’s ability to play across defence and midfield makes him a valuable asset, but his future at Spurs now hinges on whether the club can find a buyer willing to meet their price before the window slams shut.

Tottenham’s transfer chessboard

Spence’s potential departure is part of a broader pattern at Spurs this summer. The club have already broken records twice in one transfer window, completing the signings of Sandro Tonali and Radu Dragus for a combined £100m. These deals underscore De Zerbi’s ambition to rebuild Spurs in his image, but they also create pressure to balance incomings with exits to maintain financial sustainability. The club’s defensive reshuffle has seen centre-backs Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie prioritised, while Spence’s role has become less defined.

Elsewhere, Manchester United’s £50m capture of Andrey Santos from Chelsea has sent ripples through the market, while their shock move for Youri Tielemans at Aston Villa adds another twist. Bruno Guimarães remains a target for Arsenal, with Newcastle’s failed pursuit of Johan Manzambi potentially freeing up funds for a late bid. These movements highlight the fluidity of the summer window, where Spurs must navigate carefully to avoid being left behind. The club’s mid-season stadium plans, revealed in talks with talkSPORT, suggest a long-term project that may not prioritise short-term fixes.

What comes next for Spurs

The next 10 days will be critical for Spence’s future. With Inter Milan now in the mix, the stakes have risen, and Spurs must decide whether to hold firm or recalibrate their defensive options. De Zerbi’s tactical demands mean Spence’s versatility may not guarantee game time, particularly as the club continue to prioritise specialised roles in their back three system. If Spurs do lose him, their focus will shift to identifying a successor—ideally one who fits De Zerbi’s tactical demands without disrupting the squad’s cohesion.

For now, Spence’s fate hinges on whether Spurs can find a buyer willing to meet their valuation before the transfer window closes. The club’s pragmatic approach to squad reconstruction, combined with their record-breaking signings, suggests they are prepared to make tough decisions to maintain financial sustainability. Whether that means accepting an offer for Spence or finding a tactical replacement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the next 10 days will shape Spurs’ defensive landscape for the season ahead.