Spurs make approach to sign “incredible” £50m star, he’d be a bigger coup than Palhinha -opinion
Tottenham Hotspur’s Summer Transfer Activity Heats Up After Gibbs-White Snub
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans this summer faced an unexpected twist when their pursuit of Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White fell through at the final hurdle. The deal was reportedly in its final stages, with a medical already being scheduled and personal terms agreed. However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made a dramatic late intervention, ultimately persuading the talented midfielder to commit his future to the club by signing a new contract at the City Ground.
The collapse of the Gibbs-White deal was a major setback for Spurs, who had identified the England international as a key part of their summer rebuild under new head coach Thomas Frank. Yet, rather than dwell on the disappointment, the North London club has responded with renewed determination in the transfer market. Frank, eager to bolster his squad ahead of a demanding campaign that includes Champions League football, has since intensified efforts to secure high-profile reinforcements.
One of the club’s primary targets has been Portuguese midfield enforcer João Palhinha. Negotiations with Bayern Munich have accelerated over recent days, culminating in an agreement that will see the former Fulham star return to the Premier League on an initial loan deal. The move, currently in the final stages with a medical underway, also includes an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
Palhinha’s arrival would address one of Tottenham’s most pressing needs—a reliable holding midfielder capable of shielding the back four and breaking up play. The 29-year-old had an impressive spell in England previously, standing out as a dominant ball-winner. During his time at Fulham, he averaged an outstanding 2.5 tackles and 8.6 duels won per 90 minutes, placing him among the top performers in those metrics. It was those standout numbers that prompted Bayern to invest £47 million in his services, and Spurs now hope he can recapture that form in North London.
But the club isn’t stopping there.
With momentum building, Spurs are actively pursuing further reinforcements ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline. One of the latest names to emerge on their radar is Stade Rennais forward Arnaud Kalimuendo. The French striker has impressed in Ligue 1 and is seen as a dynamic attacking option who could add depth and versatility to the frontline. Reports indicate that Spurs have opened formal discussions with the French club over a potential deal worth around £30 million. However, Tottenham face stiff competition from Nottingham Forest, who are also in the race for Kalimuendo’s signature.
In a more ambitious move, Tottenham have also initiated contact with Barcelona over a possible transfer for Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo. According to Spanish sources, initial discussions have taken place, and the player is believed to be open to the idea of a new challenge in the Premier League. Spurs are reportedly willing to pay in the region of £50 million to land the 26-year-old centre-back, who has established himself as one of LaLiga’s top defenders in recent seasons.
Araújo would arguably represent an even bigger signing than Palhinha. Since breaking into Barcelona’s first team in 2019, he has made 175 appearances and featured regularly in the Champions League. His wealth of experience at the highest level of European football would be a massive asset to a Tottenham squad looking to take the next step under Frank.
Despite some injury setbacks during the 2024/25 campaign, Araújo still managed to play 25 matches across all competitions and delivered strong performances when called upon. His passing accuracy of 92% reflects a calm and composed presence in possession—ideal for a team that wants to build from the back. Defensively, his contributions were equally notable, averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.4 blocks per 90 minutes in LaLiga, showcasing his ability to read the game and dominate defensively.
Dr. Rajpal Brar has previously described Araújo as “incredible,” and it’s easy to see why. At 26, he’s approaching the peak of his career, and if Spurs can secure his services for £50 million, it could prove to be a masterstroke. Not only would it add much-needed quality and depth to the backline, but it would also send a clear message of ambition from the North London side.
In summary, while missing out on Gibbs-White was a blow, Tottenham have quickly pivoted and are closing in on two potentially transformative signings. Palhinha will bring steel and reliability to the midfield, while Araújo—if the deal is completed—would be a marquee defensive signing with the potential to elevate Spurs’ backline to a new level. With more than three weeks left in the window, further signings could follow as Spurs continue to strengthen their squad for a pivotal campaign.