Tottenham Make Move For Inter Milan Striker As Romano Confirms Talks
Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sell Djed Spence has left Roberto De Zerbi with an important problem to solve before the transfer window closes. While the club have strengthened in several areas, Spence’s departure has created a noticeable gap at right-back, particularly when it comes to providing reliable cover for Pedro Porro.
The England international completed a £30 million transfer to Inter Milan earlier this month, bringing an end to his four-year spell in north London. Spence’s time at Tottenham was far from straightforward, with several loan moves interrupting his career at the club, but he eventually managed to work his way back into the first-team picture and establish himself as a useful member of the squad.
Tottenham have also protected their long-term interests by securing a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement. That could prove valuable if Spence continues to develop and eventually becomes a major player in Italian football.
Spence’s Departure Leaves a Big Gap
One of Spence’s biggest strengths was his versatility. Although naturally a right-back, he demonstrated that he could also operate effectively on the left side of defence. His speed, athleticism and ability to recover quickly made him particularly useful when Tottenham needed to defend large areas of the pitch.
That flexibility could now be difficult for De Zerbi to replace.
Pedro Porro remains Tottenham’s obvious first-choice right-back. The Spaniard is a key part of the team’s attacking approach, offering excellent delivery from wide areas, creativity in possession and the ability to contribute in the final third.
However, Spurs currently lack another established senior specialist who can comfortably step in for Porro.
Archie Gray can certainly fill the position and has already gained valuable experience across the defensive line during his Tottenham career. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old is primarily viewed as a midfielder and is also expected to compete for opportunities in the centre of the pitch.
That means asking Gray to become Porro’s main backup could create another selection headache for De Zerbi.
Tottenham Have More Options on the Left
The situation is slightly different on the opposite side of the defence.
Tottenham have several players capable of operating at left-back, including Destiny Udogie, Andy Robertson, Souza and Ben Davies. That gives De Zerbi considerably more depth on that side, although Robertson and Davies are both entering the later stages of their careers and may need to be managed carefully.
Tottenham’s lack of European football this season also means De Zerbi does not necessarily need an enormous squad. With fewer fixtures on the calendar, the manager could potentially manage his available players without bringing in another defender.
However, relying almost entirely on Porro throughout the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup could still be a major gamble.
An injury, suspension or loss of form could immediately leave Tottenham short of experience in an important position.
Neco Williams Emerges as Possible Solution
One player who could potentially solve several of those problems is Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams.
The former Liverpool academy graduate has emerged as a possible late target for Tottenham, although completing a deal would be difficult. According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, Spurs have held exploratory talks regarding the 25-year-old.
Forest are reportedly aware of Tottenham’s late interest, but the club currently have no intention of allowing Williams to leave. Instead, they are working towards offering the defender an improved contract.
Williams is already tied to Forest until June 2029 after signing a four-year contract in July 2025, putting the Midlands club in an extremely strong negotiating position.
As a result, Tottenham could face a difficult battle if they decide to turn their initial interest into a formal offer.
Williams Could Recreate What Spurs Lost
From De Zerbi’s perspective, Williams would make considerable sense.
The Welsh international is right-footed but has spent significant periods playing on the left side. He can also operate at right-back and as a wing-back, giving him the kind of defensive flexibility that Tottenham have lost following Spence’s departure.
His ability to play on both sides could be particularly useful over the course of a long domestic campaign.
Williams could provide direct competition for Porro while also giving De Zerbi another option if Udogie experiences fitness problems. At the same time, his versatility could allow Tottenham to manage Robertson and Davies more carefully as the season progresses.
This makes Williams an attractive option even if Spurs are not actively searching for another starting defender.
Forest Hold the Advantage
Williams’ development at Nottingham Forest has made the situation even more complicated for Tottenham.
He came through Liverpool’s academy before moving to Forest in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the club’s most dependable players. His importance has even seen him take on leadership responsibilities, including occasionally wearing the captain’s armband.
Forest therefore have little reason to make a late sale attractive, especially with only a limited amount of time remaining in the transfer window.
Replacing a player capable of covering several defensive positions at such short notice would be extremely difficult for the club.
Tottenham may have additional financial room following Spence’s £30 million departure, but there is currently no clear indication that Spurs are preparing a formal bid for Williams.
For now, the situation appears to be at the exploratory stage.
Spurs Must Decide Quickly
Tottenham’s interest in Williams is understandable. He possesses many of the qualities that made Spence valuable to the squad and could provide De Zerbi with much-needed depth without forcing him to completely change his tactical approach.
However, Forest’s determination to keep the defender means Spurs cannot assume a deal will be easy.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Tottenham must decide whether Porro, Gray and their existing defensive options provide enough cover or whether they need to make one more move.
If De Zerbi wants a versatile defender capable of operating on either flank, Williams could be one of the most logical targets available.
But with Forest pushing to secure improved terms for their defender and showing no immediate willingness to sell, Tottenham may have to act quickly if they want to turn their interest into a serious transfer.
The departure of Spence has therefore left Spurs with a decision to make: trust their current options or make one final attempt to bring in a versatile replacement before the window closes.
